How to Choose the Best Home Care Provider for Your Parents

Author

Entrusted Legacy Law

Posted on

Jan 27, 2023

Book/Edition

Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area

share-this
Share This

Choosing the correct home care provider for your aging parents is a huge responsibility. This person will be looking after the needs of those who taught you to walk, talk, and care for yourself. To ensure your parents are well cared for in their golden years, consider the following as you seek out the perfect fit for a home care provider:

1: Decide What Services Your Loved One Requires

All home care is not identical. The amount of care your parents require determines the availability and cost of the services. If your parent only needs temporary care a few hours a day, you may need to employ a different provider than if they're recovering from surgery. 

Observe your parents’ needs before you commit to paying for a home care plan. Home care services can range from an aide coming into your parents’ home and sitting with them to providing medical services like ensuring that they take their daily medications. You may find this needs assessment worksheet from the National Caregiver Library helpful in assessing the level of care your loved one needs.

The more intensive the services your parents need, the more money the service will cost. If Medicare doesn't cover your parents, you may end up footing the bill for the service. Make sure the services are within your budget before committing to a home care plan. 

2: Do Your Research

It's important to have all the facts about a home care agency before you bring one into your parents’ home. A part of your research should include interviewing different agencies about what services they offer. You should streamline your search based on what services your parents require. 

Make sure to ask the agencies you connect with about what they offer or what services they claim as specialties.

3: Get It Paid For

Medicare covers services for patients’ home care needs if the patient meets eligibility criteria. Patients eligible for home care coverage include those meeting the following criteria: 

  • Patients currently under the care of a doctor

  • Patients whose doctor certifies that they're homebound

  • Patients in need of physical, speech, or occupational therapy who are under the care of a doctor, have a plan of care that's continually reviewed by a doctor, and require intermittent skilled nursing care

Coverage is for services that are necessary and reasonable to treat an illness or injury, including such services as:

  • Physical therapy

  • Skilled nursing care

  • Certain durable medical equipment

  • Medical supplies for in-home care

  • Medical social services

  • Injectable osteoporosis drugs specifically for women

  • Speech therapy

Medicaid, meanwhile, varies by state, and each state may have multiple Medicaid programs. Medicaid State Plans in most states will pay for some form of home care.

Invest in Home Care Today

Having all the facts about possible services is important before you commit. Consider the above steps to ensure you make the best decision for your family so your parents are cared for during their golden years. 

Consider consulting with us if you need more information on securing home care.

Other Articles You May Like

Helpful Books for Caregivers: Essential Resources for Support & Guidance

The books listed below are shared as helpful suggestions for family caregivers. While they are available for purchase on Amazon and other retailers, Seniors Blue Book does not endorse any specific title or author, nor do we receive compensation for listings. Our goal is simply to offer resources that may provide guidance, support, and comfort to those navigating the caregiving journey.1. The Caregivers Survival Handbook: How to Care for Your Aging Parent Without Losing Yourself by Alexis AbramsonFocus: Practical guidance and emotional support for caregivers balancing their own needs with the demands of caregiving.Why It's Helpful: This book helps caregivers maintain their well-being while managing the responsibilities of caring for an aging loved one.2. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory Loss by Nancy L. Mace & Peter V. RabinsFocus: Alzheimer's care and dementia-related conditions.Why It's Helpful: A highly recommended resource for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. It offers practical advice on day-to-day care and understanding these conditions.3. Taking Care of the Caregiver: A Guide to Finding Balance in the Midst of Caregiving by Mary Ann ORourkeFocus: Stress management, self-care, and maintaining balance.Why It's Helpful: This book provides caregivers with techniques for managing stress and preventing burnout, which is vital for sustaining long-term caregiving.4. Caring for a Loved One with Dementia: A Mindful Caregivers Guide by Suzanne R. BarchersFocus: Mindfulness-based caregiving strategies for dementia care.Why It's Helpful: Emphasizes the importance of mindfulness for caregivers, helping them stay calm and connected while caring for those with dementia.5. When the Time Comes: Families with Aging Parents Share Their Struggles and Solutions by Paula SpanFocus: Personal stories from families navigating the caregiving journey.Why It's Helpful: This book offers real-life examples and advice from families who have been through the challenges of caregiving, making it relatable and practical.6. The Family Caregivers Manual: A Practical Guide to Caregiving by Caroline D. G. ArvidsonFocus: General caregiving tips and strategies.Why It's Helpful: A practical guide that covers various aspects of caregiving, including managing care routines, financial planning, and dealing with family dynamics.7. Elder Care Made Easier: Doctor Marions 10 Steps to Help You Care for an Aging Loved One by Marion SomersFocus: Step-by-step caregiving advice for aging loved ones.Why It's Helpful: Offers clear and concise steps to handle common challenges caregivers face, with advice from an expert in the field of aging and caregiving.8. The Caregivers Guide to Self-Care: 12 Strategies for Getting the Support You Need to Care for Your Aging Parent by Dr. Anna S. JohnsonFocus: Strategies for caregivers to take care of themselves while caring for others.Why It's Helpful: This book emphasizes self-care techniques and offers strategies to prevent burnout, which is common among family caregivers.9. What to Do When Im Gone: A Mothers Wisdom to Her Daughter by Susan OConnellFocus: Planning for the future, especially for caregiving for elderly parents.Why It's Helpful: A guide to making plans for the care of elderly parents and finding peace of mind when transitioning into this role.10. How to Care for Aging Parents by Virginia MorrisFocus: Comprehensive caregiving strategies and legal/financial planning.Why It's Helpful: Covers a broad range of topics that caregivers face, from legal considerations to managing medical care, making it a comprehensive resource.

