6 Questions to Ask a Home Health Provider Before Hiring One

Until 100 years ago, many people never traveled more than 10 miles from the home in which they were born or lived in when they got married, which was usually down the street or the next farm over. Families remained grouped together for many reasons, including having emigrated from a foreign country and starting a new life together. There was strength in numbers: both economic advantages and in perpetuating long-held traditions that would tie loved ones together in the face of new challenges. Where seniors were concerned, the expectation that younger family members would always care for them was impliedand something not all that difficult if people were living within steps of one another.Clearly things have changed, and adult children can be hundreds and thousands of miles away from aging parents. This can make it challenging to determine changes in physical, mental and emotional health, often leading to stress and guilt. While long-distance caregiving isnt always the answer, there are things families can do to help ensure their senior loved ones needs are monitored and met.1   Hold a Family Meeting to Plan In-Home Care for a Senior Loved OneFirst, organizationally, if there are multiple adult children and other family members that can provide long-distance care, have a family meetingin person or video chatto decide what everyones strengths and skillsets are and what their availability is. Tantamount to that, realistically evaluate how much each can do, knowing that a trusted neighbor or someone else outside the family and local to the senior may need to be hired to fill in any gaps.If a family member is better at managing finances, for example, s/he should assume that responsibility when the time comes, always with written permission. A Merrill Lynch study revealed about 92 percent of family caregivers are managing their loved ones finances, including monitoring and paying bills from bank accounts, handling insurance claims, filing taxes, and overseeing investments.2   Communicate with Your Aging Loved One Every DayIts important to check in with an aging parent every day, even several times a day depending on the state of health, particularly if that individual lives alone. If the senior is adept at technology, FaceTime or other forms of video chat are always preferable as visuals are a useful tool in gauging changes. Today there are a variety of simpler forms of senior-friendly video call apps and devices available. These include but are not limited to the Jitterbug Smart3, GrandPad, and CallGenie (British-based product now available in the U.S.).3   Connect Regularly with Your Beloved Seniors Healthcare ProvidersSchedule regular calls with physicians, visiting nurses, and/or others for up-to-date information about you loved ones health and evolving needs. If an in-home senior care agency is involved, consistent updates should be part of the protocol.4   Set Up a Personal Emergency Response System to Maintain a Seniors IndependenceSometimes dubbed high-tech guardian angels, personal emergency response systems (PERS) support safe and independent living. At the touch of a button (or in some cases by voice activation) an immediate notification is sent to first responders when a fall or other medical emergency is detected. PERS devices can be worn by the senior as a pendant, or a unit can be set up strategically inside the home to provide 24/7 monitoring services.5   Obtain a Smart Pill Dispenser for Medication ManagementAs people age, memory can be affected with issues that include failure to take medication or not recalling if a dose was taken or not. Multiple medications are also a byproduct of aging and facing an array of bottles every day can be confusing and disorienting for seniors. A user-friendly solution lies in medication management with automatic pill dispensers, as these smart devices for healthcare can do so much more than hold apportioned pills in a little plastic box. Smart pill devices organize medications and ensure the correct dose is dispensed at the right time, and some can also notify the caregiver if a dose is missed.6   Explore Alternative Senior Living ArrangementsIs an aging parent amenable to moving closer to adult children? Independent living and assisted living fall under the broad banner of senior living communities and can make the stress that accompanies long-distance caregiving a thing of the past. Many seniors and their families are unsure where to start their search for assisted living and other senior housing options.7   Plan More Frequent Visits to Keep Tabs on Your Elderly Loved Ones WelfareWork, raising families, community responsibilities, and everything else can make life overwhelming today. But if a parent or grandparent is aging, theres no better way to monitor needs than to visit as often as possibleeven for a long weekend now and then. If there are multiple adult siblings or young adult grandchildren, spreading the visits out among family members can ease the burden of constant traveling and help ensure changes in health and mobility do not go undetected.Besides, the opportunity to spend time with mom or dad in their sunset years is precious, and something you will never have again. In your effort to monitor things and provide support, which no one argues can be time consuming and stressful, make sure to slow down and listen. As the saying goes, When a senior dies, a library closes.8   Ask for Information and Guidance from a Trusted Senior ResourceKnow that an Amada Senior Care advisor has the expertise and knowledge to assist without obligation as families with aging loves ones navigate their senior care journey. Click HERE to find an Amada office near you or call (866) 752-1961.

