For more information about the author, click to view their website: BrightStar Care
If you’re like many older Americans –
or you have elderly parents – you probably have a lot of questions, such as:
·
Does Medicare pay for
home health care services?
·
Does Medicare Advantage
cover home care?
·
What’s the average cost
of home health care services?
·
How much does private
in-home nursing care cost?
·
What home care services
does Long-Term Care insurance (LTCi) pay for?
Each person has a unique situation –
financially, health-wise and with family dynamics – so there isn’t a
one-size-fits-all answer to the cost of in-home care services. But we can
provide general insight here and meet
with you one-on-one to discuss your loved one’s specific needs.
Home care can be a cost-effective
option than many people realize and it’s an appropriate use of your loved one’s
income and assets. Just as important – or perhaps even more important – is the
fact that the majority of adults want to age in
place(Opens
in a new window), according to AARP®.
After all, your loved one’s heart is
in their home. If their health allows them to remain at home supported by
high-quality caregivers, finding a way to make that happen is one of the
greatest gifts you can ever give them.
What’s the Best Way to Pay for Home
Care?
Many people that find themselves at
the beginning of the journey to bring caregivers or nurses into their home and
have quite a few questions, such as:
·
“How
much does it cost for in-home care services near me?” The Genworth Cost of Care Survey(Opens in a new window) is
a good starting point for general cost information. Keep in mind that rates
vary based on the types of services and the quality of care.
·
“Does
Medicare pay for home care services?” Refer to item #6 in the Your Plan to Pay for Home
Care section below.
·
“What
resources can we use to cover the cost of in-home care?” This varies for each family and
may change over time as your financial situation evolves.
Answering the questions below can help
you identify sources of funds, which will help you prepare for a conversation
with a BrightStar Care® agency or other home care
service provider:
·
What income, savings and
assets does my loved one have available?
·
Does he or she have
assets they no longer need that could be sold? (e.g. Two cars, but only one of
your parents still drives, a timeshare they no longer use, etc.)
·
Did he or she or their
spouse serve in the military?
·
What health insurance do
they have? What does it cover?
·
Does your family member
have traditional Medicare and/or Medicaid?
·
Does your loved one have
Medicare Advantage (MA)?
·
Do they have Long-Term
Care insurance (LTCi)?
In addition to the resources your
loved one may have available for their own care, consider the availability of
expendable income or assets you and your relatives may be able to contribute
toward your family member’s needs.
What to Ask a Home Care Agency
When it comes to paying an agency,
there are a few questions you’ll want to ask. Although answers to some of these
questions will be included in the agency contract, it’s a good idea to get the
details up-front:
·
What forms of payment do
you accept? (VA/CCN, private insurance, personal check, credit card, Long Term
Care insurance (LTCi), government payers like VA/Military, Medicaid, etc.)
·
How is billing handled?
(mailed, online payment portal, emailed, etc.)
· What are your payment terms? (Pre-pay or deposit, weekly, net 30, due upon receipt, etc.)
Your Plan to Pay for Home Care
There is no single solution that works
for every family. The right solution is the one that works for you. In many
cases, the answer is likely to be a combination of the funding sources
described below.
Except for private pay, most options
for home care services have eligibility requirements and limitations. Because
rules surrounding sources like Medicaid, Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA)
sometimes change, we can help you navigate evolving details to support your
efforts to provide for your loved one.
1. Private Pay or “Out of Pocket”
Paying with personal funds helps cover
services when you or your loved one’s care has reached the limits of service
and support from sources such as Medicare or other insurance coverage. These
personal funds may come from your loved one or a family member who has the
financial means to share in the cost of home care.
2. Private Health Insurance
Thanks to partnerships with national
and local insurance companies, BrightStar Care® is sometimes in-network. Call us for more information
– we are happy to do our part to facilitate getting quality care for your loved
one.
3. Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCi)
Long-term care benefits usually pay
for in-home assistance with “activities of daily living” (ADLs) such as
bathing, dressing, incontinence care, transfers (from bed, chair, toilet,
etc.), meal prep and more. If your loved one has LTC insurance, BrightStar Care
can help you process the claim; in some cases, we can assist with billing.
