The Financial Realities of High-Quality Home Care

Author

BrightStar Care

For more information about the author, click to view their website: BrightStar Care

Posted on

Jul 19, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

“In the last 10 years, there’s been this push to try to get people long-term care in a home setting, and particularly their own home,” Bowblis said. “Home health aides play a very important part in allowing people to … stay at home longer.”1

However, the Home-Based Care Pain Points and Opportunities in 2022 report from Home Health Care News (HHCN) and AlayaCare found that 80% of surveyed home health and home care providers indicated they are turning away referrals due to employee churn and staffing capacity.2

The Cost of Quality: Caregivers

Clearly, attracting and retaining in-home caregivers has become a significant challenge in today’s tight labor market. In order to meet the ever-increasing demand, wages need to rise to compete with non-healthcare jobs that require comparable education levels, such as customer service, retail or hospitality.

2021 Median Pay Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Home Health and Personal Care Aides3	$14.15 per hour $29,430 per year
Customer Service Representative4	$17.75 per hour $36,920 per year
Information Clerks (e.g. Hotel Front Desk)5	$18.01 per hour $37,450 per year

The Cost of Quality: Nurses

The Nurse Salary Research Report from Nurse.com,6 revealed that 25% of all nurse respondents (RNs, APRNs, LPNs/LVNs) indicated their salaries grew during the pandemic. In addition to the higher salaries reported by RNs and LPNs themselves, the overall cost of employing high-quality nurses for in-home health care also includes significant signing bonuses, benefits, training and general operating costs.

But it wasn’t just changes in the healthcare sector — the entire U.S. economy experienced (and is still experiencing) soaring inflation. According to SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), in May of 2022, we hit the highest inflation rate in 40 years, pushing wages up with bigger and more frequent pay raises for employees.7

While the overall inflation rate was reported at 8.6%, gas was up 48.7%, drastically affecting nurses and caregivers who help clients in their homes. Often driving up to 40 miles round trip to see a client, in-home providers aren’t able to work remotely like others in today’s workforce.

Home Care Headwinds

The industry-wide staffing challenge is quantified in HHCN’s Pain Points report, which polled 145 home health and home care providers between December 15, 2021 and January 10, 2022. Recruiting and hiring — followed by employee retention and churn — are the top business inefficiencies reported by home-based care providers. As you can see by the chart below, turnover rates have increased each year.

National Average Turnover Rates8
	2019	2020	2021
Registered Nurses	20.55%	25.85%	32.25%
Home Care Aides		36.53%	38.05%

Source: 2021-2022 Home Care Salary & Benefits Report from Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS). The report is published in cooperation wiht the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC).

Quality Care Solutions

Home care providers truly want to deliver the best care possible to their clients and their families, but the reality is that it’s costing employers more to recruit, hire and retain high-quality caregivers.2

75% of respondents reported an increase in the cost of care due to staffing shortages.	40% of respondents reported they increased the use of contract labor to mitigate staffing shortages in 2021.

As with many things in life, “you get what you pay for,” which is why it’s crucial for in-home care companies to offer compensation that attracts and rewards at-home caregivers. When nurses and caregivers are paid well and receive meaningful benefits, clients reap the rewards of high-quality, happy providers.

Other ways to ensure that clients receive quality assistance at home include:

offering robust training and development for caregivers,
providing career paths for continued growth,
investing in technology to improve the employee experience,
creating a culture of connection and support for nurses and caregivers,
utilizing contracted caregivers.

Concerned family members are extremely appreciative of those friendly, skilled and helpful caregivers who assist their loved ones with activities of daily living — so they can remain in their homes longer. We make it possible.

To view the original version of this article visit www.brightstarcare.com/about-brightstar-care/resources/financial-realities-high-quality-home-care/
Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.

Other Articles You May Like

Plastic Surgery Postoperative Care: Fort Myers & Cape Corals #1 Best Caregiver Option.

