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Here’s the situation: people are living longer, but not always healthier and therefore may need more assistance as they age. At the same time, family members are often stretched too thin to provide all the help someone living with a chronic condition may require.
So, if more people need more care and in-home care is not covered under traditional health insurance, how can it be paid for so that people can be helped? The help needed is often non-medical home health care such as transportation, meal preparation, respite for family caregivers and other activities of daily living.
Medicaid
Millions of people rely on Medicaid, which is a federal and state program that provides access to healthcare resources for people who qualify based on their income level. People of all ages (not just those over age 65) can qualify for Medicaid.
The opportunity to use Medicaid to pay for in-home care will depend first on meeting the qualifications and then the state in which the person needing care resides. The National Care Planning Council provides some information on this method of payment by state on their website. However, Medicaid is not traditionally a reliable method of paying for in-home care services which can help people with their activities of daily living such as safely grooming and bathing, meal preparation, running errands and the like.
Medicare
The ability to use Medicare to pay for in-home care services is evolving. Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are over age 65 (as well as some people who are younger living with certain disabilities) and it has three parts: A, B, D, as well as Medicare Advantage (sometimes called Part C, or the “all in one”). Each part covers specific services such as hospital stays and prescription drugs.
According to the Department of Health & Human Services, “Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare pays these companies to cover your Medicare benefits.”
As of 2019, a small percentage of Medicare Advantage plans will offer non-medical in-home care support services. Given recent legislation designed to offer more benefits to individuals living with chronic conditions such as heart disease and COPD, experts anticipate the number of plans that will cover these costs to expand over the coming years, but there are no specifics available.
Availability of expanded services covered under Medicare Advantage plans will depend on the state and county and also the insurance provider. Insurance plans may require documentation of medical need to cover things such a set number of hours of “personal care” or transportation for a set number of trips to a health-related appointment.
While the complexity of these plans can be overwhelming and even off-putting, the good news here is that these government payor sources are increasingly recognizing the need for non-medical home services and finding ways for people to access them and pay for them.
Learn about other ways to pay for in-home care here.
If you have an aging loved one, its natural that you want their later years to be happy, fulfilling and comfortable. You also understand its not just their physical needs that need tending to their mental and emotional health is equally important. However, issues like cognitive degeneration, social isolation and poor sleep in later years can all negatively impact mood and wellbeing, leading to issues including anxiety, depression and paranoia. Although paranoia in elderly people is relatively common and generally isnt dangerous, it can certainly be upsetting no one wants to imagine their parent, spouse or family member in distress, especially if you cant always be there to soothe them. Thats why having a professional in-home caregiver can provide a stable and reassuring presence not just for your loved one, but for you as well. What Signs of Paranoia Should I Look Out For? Research shows us that there is indeed a link between aging and mental health conditions like paranoia, which falls under the category of psychosis, which is when an individual is separated from reality and therefore sees, hears or believes things that arent real. Common symptoms include thinking they are being followed, believing theyve been robbed when an item has been misplaced, being convinced people are talking about them behind their back, hearing strange noises, or an unfounded conviction that they are being mistreated. These feelings are often accompanied by strong negative emotions such as anger, fear and jealousy. What Triggers Paranoia in Older People? There are a number of conditions and situations that can lead to paranoia in elderly loved ones. While some of these conditions can be easily identified and treated, others may be more difficult to diagnose and remedy. These include: Degenerative conditions like Alzheimers and dementia, which affect memory and cognitive function Certain medications which can cause irritability or hallucinations Brain tumors and vascular conditions, such as a stroke or blood clots Urinary tract infections, which can trigger sudden confusion and delirium if left untreated Social isolation, particularly in seniors living alone As with any health concern, if you are worried paranoia is impacting your loved ones daily life, then you should speak to their physician as soon as you can. How to Help a Loved One Experiencing Paranoia Seeing your loved one getting anxious or upset can be difficult, but its important not to react with anger or frustration or to let things escalate into an argument. Instead, some easy steps you can take to help include: Investigate their concerns. Sadly, unscrupulous people do often take advantage of vulnerable older people, so always double check to ensure this is not the case. Check assistance devices. Make sure hearing aids are working properly and glasses prescriptions are up to date. Maintain a routine. Avoid changing schedules, moving furniture or even