4. Military Benefits
VA health care benefits are available
for eligible veterans and some benefits extend to the veteran’s spouse.
Additional programs such as Aid & Attendance provide monetary funding to be
used for home health care. Eligibility requirements vary so it is important to
research which veterans programs(Opens in a new window) may
be a good fit. Call your local BrightStar Care agency today and they’ll help
you determine if your loved one is eligible.
5. Medicaid
Each state decides what services are
provided under their Home and Community Based Service
(HCBS) waiver program(Opens in a new window). To qualify, your loved one must meet
your state’s eligibility requirements, and have income and assets below certain
guidelines. You can find general details about Medicaid here(Opens in a new window) or
your local BrightStar Care team may have additional insights.
6. Medicare (Traditional/Original)
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
and/or Medicare Part B (medical insurance) cover eligible home health services
as long as you need part-time or intermittent skilled services and as
long as you meet the standards of homebound, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services(Opens in a new window).
Medicare Part B (medical) covers some
in-home care, but the type of service and frequency may be limited.
Medicare-certified home health agencies provide service based on orders from a
physician or allowed practitioner (such as a nurse practitioner, a clinical
nurse specialist and physician assistant) usually for a specific condition and
a set period of time.
Medicare Part A (hospital) offers the
same coverage as Part B. However, under Part A, you may not receive home health
services unless you were hospitalized for three (3) consecutive days just prior
to needing at-home care.
BrightStar Home Care locations that
offer skilled nursing may be eligible to provide “medically necessary part-time
or intermittent skilled nursing care.” If your loved one is currently receiving
care from a Medicare home health agency, BrightStar Care
(which is a home care agency) will work with the Medicare
agency to provide the supplemental or continued care.
Every situation is different. You may
be affected by a Medicare demonstration program if you receive services in
Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, or Texas. Learn more with a free
booklet, Medicare and You,(Opens in a new window) from
the official Medicare website. This booklet is available in multiple languages(Opens in a new window),
Braille, audio, large print, e-reader options and on paper. You can also visit
the home page of the Medicare site(Opens in a new window) or
call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
7. Medicare Advantage (MA)
Medicare Advantage (also called
Medicare Part C) is an alternative to traditional Medicare(Opens in a new window) for
your healthcare insurance that often includes benefits not covered by
traditional Medicare, such as dental, vision, drug coverage and supplemental
benefits like personal care and homemaker services.
There are many insurance carriers and
MA plans available with differing benefits, so it is important to understand
what coverage you have. Our team is here to help you sort through details
regarding whether you may qualify for In-Home Supplemental Services (IHSS).
8. Program of All-Inclusive Care for
the Elderly (PACE)
This newer, relatively small program
may be a source for home care funds. PACE(Opens in a new window) provides
comprehensive medical and social services to certain frail, elderly people
(participants) still living in the community. Most of the participants who are
in PACE are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
Lean Into Our Experience
Most individuals will only deal with
home care services a handful of times throughout their lives – for their
parents, their spouses, a child with a disability or even themselves.
But at BrightStar Care, we think about
home care services 24/7, every day of the year. We are ready to be your trusted
source of information and guidance on this important issue. We hope you’ll
reach out for assistance.