Old People Are Cool: Tyler event celebrating senior citizens to be held April 25

On April 25, 2025, the city of Tyler, Texas, embraced a powerful and joyful message: Old People Are Cool. Held at Oak Hills Terrace Memory Care, the inaugural Old People Are Cool Day brought together residents, caregivers, and members of the wider community to honor the vitality, wisdom, and lifelong contributions of senior citizens. The event was more than just a celebrationit was a statement. As part of the growing Old People Are Cool movement, which began in 2021, the day sought to challenge ageist stereotypes and promote a culture of respect, inclusivity, and admiration for older adults. Rather than viewing aging as a decline, the campaign aims to reframe it as a vibrant, meaningful, and essential stage of life. At its core, the initiative stands against the quiet but damaging effects of ageismassumptions and biases that often sideline older people, making them feel invisible or unimportant. The Old People Are Cool movement turns that narrative on its head by shining a spotlight on seniors as dynamic individuals with rich histories, evolving dreams, and much to teach the younger generations. The Tyler event marked a public and communal affirmation of this philosophy. The energy at Oak Hills Terrace was electric. Music, laughter, storytelling, and multigenerational conversations echoed through the halls and outdoor areas. The celebration included engaging activities tailored to residents and guests alike, ranging from arts and crafts to dancing, games, and personal tributes. The mood was festive but also deeply meaningfulan intentional pause in daily life to celebrate those who have helped shape families, communities, and institutions. Sarah Klepfer, the organizer behind the event, played a key role in making Old People Are Cool Day an official part of the citys calendar. Through her efforts, a local proclamation was made to formally recognize the day, adding a civic stamp to what many already knew: seniors are a treasure, not a burden. Attendees expressed both gratitude and inspiration. For the older adults, the day served as a rare opportunity to feel publicly seen and celebrated. For younger community members and volunteers, it offered a fresh perspectiveone that emphasized connection, curiosity, and the wisdom that can only come from experience. The event also highlighted the need to strengthen intergenerational bonds. When older and younger people interact meaningfully, it helps dispel myths on both sides and nurtures a sense of continuity and mutual respect. By creating an event that welcomed families, students, and neighbors, the organizers helped build a stronger, more empathetic community. Old People Are Cool Day stands out not just for its cheerful tone, but for its deeper cultural purpose. In a society that often elevates youth and overlooks aging, this celebration encourages everyone to reflect on the full arc of human lifeand to recognize the inherent dignity and uniqueness in every stage. It calls on us to ask: What kind of society do we want to live in? One that silences its elders, or one that listens to them? Tylers embrace of this event could serve as a model for other cities. The success of the celebration suggests that many people are hungry for a new way to engage with agingone that honors legacy without reducing seniors to a single identity. Aging is not a punchline or a decline; it is a journey of growth, resilience, and continued relevance. As the sun set on April 25, the smiles and stories shared during the day lingered in the hearts of those who attended. For many, it wasnt just a nice eventit was a necessary one. It reminded everyone that aging is not something to be pitied or hidden, but something to be respected, shared, and yes, celebrated. With this years event making such a strong impact, its likely that Old People Are Cool Day will become a staple of Tylers cultural calendar in the years to come. And if its message spreadsas it shouldit could help rewrite how America sees and treats its senior citizens, one city at a time. After all, old people aren't just cooltheyre essential.