As we gracefully embrace the golden years, it becomes increasingly crucial to prioritize our health and well-being. Maintaining an active and independent lifestyle is within reach if we take proactive steps to protect our bodies from injuries. By adopting a few simple habits and making conscious choices, seniors can enhance their overall physical resilience and savor life to the fullest. Try to incorporate any of the following seven valuable strategies for safeguarding your body and ensuring a healthier and more independent future.The Need to Stay Physically Active as Seniors Get OlderRegular physical activity is the cornerstone of healthy aging. Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Incorporate these activities into your daily routine to enhance overall fitness levels and reduce the risk of falls. Remember to consult your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen. Not sure where to start? CLICK HERE to read Your Everyday Guide to Exercise and Physical Activity from the National Institute on Aging.Prioritize Strength Training to Improve Your Senior FitnessAs we age, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly important. Incorporate strength training exercises into your fitness routine to preserve muscle strength and bone density. Resistance bands, light weights, or bodyweight exercises can be beneficial for improving strength and mobility. Seek guidance from a qualified trainer or physical therapist to design a personalized strength training program. Not sure where to start? CLICK HERE to read Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Maintain a Balanced Diet in Your Golden YearsEating a well-balanced diet is vital for overall health and injury prevention. Ensure that your diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D can promote bone health, reducing the risk of fractures. Before starting any new diet, make sure to consult your physician or a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance based on your specific needs.Protect Your Joints More Important as Seniors AgeJoint health plays a significant role in maintaining mobility and senior independence. To protect your joints, maintain a healthy weight to minimize stress on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. Engage in low-impact activities to reduce joint strain. If you experience joint pain or stiffness, consult your doctor for appropriate treatment options.Seniors: You Need to Mind Your Posture!Maintaining good posture is crucial for preventing injuries and minimizing discomfort. Practice proper alignment when sitting, standing, or walking. Use supportive chairs and ergonomic accessories that promote good posture. Engage in exercises that target core strength, which can improve posture and reduce the risk of falls.Create a Safe Living Environment to Age Well at HomeEnsure that your home is a safe haven by making necessary modifications. Remove clutter, secure rugs to prevent slipping, and install handrails in key areas, such as staircases and bathrooms. Adequate lighting throughout the house is essential for preventing falls. Consider utilizing assistive devices like grab bars and non-slip mats to enhance safety.Getting Enough Sleep Boosts Overall Senior HealthQuality sleep is vital for overall health and injury prevention. Aim for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Maintain a regular sleep routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and avoid stimulating activities close to bedtime. Consult your healthcare professional if you experience sleep-related difficulties. CLICK HERE to read Good Sleep for Good Health from the National Institutes of Health.Staying Socially Engaged Preserves Senior Mental and Physical HealthSocial connections contribute to our mental and emotional well-being, which indirectly affects our physical health. Engage in activities that foster social connections and combat loneliness. Join community groups, clubs, or volunteer organizations that align with your interests. Staying socially active can boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall vitality. CLICK HERE to read Best Practices for Helping Older Adults Stay Socially Engaged from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.Its Never Too Late for Seniors to Make Positive Lifestyle ChangesBy implementing these strategies, seniors can take proactive steps to protect their bodies from injury and maintain their independence. Prioritizing physical activity, strength training, balanced nutrition, and a safe living environment are fundamental pillars of healthy aging. By adopting these habits and staying socially engaged, seniors can lead fulfilling lives and embrace the joys of independence with confidence and vitality. Remember, its never too late to start making positive changes for your well-being. Embrace the journey.