If you would like to learn more about in-home care, please send us a message, reach out to your nearest BrightStar® Home Care agency at 612-488-4159
As we grow older, many daily activities that were once simple can become more difficult, including preparing healthy meals. For seniors, proper nutrition is essential to maintain energy, supporting the immune system, managing chronic conditions, and staying independent. Thats why meal preparation isnt just a convenience, its a lifeline.Key Benefits of Meal Preparation for Seniors1. Ensures Balanced, Nutritious MealsHaving meals prepared in advance ensures that seniors are eating regularly and get the essential nutrients their bodies need. It prevents reliance on unhealthy processed foods or skipping meals altogether.2. Supports Chronic Condition ManagementMany seniors live with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Proper meal planning allows for dietary restrictions to be met, helping control symptoms and reduce complications.3. Reduces the Risk of MalnutritionMalnutrition is a silent threat among older adults, especially those living alone. Meal preparation helps safeguard against this by promoting consistent, nourishing eating habits.4. Promotes Independence and DignitySeniors who struggle with cooking may feel frustrated or dependent. Having meals planned and readywhether through caregiver support or meal delivery servicesallows them to eat well without feeling like a burden.5. Encourages Social EngagementWhen meal prep includes shared cooking or mealtimes, it creates opportunities for connection. Eating with a companion improves mood, reduces loneliness, and often encourages better eating habits.6. Saves Energy and Prevents AccidentsShopping, standing at the stove, lifting pots, or cutting ingredients can be physically taxing and even dangerous. Meal preparation helps minimize fatigue and reduces the risk of falls or burns in the kitchen. Meal Preparation OptionsThere are several ways to incorporate meal prep into a seniors routine: Family or caregiver assistance for shopping, cooking, and portioning meals Meal delivery services that offer senior-friendly, diet-conscious options Community programs such as Meals on Wheels Group cooking sessions at senior centers that combine nutrition with social interaction Freezer meal prepping once a week or month to ensure ready-made meals are always available Meal preparation is about more than just food, its about health, safety, and quality of life. For seniors, having access to nutritious, well-planned meals means more energy, better health, fewer hospital visits, and the ability to stay independent longer.
Each year, countless seniors undergo surgery for a variety of conditions, from repairing a hernia, to hip replacement or major joint surgery. While these surgeries can help improve quality of life, it sometimes takes seniors a little while to get back on their feet. Understanding their pre- and post-operative care needs can help you make a plan to make their recovery as easy as possible. Well cover some practical tips for caring for seniors after surgery, including logistical, practical and even emotional concerns. Planning Ahead: Discuss Post-Operative Care with the Doctor Before Surgery If you are a caregiver for an elderly loved one who is scheduled to have surgery, be sure to discuss post-operative care with the doctor beforehand. This will help both you and your loved one be aware of what to expect and know what steps to take to ensure a smooth recovery.Key Questions to Ask the DoctorPrior to surgery, your doctor and medical team will likely share a lot of information about the procedure surgery itself, as well as preparations to take before and after your loved ones surgery. Come prepared with a list of questions that might not be covered. Ask about any medications or recommendations for pain management, wound care and preventing infection. In order to manage home care recovery, ask your doctor about any diet or mobility restrictions to consider. Before surgery, ask about any preparations that may need to be made to your loved ones home during recovery. Some possible considerations include. equipping bathroom areas with a shower grab bar or adding temporary ramps to stairs. Lastly, inquire about any potential complications you should watch for, as well as scheduling any follow-up appointments.Understanding Post-Surgery ExpectationsDifferent surgeries require different degrees of post-surgical care. Age, pre-existing health conditions, and invasiveness of surgery are all factors that factor into recovery. Ask your doctor and medical care team about the typical recovery time expected for your type of surgery, as well as any lifestyle changes youll need to make during your recovery period. Ask about any limitations on your daily activities, potential complications and what support you may need from loved ones or caregivers. Preparing for a Safe Recovery Environment at Home Taking care of a senior after surgery can be a formidable task, but with some preparation and organization, it can be much more manageableeven enjoyable! Here are a few tips to help make the process easier before surgery and after!Pre-Surgery Checklist for In-Home Care Create a plan for care before surgery. This will help ensure that everything is taken care of when the senior is recovering from surgery. Ask for help from family or friends. They can provide support and help with tasks around the house.Make sure the home is safe for the senior to return to. Remove any tripping hazards and install grab bars in bathrooms as needed. Acquire home equipment for safety and comfort: Rent or purchase