How much does home care cost?
- A big question, of course, is how much do services cost? The rates will be different depending on your community, however the charges will likely range from $15 to $20 per hour. Some agencies may charge different rates for different services. You need to get this information up front.
- What is the screening process for caregivers including background checks, education and experience? You want to know the agency does a thorough background check and that the person can be bonded and licensed. This also eliminates the problem of someone who may have a criminal past. An agency should be ready and able to provide this information. Also ask for references and check them.
- What are the payment options, and is there any financial help available? The agency should be versed in what payment help is available. Many long-term insurance policies help pay for in-home care, though that would come from the patient. However, if the patient is on Medicaid, in some areas Medicaid pays for a specific number of hours of care. Ask the agency for payment options and help in exploring available subsidies. Knowing what is available in your community is part of their job.
- What if my elderly parent doesn't like a certain caregiver? This happens, and the agency should be willing to try different people. Again, be realistic. Your elder may just be mad about getting outside care and refuse to "like" any caregiver who comes. They may even refuse to let someone in the house. If that is the case, try to break the elder in gently but firmly. Tell him that help is necessary, but that you are flexible about the person. However, if there is one specific person who rubs your elder the wrong way, that is human. You should check with the agency and let them know that you aren't complaining about a specific caregiver (unless you are), but your elder seems to have negative feelings about one particular person. Ask if your elder can be assigned someone else.
- Does the home care agency provide medical services for physical therapy? Most in-home agencies provide what is called "custodial care." Custodial care is the non-medical care you would want for your elder, such as bathing, snacks, errands and companionship. However, some agencies provide medication services, shots and other nursing duties. For this, they'd need a nurse on board. If your elder needs medical attention from an in-home service, you may want to look specifically for an agency that has both types of care. Many hospitals own agencies with medical services. Physical therapy in the home would be ideal for many elders. Unfortunately, that is still hard to find – but not impossible. In-home therapy is a growing field. If one agency can't provide all of the care, you may need to combine agencies.
- What if I want to hire an independent caregiver to come in? That may work well. It does for many people. Be aware that you will assume all employer responsibilities, such as payroll, insurance, staff scheduling and workman's compensation, plus you should do your own background check unless you know the person you hire very well.
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In-home care can be a very satisfactory way to help our elders stay in their own homes longer. Be sure to check independent caregivers or agencies carefully. Ask for references and check them. Ask the questions above and any other questions you have. You are hiring these people to care for a vulnerable loved one. Choose carefully, keep an eye on things, and enjoy knowing that you don't have to do it all alone.
Elder care author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack is an AgingCare.com contributing editor and moderator of the
AgingCare.com community
forum.
Read her full biography