Plastic Surgery Postoperative CareAre you having plastic surgery in Fort Myers or Cape Coral? If so, you should consider your plastic surgery postoperative care plans. You may need the help and support of a professional caregiver from Abby Services.Plastic surgery postoperative care plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal healing and recovery following surgical procedures. Whether its a facelift, breast augmentation, liposuction, or any other cosmetic surgery, the proper care after the operation significantly impacts the final results. Here are some essential aspects of plastic surgery postoperative care.First and foremost, following the surgeons instructions is paramount. They will provide specific guidelines tailored to the patients procedure and individual needs. These instructions may include details on wound care, medication management, and any restrictions on activities. Adhering to these instructions diligently is essential for promoting proper healing and minimizing complications. When working with a private caregiver it is important to share any plastic surgery postoperative care instructions.Proper wound care is vital in plastic surgery postoperative care. Keeping the incision sites clean and dry is crucial to prevent infections. Patients are often advised to clean the incisions with mild soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment as directed, and cover them with sterile dressings.Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon allow them to monitor the healing progress and address any concerns.Pain management is another critical aspect of postoperative care. Surgeons may prescribe pain medications to alleviate discomfort during the recovery period. Its important for patients to take medications as prescribed and communicate with their doctors about their pain levels.Additionally, applying cold compresses and keeping the surgical areas elevated can help reduce swelling and pain.Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for healing after plastic surgery. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein supports tissue repair and recovery. Staying hydrated aids in flushing out toxins and promotes healthy circulation.Physical activity should be limited as advised by the surgeon. Its crucial to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during the initial recovery phase to prevent complications and ensure the incisions heal properly.Finally, emotional support plays a significant role in the postoperative period. Undergoing plastic surgery can be an emotional experience, and patients may benefit from the support of loved ones or even professional counseling if needed.In conclusion, plastic surgery postoperative care is a comprehensive process that involves following the surgeons instructions, maintaining proper wound care, managing pain, practicing good nutrition and hydration, limiting physical activity, and seeking emotional support. By adhering to these guidelines, patients can optimize their recovery and achieve the best possible outcomes from their cosmetic surgery procedures.Do you need Plastic Surgery Postoperative care and assistance?If you are asking yourself if you need plastic surgery postoperative care and support, chances are you do. The best person to ask is your physician. Often the answer is a resounding yes. For many, plastic postoperative care is provided by a spouse, family, or friend. Arrangements for postoperative support should be made well in advance. How much postoperative support do you need?Once again, your physician is the one best suited to answer this question. Typically plastic surgery postoperative care is required for the first 24-48 hours. This is to provide support as needed, monitor for complications, and assist as necessary to avoid injury. What can your caregiver assist with?Your plastic surgery postoperative caregiver can assist with many things. The goal is to help you remain independent after your procedure and help to insure you are supported and safe while recovering from anesthesia, and the procedure itself.Your physician will most likely have standard post-operative instructions. These are important to share with your postoperative caregiver. They will share what to expect, complications to monitor for, activity limitations, when to contact the physician, and other important information.There are limitations to what your postoperative caregiver can assist with. These are often things that require a higher skill level such as an RN. Fortunately, by working together with your physicians office there is often an RN available as a resource. Abby Services also has an in-house RN to help you plan and guide your postoperative care. Our nurse, Scott Strachan has the experience and training to help families develop a personalized care plan that addresses the unique needs of plastic surgery postoperative patients. With our support and input, you can develop a postoperative care plan that delivers stability, support, and quality of life.Together with postoperative instructions provided by your physician, we can work with you to develop clear expectations and guidelines for your private care provider By considering your specific situation combined with your physicians information, we can help to ensure the in-home caregiver you work with has the tools necessary to be sure you have a safe and speedy recovery.Your caregiver can assist with the following:BathingDressingTransfersFall PreventionLaundryGroomingHomecarelight housekeepingincontinenceTransportationErrandsDo you need short term or extended postoperative caregiver support?Short or long term, Abby Services can help. The caregivers we refer can assist you with all of your in-home caregiver needs short or long-term.Caregivers are available for as little as 4 hours one time, all the way through 24/7, to provide in-home support for as long as you need. Often we simply do not know how much postoperative support we need or for how long. Thats why its important to have the backing of Abby Services to help insure you have access to the best caregivers in Fort Myers and Cape Coral.How to arrange for plastic surgery postoperative care.Should you need the support and assistance of a plastic surgery post-operative caregiver you simply need to call Abby Services at 239-590-0861. Our professionals can answer any questions you have and provide you with the resources to get the help you need. All arrangements can be made by email. You will need to complete a service agreement and provide payment. Abby Services accepts all major credit cards, or ACH payment using your checking account.The following are plastic surgeons in the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area we are proud to have worked with:Prendiville Facial Plastic Surgery Garramone Plastic Surgery

In-home care Contracts, Cancellation, and Cash. What you don't know CAN hurt you.