equipment that can make recovery easier and safer. Adjustable beds, non-slip mats and temporary ramps can aid safety and mobility during recovery.Stock up on supplies. Make sure your loved one has a full supply of bandages, medical tape, cold packs and medications before coming home from surgery. This will ensure that you have everything you need when you need it. Assist with medication schedules and doctors appointments. Helping to keep on track with doctors appointments and medication schedules can be a huge help. Prepare meals that are easy to digest. Having some meals on hand for after surgery will be a huge help. Avoid foods that are high in fat or sugar. Place items within easy reach. Make sure your seniors important personal items (medications, glasses, hearing aids) are within easy reach! Reserve any aftercare equipment. If your senior will need a wheelchair or walker make sure you have these items ready for post-surgery needs. Day-of transportation. Make sure your loved one has reliable and accessible transportation on the day of surgery, as well as on the day theyre scheduled to come home.Prepare to give emotional support. Whether its a major or minor procedure, its normal to feel nervous about surgery. Help your loved one emotionally prepare for surgery and recovery. Set aside time to discuss the procedure and plans for recovery. Give them an open forum to express any fears they may have, offer relaxation techniques and proactively reach out to their friends and support system to be there for them before and after surgery, as needed.. Deliver encouragement, patience, and love as your loved one recovers from surgery.After surgery, many seniors want to stay in their own homes. This can be a difficult transition, but with the right care and support, it can be a successful one. Most seniors prefer to stay in their own homes after surgery, but they may require a little extra help to ensure a successful recovery. Here are some helpful tips for post-surgery care.How Post Surgery In-Home Care Accelerates Healing and Saves Money As a caregiver, you can help preserve a seniors quality of life and feeling of independence. Healing at home can help reduce symptoms of depression and accelerate healing. Studies show that patients are less sedentary when they are healing at home rather than healing in a hospital or care center and that readmission rates were lower in patients that were healing at home.Home healing not only promotes recovery but also significantly reduces healthcare costs. By providing high-quality care in the comfort of your home, you can help mitigate health risks and accelerate your loved ones healing process. Providing hospital-quality care at home can help reduce certain health risks and help better the healing process for your loved one.If you agree that you want to support the home healing of your loved one, but are concerned that you cant supply hospital-quality care, consider contracting with a professional home-care team to help assist you with RN-level services. Transitioning from the hospital to the home can be a tricky process to manage on your ownthere is help available!Personalizing Your After Surgery Home Health Care Plan Regardless of whether or not you decide to engage professional in-home care services, to find success with supporting your senior at home after surgery requires making a care plan. You can make this plan in conjunction with your loved ones doctor to ensure you cover all the vital points of aftercare. Take into consideration recovery goals, routines, and assigning responsibilities. Having clear expectations and goals to work toward during recovery can help your loved one make steady progress. Establishing daily routines and clear communication about family responsibilities can help you create a well-thought plan to support your loved ones recovery. You might also want to enlist the aid of a professional in-home caregiver to assist with certain responsibilities that your family is unable to cover. Professional in-home care services are available on a full-time or part-time basis.Important Components of a Post-Op Care PlanOrganizing all of the moving parts of your family members recovery is a big job. But with careful planning, you and your loved ones care team can help pave a smoother path to recovery. There are medical, environmental, logistical and mental/emotional components to consider when planning for your loved ones post-op recovery. From a medical standpoint, make sure you understand what medications theyll need to take and stock up on all necessary medications and supplies, such as bandages and wound dressings. Youll also want to prepare their home environment and modify any areas for safety or comfort during recovery. Coordinating logistics involves arranging transportation to and from surgery, as well as to follow-up appointments or additional therapy, if therapy isnt administered at home. And finally, make a plan to take care of the mental and emotional needs of your loved one during their recovery. Socialization and stimulation such as playing games, crafting or conversations can help boost their mood and outlook during recovery.Setting Recovery GoalsOnce you and your loved one are clear on what can be expected after surgery, you can start setting realistic recovery goals together. When there are benchmarks to work toward, recovery becomes more manageable both for your loved one and you - their caregiver. Every persons goals and progress will look a little different, making it important to discuss realistic and measurable goals with your care team. Goals such as regaining mobility and strength as well as managing and reducing