rearranging cupboards. Consider professional assistance. Regular visits from a private home caregiver, particularly one trained in dementia care or mental health in older adults, can help provide stability, routine and sense of calm. Other Benefits of Professional Senior Care While we know that you want to do everything possible to keep your loved one safe and happy, there are times when coping with their paranoia can be tough and even overwhelming especially if you are dealing with accusations of theft or mistreatment or have other responsibilities to worry about. This is when a professional caregiver can provide expert assistance, as they are trained in dealing with distressed or angry individuals and understand how to navigate these difficult situations. On the other hand, introducing a new person into the home is a change, and paranoid individuals can often be suspicious or mistrusting of a new caregiver, so it needs to be handled sensitively and sympathetically. At FirstLight, we understand how important trust is and will take the time to get to know your loved one and build a relationship they can rely on. For those at risk of social isolation, regular visits also provide company, conversation and valuable human connection. Share the Burden of Care With FirstLight Its true that no one can understand your loved one as well as you do, and nothing can replace the bond you have with them. But that doesnt mean there wont be times when you could use a little extra support. At FirstLight Home Care, our compassionate, professional team of in-home caregivers is specially trained to manage symptoms of paranoia in elderly patients so if youd like help from someone wholl take the time to get to know your loved one and do more to help them live their fullest life, reach out to the team at FirstLight about a personalized care plan today. Call us today at 612-473-3227 for further information.
Understanding how to talk to a parent with dementia is an ongoing education, especially when it comes to a progressive disease like Alzheimers. As patients move through the different stages, they may become disoriented, confused or have trouble reasoning in addition to experiencing memory problems. Sometimes, expressing emotion or talking about what they are going through can be equally upsetting. Learning what to look out for and how to communicate with a dementia patient is crucial with cognitive disorders. Keep an eye out of these 3 early signs of dementia, and read on to discover how best to talk to someone suffering from the disease. Tips for Talking to Those Living with Dementia Offer Patience and Reassurance Patience is absolutely key when it comes to dealing with someone who has Alzheimers. As you learn the types of things that can cause confusion, anger or fear, be sure to reassure your loved one that everything is alright and that they are safe. If they take a moment to respond, give them that space and patience to ensure they are able to express themselves without added pressure. Dont Criticize or Argue Although the effects of dementia on caregivers can be vast, creating hard-to-handle stress and burdens, one thing to remember is that criticizing or arguing will only make things worse. As your loved ones brain is affected by this disease, they may not be thinking rationally during your conversations. In their Encourage Other Forms of Communication While Alzheimers and dementia wont impact your loved ones ability to speak in most cases, that doesnt mean that it will be the easiest way to communicate. Other forms of communication may give them time to think about what they are trying to say and help them from becoming agitated as they try to speak. Whether its writing things down, pointing, gesturing or even relying on visuals, these nonverbal skills can be very important when learning how to talk to a parent with dementia. Avoid Vague Statements or Too Many Questions Be clear in what you want or need when talking to someone with dementia. Vague statements only add to the confusion they may already be experiencing. For example, instead of saying, Lets go, explain to them where you are going and why. In that same vein, avoid asking too many questions as could be overwhelming. If possible, turn your questions into leading statements to direct their responses in a healthy way. Opt for the Positive Over the Negative Theres no doubt that there will be things to discuss with aging parents. But, whether youre working your way through hard conversations or simply telling your loved one its time for dinner, make sure that your messages are filled with positivity. These positive statements can make all the difference in the world, helping to keep agitated or angry behaviors at bay in favor of a good mood all around for you and your loved one. Keep Calm and Carry On Living with dementia is not easy, whether youre the patient or the caregiver. Patience is key, so remember to keep your wits about you and your temper under control. Remaining calm will help you deal with anything that comes up as you learn the best ways to talk to someone experiencing dementia. Whether the conversation goes well or not, its important to remember that you will have good days and bad. Dont give up hope and keep focused on learning better ways to communicate with your loved one. How Dementia Care Can Help When it comes to Alzheimers and other cognitive disorders, it is often hard to know which steps to take. If your loved one is exhibiting signs that the disease is progressing, let FirstLights knowledgeable experts help we are well-versed in how to talk to a parent with dementia. We offer individualized, in-home dementia care services in a number of cities that can provide much-needed peace of mind. Turn to FirstLight Home Care, a brand that will be by your side every step of the way. To get started on your journey, inquire about a personalized quote or reach out today to talk with your local FirstLight team at 612-473-3227.