The Benefits of In-Home Care for Seniors in Boulder, Colorado

In-home care is an essential service that allows seniors in Boulder, Colorado, to receive the support they need while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. This blog will explore the advantages of in-home care, how it can enhance the quality of life for seniors, and why it is a valuable option for families in Boulder. What is In-Home Care? In-home care encompasses a variety of services designed to assist seniors with daily living activities. These services can include: Personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing) Companionship and social interaction Meal preparation and nutrition assistance Medication management and reminders Light housekeeping and laundry Transportation to appointments and errands Why Choose In-Home Care in Boulder? Boulder is a beautiful city with a strong community spirit, making it an ideal location for seniors to receive in-home care. Here are some key benefits of choosing in-home care services in Boulder: 1. Personalized Care Plans In-home care services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. Care plans are developed based on personal preferences, health conditions, and lifestyle choices. 2. Comfort of Home Seniors can remain in their familiar surroundings, which can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Being at home allows seniors to maintain their routines and enjoy their personal belongings. 3. Enhanced Independence In-home care promotes independence by allowing seniors to receive assistance with daily tasks while still being in control of their lives. Caregivers support seniors in a way that respects their dignity and autonomy. 4. Community Engagement Boulder offers numerous opportunities for social engagement, and in-home care can help seniors stay connected with their community. Caregivers can facilitate outings and activities that promote social interaction. 5. Cost-Effective Care In-home care can be a more affordable option compared to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Families can choose the level of care needed, whether its a few hours a week or 24/7 support. How to Find In-Home Care Services in Boulder When searching for in-home care services in Boulder, consider the following steps: Research Local Providers: Utilize resources like Seniors Blue Book to find reputable in-home care agencies. Read Reviews and Testimonials: Look for feedback from other families to assess the quality of care provided. Assess Individual Needs: Determine the specific needs of your loved one to find a service that aligns with those requirements. Conclusion In-home care services in Boulder, Colorado, provide a valuable solution for seniors who wish to maintain their independence while receiving the support they need. By choosing in-home care, families can ensure their loved ones receive personalized, compassionate care in a familiar environment. For more information on in-home care options in Boulder, visit Seniors Blue Book Home Health Directory. 

Local Services By This Author

Entrusted Legacy Law

Special Needs Trusts 100 Pinewood Lane Suite #303, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 15086

Comprehensive Special Needs Estate Planning & Special Needs Trusts in PennsylvaniaEstate planning for families with special needs children presents a unique set of financial, legal, and healthcare challenges that require the expertise of a special needs planning attorney. Not all estate planning lawyers understand the intricacies involved, but the experienced special needs estate planning attorneys at Entrusted Legacy Law are dedicated to ensuring your child with special needs is fully protected when you are no longer able to serve as their primary caregiver.We provide a full range of estate planning services tailored to families with special needs children in Pennsylvania. Our goal is to help you preserve assets for your childs future care while ensuring they remain eligible for essential government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). We assist in setting up special needs trusts (SNTs) to safeguard financial resources, appointing legal guardians and trustees, and identifying long-term care options to ensure your child receives the best possible support and housing solutions.Special Needs Trusts & Asset ProtectionOne of the most significant challenges in special needs financial planning is ensuring that your child has adequate resources without jeopardizing their eligibility for public assistance programs. Many families unknowingly risk disqualifying their child from essential benefits by leaving them a direct financial inheritance. Instead, the best strategy is to establish a special needs trust to provide financial security while preserving their access to Medicaid, SSI, and other government assistance programs.A properly structured special needs trust allows funds to be used for supplemental expensessuch as medical care, therapy, education, and personal carewithout affecting eligibility for disability benefits. However, the regulations governing these trusts are complex. Funds must be managed by a designated trustee and cannot be distributed directly to the beneficiary, as this could trigger disqualification from public benefits. Additionally, a child's needs evolve over time, making it critical to have a trust that can adapt to changing circumstances and legal requirements.By working with an experienced Pennsylvania special needs attorney, you can ensure that your childs special needs trust is legally sound, structured correctly, and customized to their specific requirements.Special Needs Planning for Families in PennsylvaniaAt Entrusted Legacy Law, we specialize in estate planning for children with disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental or intellectual disabilities. Our firm helps families create a comprehensive life care plan that provides financial security while safeguarding access to government benefits and essential support services.Whether you need help establishing a special needs trust, securing a legal guardian, or planning for long-term care and housing, our Pennsylvania special needs planning attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process.Contact Entrusted Legacy Law today to start creating a sustainable, secure future for your child with special needs.