pain levels can aid in boosting morale during recovery. In order to maintain a positive outlook, its important to set realistic timelines and schedule regular check-ins to track progress and adjust goals as needed.Involving Family Members in Care PlanningFamily members play an important role in your loved ones recovery. Often, youll know your loved ones likes, dislikes, preferences and communication style, which can alert you if their recovery isnt proceeding normally. There are so many ways that family caregivers can contribute to a care plan, including providing emotional support, mental stimulation, social interaction and more. From maintaining clear communication with your loved ones doctors to helping with activities of daily living like getting dressed and meal preparation, there are many meaningful ways to help your loved one throughout their recovery.The Need for Professional Home Care After SurgeryDepending on your loved ones medical, practical and logistical needs following surgery, professional home care may be a necessary component of their recovery. Post-surgery home health care often provides the opportunity for a faster recovery with fewer complications. In-home health care can include skilled nursing staff to assist with medications and wound care or professional in-home caregivers that help with activities of daily living, transportation needs and companionship. Navigating The Costs of Post-Surgery Home Care Post-surgery home care costs vary by care level, duration and location. To make the best choice for your situation, talk with a trusted professional for an assessment of your loved ones specific in-home care needs. There are a number of options that can make the cost of in-home care more affordable for those who need it, including private insurance and long-term care insurance (LTCI). Some individuals may also qualify for military benefits or PACE (Program All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). Discuss your options today with your current provider or one of our BrightStar Care professionals to discover what coverage options are available to you.Emotional and Social Support During Recovery While medical care and skilled nursing support is of great importance during post-op recovery, emotional and social support is equally important. Activities like reading, listening to music and creating art are all ways to create opportunities for mental stimulation. Companionship with friends, family, or a professional caregiver can all contribute to mental and emotional well-being and boost morale during your loved ones recovery.Tips for Taking Care of Seniors at Home After Surgery Understand and follow doctor's orders. The most important thing you can do is ensure you understand any post-op care instructions your loved one's doctor has prescribed. This is critical to their health and healing.Make sure they have plenty of fluids. Dehydration can be a common complication after surgery, so make sure your loved one drinks plenty of water, juice, and other fluids. Encourage them to move around as much as possible. Surgery can often leave seniors feeling weak and stiff, so encourage them to move around as much as possible, per doctors orders. This will help improve their mobility and reduce the risk of complications. Help them with basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. These tasks can be difficult for seniors after surgery, so offer to help out as much as you can. Keep a close eye on their pain levels. Pain is often one of the biggest challenges for seniors after surgery, so make sure you are keeping a close eye on their pain levels and taking steps to manage it effectively. Enhance pain management. During recovery, there are additional ways to help minimize pain and complement prescribed pain relief. This includes using ice packs, supportive pillows and relaxation techniques. Make sure they get plenty of rest. Surgery can be exhausting, so make sure your loved one gets plenty of rest in the days following their procedure. Watch out for warning signs. Keep an eye on your loved one for signs of infection, such as fever, redness or swelling around the surgery site, or drainage from the wound. Assist your loved one with their medication schedule. Stay on top of daily medications as directed by the surgeon. Offer transportation. Transport your loved one to follow-up appointments and other medical appointments as needed. Check in on them regularly. It's important to keep an eye on your loved one's progress after surgery, so check in with them regularly to see how they're doing. If you notice any problems or concerns, don't hesitate to bring them up with their doctor. Following these tips can help ensure a smooth recovery for your loved one after surgery. With a little bit of help, they'll be able to return to their normal routine in no time.Common Post-Surgery Complications to Watch For During your loved ones recovery, its important to watch for any complications that could derail recovery or introduce new medical issues. Common post-op complications include infections, blood clots, and respiratory problems. Every surgical procedure carries its own risk of complications. Its important to consult with your surgeon and medical team to understand what potential complications may look like and know the appropriate steps to take. Long-Term Recovery Considerations While some post-op recovery is short-term, some people may have a longer period of recovery. A professional in-home caregiver can provide a level of ongoing care and peace of mind that supports necessary lifestyle changes long-term. Whether a need for more extensive care arises due