When looking for senior care, many people search for an individual home caregiver because they dont know what their options are. However, they are often unprepared for the risks of hiring a private caregiver and find some unexpected downsides, including caregiver availability and backup care for when a regular caregiver isnt accessible. Instead of directly hiring a caregiver on their own, many families looking for private caregivers find they prefer the flexibility and reliability of a home care agency. With high-quality caregivers and consistent service built to suit your loved ones needs, a home care agency can give you complete peace of mind. Get Caregivers Backed by a Team When you work with a home care agency, you dont just get an individual caregiver; you get an entire team. Your caregiver or caregivers are supported by a group of other caregivers and expert staff who provide additional resources and backup. If your regular caregiver is unavailable for any reason, the agency will send a substitute caregiver to cover for them. You can rest assured knowing that even if the caregiver calls in sick or changes jobs, your loved one will still receive the best care available. Get an Agency-Crafted Care Plan Home care agencies dont just handle the basics. Theyll also customize your loved ones care to meet to ensure their unique needs are met. Independent seniors living alone might need simple personal care services, while those with serious health issues may need more intensive assistance, and a home care agency knows exactly how to handle each level of care needed. Before care begins, a good home care agency will send an expert staff member to consult with you and your loved one about the level of care needed. Theyll listen with kindness and empathy, and work to understand your unique needs. By asking insightful questions based on their experience, theyre often able to identify needs that seniors werent even aware of. Once theyve taken stock of the needs, challenges and situation at hand, your agency will work with you to build a care plan. This plan will guide caregivers from day one, showing them the best ways to aid and comfort your loved one. From shifting schedules to evolving medical needs, your loved one might not always need the same kind of care. Thats why your agency will check with you periodically to see how the plan is working. You can also reach out to them and modify the plan at any time. Get Proven Caregivers Home care agencies like FirstLight Home Care hire caregivers carefully. They perform interviews, assessments and detailed background checks to ensure every caregiver is empathetic, trustworthy and able to perform all in-home caregiver job duties. Many agencies also give their caregivers professional training, so you can rest assured that your caregiver has the right skills to help your loved one. Many of them also have caregivers specifically trained to help with conditions like dementia and ALS. Performance Management Home care agencies know how important it is that your loved one receives top-quality care that specifically meets their needs, and hold themselves and their caregivers to high standards. You always know your loved one is in the hands of a well-trained, accountable caregiver who genuinely looks out for them. Get Peace of Mind with FirstLight Home Care Excellent home care, like the care given by FirstLight Home Care providers, doesnt just provide support for your loved one, it also gives you peace of mind. Avoid the stress, complications and risks of hiring a private caregiver with FirstLight on your side, youll always know that your loved one is in the ands of a capable team that puts their well-being first. If youre ready to get have an expert in-home caregiver team on your side, wed love to learn about their needs. Contact us and well connect you with a FirstLight team in your area!