What do we mean by, In-home care Contracts, Cancellation, and Cash can hurt you?, it seems a little over dramatic. The reality is many seniors and their families seeking in-home care may not fully understand (or may be deceived) by In-home care contracts, an in-home care cancellation policy, or a deposit for in-home care.What does Abby Services know about in-home care contracts, cancellation policies, and deposits?Abby Services has been helping seniors and families seeking in-home caregivers in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and surrounding areas since 1997. In that time we have seen and heard many stories of how unclear contracts, cancellation policies, and deposits have hurt consumers.Our business was started to help connect seniors with the in-home caregivers they need to remain safe and independent at home. What seems simple can become quite complex. We have worked with many family members entrusted to help manage a seniors limited resources. Using our experience and expertise we will try to break down the details below.In-Home Care Contracts: A Necessary EvilWhen seniors and their families are evaluating in-home care options the choices can be overwhelming. This is further clouded by deceptive practices advertising NO CONTRACT.It makes sense that families would desire a no-contract option for in-home care. Typically a no-contract option is presented to families as a way to deceive them into believing they have a limited commitment to an in-home care service.What many families are not aware of is that there is are in fact in-home care contracts in place . Sometimes a service will simply call the contract an agreement caregiver arrangement or any other verbiage other than contract. These arrangements are still contracts that outline important expectations, requirements, and obligations.Other services that advertise No Contract may not have an upfront contract however every time a caregiver visits their loved one, they are asked to sign a contract agreeing to pay. Again this is still a contract.Some Services that do have in-home care contracts, will have long confusing multi-page documents that are filled with legal jargon and confusing provisions and terminology.How Abby Services approaches In-Home Care Contracts.At Abby Services our belief is that an informed consumer is a happy consumer. In the state of Florida, we are required to review specific information with clients. This is included in our in-home care contracts (we sometimes refer to this as a service agreement). Our service agreement is a one page document that clearly and concisely outlines what charges to expect, your cancellation policy, as well as information we are required to provide to clients and their families. Yes there is an contract (as there should be). However, the in-home caregiver contract is clear and concise to avoid misunderstanding and misleading a consumer. We provide this contract freely to the consumer to review and understand.In-Home Care Cancellation PoliciesIn-Home care cancellation policies are important. They clearly define to clients, caregivers, and services like Abby Services what to expect. As discussed above, contracts that include clearly defined cancellation policies are important to avoid misunderstanding. What to watch out for when reviewing cancellation policies.When evaluating In-Home care cancellation policies it is important to ensure that they are clear but also that they are fair and flexible. Unfortunately, the circumstances requiring in-home care can change quickly. Not all cancellation policies recognize this fact. Just recently we spoke with a client who was upset. They signed a contract with a large national franchise that required a 2-week cancellation notice.If you are seeking in-home care in Fort Myers or Cape Coral this is not standard, it is not ok, nor is it acceptable. A 2-week cancellation policy in this clients case would have required a client to lose their 2-week deposit and limited their options and opportunities when seeking care. The client simply wanted to cancel because the large in-home care franchise took away a caregiver the client liked.Abby Services In-Home Caregiver Cancellation PolicyAbby Services has a clearly defined cancellation policy that is fair and flexible. This helps to protect both the clients and caregivers we work with. The section on our agreement reads as follows:Termination of Services: I agree that scheduled shifts may be canceled with at least 4 hours advance notice by calling 239-590-0861. Please leave a message with the details of your call. Failure to cancel within 4 hours, or refusal of scheduled service, may result in billing for 4 hours of service.What this means is that you can cancel at any time with just 4 hours advance notice. This is a courtesy to the caregiver who has made arrangements to provide their services. Cancellation can be made simply by calling our phone number and leaving a message (if after hours).If within the 4-hour time frame, we reserve the right to invoice for just 4 hours of service as a way for you to compensate your caregiver. In-home care deposits.In-Home care deposits are what we are referring to when we say in-home care cash. Why? Honestly, it seemed like a clever title. The reality is that different in-home care services approach deposits differently. In the example above the service required a 2-week deposit. This combined with the limiting nature of their contract seemed extremely excessive and is why we chose to write this entry.Lets face it. It would be great if we could do everything on a handshake. Like many other businesses, we have had to manage client and family non-payment. A deposit is typically an attempt to balance the risk of non- payment.Abby Services approach to customer depositsAt Abby Services we have identified a great way to handle In-Home Care deposits, we dont take them.Thats right, at Abby Services, we do not require a customer deposit. We are able to accomplish this using a client payment processing platform called Ally. By using this system, clients can be invoiced by their caregivers quickly and efficiently. This minimizes delays in billing and payment and eliminates the need for a deposit.When choosing an in-home care service its important to call Abby Services.When choosing an in-home caregiver service for yourself or a loved one we always encourage families to call around. Dont take our word for it. You should carefully evaluate what others say. Pay close attention to the in-home care contracts you are presented.Hopefully armed with this information you can make an educated choice and understand that No-Contract doesnt exactly mean what customers are sometimes led to believe. You should also pay close attention to deposit and cancellation policies.If you have any questions you can always call Abby Services at 239-590-0861. We are here to help.