Entrusted Legacy Law

Estate Planning 100 Pinewood Lane Suite #303, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 15086

Estate Planning for Everyone You Love and Everything You OwnHave you ever considered what would happenlegally and financiallyto you, your family, your assets, and everything you care about if the unexpected were to occur?If your estate plan is outdated or non-existent, your assets could be lost to the State Department of Unclaimed Property, subjected to an expensive and time-consuming probate process, or even end up in the wrong hands. Without a comprehensive estate plan, your loved ones may face unnecessary financial hardship, legal disputes, or court intervention at a time when they need certainty and protection the most.If you dont know exactly what would happen to everything you own and everyone you love, the first step is to gain clarity. You need to understand how your current estate plan (or lack thereof) will impact your family so you can make informed decisions about whether it truly aligns with your wishes.How Entrusted Legacy Law Helps You With Estate PlanningWe offer customized estate planning solutions designed to protect your family, preserve your wealth, and ensure your wishes are honored. Through our Life and Legacy Planning Session, we take the time to educate you on the legal, financial, and personal implications of your estate choices.Step 1: The Life and Legacy Inventory & AssessmentBefore your Life and Legacy Planning Session, you will complete a comprehensive estate inventory that outlines your financial assets, real estate holdings, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other valuable property. This step ensures that we have a full picture of your estate and can identify potential gaps in your asset protection strategy.Step 2: Creating a Personalized Estate PlanIf you decide that your current estate plan is inadequateor if you dont have one at allwe will work together to design a legally sound and strategically structured estate plan that meets your familys unique needs. The foundation of your estate plan will often include a revocable living trust, which allows you to transfer your assets into the trust while maintaining control during your lifetime.Benefits of a Revocable Living Trust: Avoid Probate Prevents the time-consuming and expensive court process that could otherwise delay asset distribution. Minimize Estate Taxes Helps reduce tax liabilities and protect your wealth for future generations. Ensure Privacy Unlike a will, which becomes public record, a trust ensures your estate remains private. Maintain Control Dictate how and when your assets are distributed to your heirs.For families with complex financial portfolios, business ownership, or special circumstances (such as blended families or special needs children), we offer advanced estate planning strategies tailored to your specific goals.Can You DIY Your Estate Plan?Many people wonder if they can create an estate plan using online templates or generic legal services. Unfortunately, most DIY estate plans fail when families need them the most. What often passes for "estate planning" is nothing more than basic document generation, where you answer a few questions and receive a generic template that may not fully protect your assets or your loved ones. No Personalization A generic template cannot address your unique family dynamics, financial situation, or specific legal concerns. Legal Loopholes Improperly structured wills or trusts may be contested in court, leaving your family in legal disputes. No Ongoing Maintenance Estate laws change, and without updates, your plan may become outdated and ineffective.At Entrusted Legacy Law, we dont just draft documentswe provide comprehensive estate planning services that ensure your estate plan actually works when it matters most. We take the time to understand your familys needs, educate you on your options, and create a legally enforceable, tax-efficient, and conflict-free estate plan that gives you peace of mind.Protecting Families & Minor Children Through Estate PlanningIf you are a parent with young children, your estate plan should begin with a solid foundation that ensures your children will always be taken care of, no matter what happens. Without the proper legal protections in place, your children could end up in the custody of someone you wouldnt have chosenor worse, under state guardianship.At Entrusted Legacy Law, we specialize in estate planning for families with minor children. We help parents:Name Legal Guardians Ensure your children are raised by trusted individuals of your choosing.Set Up Trusts for Minor Children Prevent financial mismanagement by appointing a responsible trustee to oversee assets.Establish Emergency Plans Provide clear instructions for immediate care in case of sudden incapacity or death.Whether youre planning for minor children, adult dependents, elderly parents, or a complex estate, we can guide you through the estate planning process with personalized strategies to protect your familys future.Secure Your Legacy With Entrusted Legacy LawEstate planning isnt just about who gets whatits about ensuring that your loved ones are financially secure, legally protected, and prepared for the future.If you want to create a comprehensive estate plan that reflects your wishes, avoids probate, minimizes taxes, and keeps your loved ones out of court and out of conflict, then now is the time to take action  Contact Entrusted Legacy Law today to schedule your Life and Legacy Planning Session and take the first step in protecting your family, your assets, and your future.