Engaging & Empowering In-Home CareHome care services help seniors maintain their independence in a safe, familiar place. Our trained in-home caregivers assist with day-to-tasks, build strong bonds, and make sure friends and family are aware of changing conditions and the bright spots of each day.Personal Caregiving Services for Anyone In NeedHomewatch CareGivers provides in-home care for seniors on a weekly, daily, or 24-hour basis, but our teams can also assist with individuals of any age, with any or condition. Get an extra set of hands around the house after surgery or welcoming a new family member. Our trained, background-checked, and insured caregivers are always ready to help.We deliver in-home care for the whole person, not just their condition. Find the nearest individually owned and operated Homewatch CareGivers location and see how we tailor our services to your needs.Caregiving Services Offered by Homewatch CareGiversTrust the qualified team at Homewatch CareGivers and rest easy knowing that you or someone you care for receives enriching, engaging, and empowering in-home care. We adjust our plan of care to support your unique needs and work with your healthcare provider to coordinate effectively.In-home care services can include:Elder care a helping hand with transportation to the grocery store or appointments, light housekeeping tasks, medication reminders, and companionship. Elder care is the foundation of home caregiving for seniors and the elderly.Dementia care from specially trained memory care experts who will work with you to develop a unique plan of care.Care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung or heart disease, or strokes, and degenerative disorders like ALS, Parkinsons disease, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis. Compassionate caregivers will assist the individual with retaining as much independence as possible with daily tasks.Hospital discharge care: for individuals after surgery, injury, or childbirth to ensure complete rehabilitation.Care for all ages*, such as your little one or aging parent, from caregivers trained to help people of all ages, including children.Respite care for temporary short-term care of your loved one while you tend to your own health and well-being.We also offer senior transportation, companion care, personal care, and more. All our in-home caregiving services meet your scheduling needs - from once-a-week to 24-hour care
Home care services help seniors maintain their independence in a safe, familiar place. Our trained in-home caregivers assist with day-to-tasks, build strong bonds, and make sure friends and family are aware of changing conditions and the bright spots of each day.Personal Caregiving Services for Anyone In NeedHomewatch CareGivers provides in-home care for seniors on a weekly, daily, or 24-hour basis, but our teams can also assist with individuals of any age, with any or condition. Get an extra set of hands around the house after surgery or welcoming a new family member. Our trained, background-checked, and insured caregivers are always ready to help. We deliver in-home care for the whole person, not just their condition. Find the nearest individually owned and operated Homewatch CareGivers location and see how we tailor our services to your needs.Caregiving Services Offered by Homewatch CareGiversTrust the qualified team at Homewatch CareGivers and rest easy knowing that you or someone you care for receives enriching, engaging, and empowering in-home care. We adjust our plan of care to support your unique needs and work with your healthcare provider to coordinate effectively.In-home care services can include:Elder care a helping hand with transportation to the grocery store or appointments, light housekeeping tasks, medication reminders, and companionship. Elder care is the foundation of home caregiving for seniors and the elderly.Dementia care from specially trained memory care experts who will work with you to develop a unique plan of care.Care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung or heart disease, or strokes, and degenerative disorders like ALS, Parkinsons disease, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis. Compassionate caregivers will assist the individual with retaining as much independence as possible with daily tasks.Hospital discharge care: for individuals after surgery, injury, or childbirth to ensure complete rehabilitation.Care for all ages*, such as your little one or aging parent, from caregivers trained to help people of all ages, including children.Respite care for temporary short-term care of your loved one while you tend to your own health and well-being.We also offer senior transportation, companion care, personal care, and more. All our in-home caregiving services meet your scheduling needs - from once-a-week to 24-hour care.Contact us or call (952) 260-6223 for a complimentary evaluation and discover the benefits of having an in-home caregiver.
Home care services help our Elder loved ones maintain their independence in a safe, familiar place. Our trained in-home caregivers assist with day-to-day tasks, build strong bonds, and make sure friends and family are aware of changing conditions and more importantly, are the bright spot in the day of your loved one.Personal Caregiving Services for Anyone In NeedHomewatch CareGivers provides in-home care for seniors on an hourly, daily, weekly, or even 24-hour basis. Our teams can assist individuals of any age, with any condition. We can even provide an extra set of hands around the house after surgery. Our trained, background-checked, and insured caregivers are always ready to help. We deliver in-home care for the whole person, not just their condition. Caregiving Services Offered by Homewatch CareGiversTrust the qualified team at Homewatch CareGivers and rest easy knowing that you or someone you care for receives enriching, engaging, and empowering in-home care. We create your plan of care to support your unique needs and work with your healthcare provider to coordinate effectively.In-home care services can include:- A helping hand with transportation to the grocery store or appointments, light housekeeping tasks, medication reminders, and companionship. - Dementia care from specially trained memory care experts who will work with you to develop a unique plan of care.- Care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung or heart disease, strokes, and degenerative disorders like ALS, Parkinsons disease, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis. Compassionate caregivers will assist the individual with retaining as much independence as possible with daily tasks.- Hospital discharge care: for individuals after surgery or injury to ensure complete rehabilitation.- We specialize in care for your aging parent, but can provide care for almost anyone needing support at home.- Respite care for temporary short-term care of your loved one while you tend to your own health and well-being.Contact us at (952) 657.5210 for a complimentary evaluation and discover the benefits of having an in-home caregiver.