How Can I Pay For In Home Senior Care?

If youre 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? Whats 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 isnt 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 ones specific needs.Home care can be a cost-effective option than many people realize and its an appropriate use of your loved ones 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 ones 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.Whats 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 members needs.What to Ask a Home Care AgencyWhen it comes to paying an agency, there are a few questions youll want to ask. Although answers to some of these questions will be included in the agency contract, its 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 CareThere 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 PocketPaying with personal funds helps cover services when you or your loved ones 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 InsuranceThanks 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 BenefitsVA health care benefits are available for eligible veterans and some benefits extend to the veterans 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 theyll help you determine if your loved one is eligible.5. MedicaidEach 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 states 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 ExperienceMost 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 youll 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

View Details

BrightStar Care of Naples & Ft Myers

Home Health 2545 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Naples, Florida, 34119

BrightStar Care is a leading in-home care agency that has been serving Lee and Collier counties since 2006. With a wealth of experience spanning 18 years, we have become a trusted name in providing compassionate and professional care to individuals within the comfort of their own homes. At BrightStar Care, we offer a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of our clients, including both Medical and Non-Medical Care. Our non-medical care, also referred to as non-skilled care, includes assistance with IADLs such as transportation, meal preparation, medication reminders light housekeeping, laundry and ADLs such as assistance with personal care needs, transferring, and feeding. Our medical care, also referred to as skilled care, services encompass more complex medical needs with care being provided by an LPN or RN. Some of the Skilled services we offer include case management, medication management, medication administration and teaching, wound care and wound vac, disease education and monitoring, IV treatments and line maintenance, catheter and ostomy care, home safety evaluation and much more. In addition to non-skilled and skilled care, BrightStar Care takes pride in offering physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) services. Our team of licensed therapists collaborates closely with clients to develop personalized treatment plans, aiding in the restoration of independence, improvement of mobility, and enhancement of overall quality of life. Another aspect that sets BrightStar Care apart is our medical staffing services. We understand the significance of having qualified and reliable healthcare professionals in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Through our medical staffing solutions, we provide healthcare organizations with certified nursing assistants, skilled nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals on either a temporary or permanent basis. As an organization, we hold the prestigious Joint Commission Accreditation, which represents the gold standard in healthcare. This accreditation validates our commitment to delivering the highest standard of in-home care through quality and safety. Our dedication to providing top-notch care is further exemplified by our rigorous care team member selection and training processes. We carefully choose and train our care team members to ensure they possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and compassion to provide exceptional care to our clients. Furthermore, our thorough screening process, including background checks, drug testing, and reference verifications, instills peace of mind in our clients. Additionally, all our care team members undergo extensive hands-on training with our Director of Nursing, which includes comprehensive skills review, disease-specific training programs, as well as Dementia Live and our own Alzheimer's training called Bright Connections. What truly distinguishes us, however, is our genuine commitment to providing personalized care tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Our Rns create a comprehensive personalized plan of cares for each client. We believe in cultivating meaningful relationships with our clients and their families, creating a warm and supportive environment that promotes overall well-being which is why we created our own program called Purposeful Engagements.In recognition of our efforts to provide peace of mind to clients and their families, BrightStar Care has received numerous awards, including the Home Care Pulse awards for Provider of Choice, Employer of Choice, and Leader in Excellence. When it comes to in-home care, BrightStar Care is the agency of choice for those seeking exceptional care, compassion, and support. Our mission is to enhance the lives of our clients, enabling them to live comfortably and independently in their own homes through delivering a higher standard of in home care and providing peace of mind. Having proudly served Lee and Collier counties for over 18 years, we are excited to continue delivering exceptional in-home care services to our community.