to surgical complications or slower recovery due to aging or pre-existing conditions, long-term care can ensure your loved one receives the care they need and deserve regardless of the length of their recovery.Consider Transitional Post-Hospital In-Home Care Services with BrightStar Care The final step in taking care of seniors at home after surgery is ensuring they have enough support to safely transition to recovering at home. This includes help with things like bathing, grooming, and transportation. You may also need to help them with their medications and wound care. If your loved one doesnt have the extra care and support they need to make a successful transition at home, consider enlisting professional home care support from the RN-led team from BrightStar Care. We offer both long-term and short-term transitional care to help your loved one focus on their recovery and help ease the burden on families while their loved one adjusts. BrightStar Care staff ensures that your loved one receives the critical home health support they need, reducing the need for re-hospitalization, falls, medication mistakes, and mental stress which can delay healing or worsen health. With an in-home caregiver, your loved one will be monitored and cared for if and when you cant be there. Its not uncommon for seniors to assume they can do more than they safely can after a surgery. If they are alone, they can face the danger of falling without assistance, taking the wrong doses of medication without supervision, or simply slip into loneliness and depression. Making the decision to stay at home after surgery can be difficult, but with the right care and support, it can be a successful transition. If you are having difficulty providing this care yourself, consider enlisting BrightStar Care to provide the extra care and support your loved one needs to make a successful transition home. To learn more call, us at 303-300-6666.
Dont Wait: Why End-of-Life Conversations Cant Be Put Off According to an article by Johns Hopkins Medicine, two-thirds of Americans dont have a living will or advance directive. Planning ahead can help reduce stress and uncertainty for both seniors and their loved ones. A lot of people dont know what an advance directive is, says Lectoria Byron, a social worker with our Mobile, Alabama program. So, its giving them that knowledgeinforming them of exactly what it is and how it can help them. That eases a lot of anxiety. We sat down with Lectoria and Registered Nurse & Case Manager Amanda Albright to find out why these decisions matter and how the PACE care model fosters them. What is an advance directive and why does it matter? An advance directive is a legal document that explains what kind of medical care you want if you cant speak for yourself. It usually has two main parts: A living will, which says what treatments you do or dont want.A durable power of attorney for healthcare, which names someone you trust to make medical choices for you. Imagine for yourself, Amanda says. Someone you love deeply is in crisis because somethings happened to youand they cant find your funeral plans, your bank statements, or your healthcare wishes. They wont have time to grieve because theyre forced to focus on the paperwork and decisions that could have already been made. How does PACE help with these difficult conversations? Both Lectoria and Amanda emphasized education and pre-planning as the biggest ways their team offers support. Lectoria and the other care team members talk about advance directives during check-ins that happen twice a year. We break it up into manageable steps so its not overwhelming, Lectoria says. In Alabama, we have a basic form that requires two signatures and two witnesses, and we help guide participants through it. If a participant requires legal guardianship or their request involves filing documentation in court, we help connect them with resources like free legal aid, Lectoria adds. She said the best way to approach the conversation is to keep it simple. When you dont work directly with death or dying, its hard to know how to begin, Lectoria explains. But it doesnt take special training. You start by asking: Do you know what an advance directive is? A living will? A power of attorney? Then we offer information and ask: What are your wishes? PACE also provides brochures and other educational materials to help participants review their options in their own time. Checking in every six months ensures these decisions remain a priority. What is the advantage of a participant having their PACE team facilitate the conversation? The PACE team consists of a primary care physician, skilled nurse, social worker, physical therapist, recreation therapist, occupational therapist, and a chaplain. Amanda explains, The team approach keeps any one staff member from carrying all the emotional weight. And the participant hears a consistent message from different perspectiveseach member offering their own short summary or advice. That consistency builds trust and understanding. It gives a lot of credibility, Amanda says. PACEs structure also allows for something rare in modern healthcare: time. Were not seeing 16 patients an hour, Amanda says. We have the privilege to slow down and help people understand. That makes all the difference. Planning ahead for your care isnt just about filling out formsits about showing love, respect, and helping everyone feel more at peace. At PACE, were here to support you and your family through every part of aging, even the tough conversations. To find out more about Mercy LIFE and their innovative care program for Seniors, contact them at 251-287-8427.