To say the world of Medicare is complicated might be the understatement of the century. Not only is general Medicare divided into four different parts supplemental insurance plans sold by private companies have added additional layers of complexity to the program. When it comes to the kinds of care not covered by Medicare, the main focus of this blog will be to clarify that question with regard to home care specifically; as its important to know if, when and how Medicare covers home care expenses. This is especially relevant if youre dealing with a home bound senior loved one after hospitalization, or a senior who has one or more conditions that require ongoing care.To understand the types of care Medicare does not cover, its important to know two things:1) Medicare is divided into four general parts; Parts A, B, C and D. Parts A, B and C contain some level of coverage for home care, but since part C involves additional costs to the consumer for coverage beyond the original government program this blog will primarily discuss parts A and B.2) There are two types of home care  home health or medical home care, and non-medical home care.Does Medicare Pay for an In-Home Caregiver?To read more about this topic, click here.In a limited capacity, Medicare can cover an in-home caregiver, but coverage depends largely on a seniors care needs as defined by the government. These care needs are generally outlined in the seniors care plan  a document written by a physician or nurse that the senior will receive after they are discharged from a hospital or Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). Often, a seniors true care needs go beyond what Medicare is willing to provide coverage for.When Medicare pays for a non-medical, in-home caregiver, it only does so if that caregiver is part-time and working alongside someone who is in the home providing another form of skilled care; like skilled nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy. Medicare does not pay for 24-hour home care, home meal delivery, or caregiver services like house cleaning (services not specifically related to a seniors care plan).It generally does not pay for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which are services critical for many seniors unless, again, that kind of care is occurring alongside skilled care. ADLs include things like bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting. For more detailed information on ADLs and what they entail, click here.The Difference Between Medicare Part A and Part BTo read more about this topic, click here.Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and limited home health care. It focuses on services that require hospitalization or facility-based care.Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, including doctor visits, preventive services, outpatient procedures, medical supplies, and some home health care. It focuses on medically necessary services and preventive measures that do not require inpatient admission.Does Medicare Part B Cover Caregivers?To read more about this topic, click here.Even though many people think the outpatient services covered by Medicare part B include caregivers, the reality is that Medicares coverage of in-home care is extremely limited. In most cases, the highest number of hours a caregiver covered by Medicare can work is 8 hours per day or 28 hours per week. Its important to remember that Medicare-covered home care only kicks in when there is some other form of skilled care being offered therefore, a caregiver (like a CNA or HHA) covered by Medicare is almost always working alongside or in conjunction with another skilled care provider.Does Medicare Pay for Home Health Care After Hospitalization?To read more about this topic, click here.It depends. If the post-hospitalization care plan involves other skilled services (like skilled nursing or certain types of therapy), Medicare may provide intermittent home care through Medicare Part A. However, if the care plan doesnt involve skilled service aside from home care, the cost of a caregiver (or home assistant) is not covered.Any post-hospitalization care within 14 days of a hospital discharge, if covered by Medicare, is covered under Part A. Any care provided 100 days after a hospital or SNF discharge will, if covered, be covered by Medicare Part B.Regardless of whether a senior is covered through Part A or B, hours are virtually always limited to 28 hours per week at most.Is In-Home Nursing Care Covered by Medicare?To read more about this topic, click here.Interestingly enough, Medicare Part A does cover some home health care (nursing care), in addition to hospice care, inpatient hospital stays, and care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). However, it only covers this kind of care after a hospitalization or stay in a SNF, and the amount provided is very limited. More specifically, if you spend at least three consecutive days in either a hospital or Medicare-covered SNF, Medicare part A covers your first 100 days of home health care. That said, you still have to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above (i.e. with regard to skilled care) and a few additional eligibility requirements. You also must receive home health care services within 14 days of your SNF or hospital discharge in order to be covered by Medicare Part A. Any care provided past the 100-day mark is covered by Medicare part B.Which Type of Care is NOT Covered by Medicare?A significant area where Medicare coverage falls short is in-home care and support for ADLs. Many seniors and individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities require assistance with ADLs to live independently at home. This type of care is often provided by home health aides or personal care aides and includes:Bathing and Grooming: Assistance with personal hygiene tasks, including bathing, shaving, and hair care.Dressing: Help with putting on clothes and getting ready for the day.Eating: Assistance with feeding oneself or preparing meals.Using the Bathroom: Help with toileting, including transferring on and off the toilet, and maintaining continence.Mobility: Assistance with moving around the home, including transferring from a bed to a chair or wheelchair.Medication Management: Ensuring that medications are taken correctly and on time.Since these services are considered non-medical, Medicare does not cover them under Parts A or B. Beneficiaries who need this type of care must look for alternative options, such as:Long-term Care Insurance: Purchasing long-term care insurance can help cover the costs of in-home care and support for ADLs.Veterans Benefits: If you are a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran, you may be eligible for certain benefits like the Aid and Attendance benefit or the Homemaker benefit.Private Pay or Personal Savings: Wealthy seniors often pay for caregivers out-of-pocket, or through personal savings.Community Programs: Exploring local and community-based programs that offer support services for seniors and disabled individuals.Understanding what Medicare does not cover, particularly in the realm of non-medical in-home care and ADLs, is essential for people to make informed decisions about their healthcare and financial planning. By recognizing these gaps and exploring additional insurance options or savings strategies, seniors in need can better prepare for their healthcare future and ensure they receive the necessary support to maintain their quality of life.