Entrusted Legacy Law

Elder Law 100 Pinewood Lane Suite #303, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 15086

Our Firm Prepares You for Life What makes our firm different is that we were built with the needs of growing families in mind. We understand you are BUSY, you are growing, you are planning for a life of prosperity and you value ease, convenience and efficiency. You are raising children, and caring for elderly parents, while also working hard to build your own nest egg for a lifetime of support. You want to know youve made the best decisions for your family and that your plan will work when your loved ones need it most. You want to make sure your minor children would be raised by the people you choose, and never by anyone you wouldnt want, and that your teens and adult children are properly prepared to care for you and what you leave behind.  You want to feel confident that youve made the right choices, and handled everything so that you arent leaving behind a mess, when something happens. That is our focus as well. Weve developed unique systems to give you the same access to a Personal Family Lawyer as was previously only available to the super-wealthy, so you can have the guidance you need to build and maintain a life of prosperity and wealth. And, to keep your family out of court and out of conflict, which is the greatest risk to the people you love and all you have created, even if youve already worked with a traditional lawyer or created documents online. Our Team Is Here for You We encourage communication with our clients. In fact, weve thrown out the time clocks so you never have to be afraid to call with a quick question. Everything we do is billed on a flat-fee basis, agreed to in advance, so there are never any surprises. We have a whole team to serve you. When you call our office to ask your quick question, you wont have to wait hours or days for a phone call back. Youll get your question answered, right away. And, if you need to schedule a more in-depth legal or strategic call with your Personal Family Lawyer, a call will be scheduled when you're both available and ready for the call so we can make the very best use of your time and not waste your time by leaving voicemail after voicemail back and forth. And, we ensure the most important details of your planning are followed through on and your plan continues to work throughout your lifetime. We have a funding coordinator to ensure your assets are owned the right way throughout your lifetime and none of your assets will end up going through a long, expensive court process or being lost to the state because they were missed after your death. Weve created unique membership programs to keep your plan up to date year in and year out as well as give you access to our Trusted Team of Legal Experts for guidance on ANY legal or financial matter. One day you will need a lawyer. I dont know why and I dont know when, but when you do, you will be grateful you can call on us and well be here to advise you or get you out of a jam. We Help You Transfer Your Life and Legacy Lastly, we believe your financial wealth is only a small part of your overall Life and Legacy Planning which is made up of your far more valuable and most often lost upon incapacity or death intellectual, spiritual and human assets. These assets are what make you who you are, and sum up whats most important to you. And, a survey of inheritors has revealed that what they care about even more than inheriting your money, is inheriting these intangible assets.   Most estate plans only focus on the transfer of your financial wealth to the next generation. Most people have such great intentions of passing on the intangible, but very few ever get around to it. Its just not a priority, until its too late. How much do you know about your grandparents values? Their most prized personal possessions? How they felt about you? What they had learned during their lifetime? If you are like most people, you know very little. Thats why we build the capture and passage of these most valuable assets into every estate plan we create. Not only will we help you pass on your money, but also your values, your insights, your stories and your experience the truly valuable assets your loved ones care about the most.  Weve developed a tool that allows us to capture and pass on your whole family wealth, including your Intellectual, Spiritual and Human assets.  I cant go into all of the details here, but well definitely talk about it when you come in for your Life and Legacy Planning Session.