ComForCare Home Care - North Colorado Springs

Important paperwork and documents are markers of adulthood, and they become even more important as we age. While we should all strive to have our documents in order, the practice is critical as we grow older.  We never plan to fall ill or become disabled, but it can happen to any of us. Older adults must have their affairs in order so that they and their families are as prepared as possible in the event of an emergency.  Dealing with documents can be overwhelming for seniors, and as a caregiver or family member, you can help make the process much more manageable. Heres what you need to know about helping your older loved one get their documents in order: Types of Important Documents There are many different documents that seniors need to have sorted. Some of the most common include: Financial DocumentsTax returnsBank account information Pensions, 401(k), annuity contractsProperty deedsVehicle titlesDocumentation of all loans and debtsFinancial power of attorneyPersonal RecordsSocial security number and cardBirth certificateMarriage license or divorce papersDrivers licensePassport or any other IDContact information for close friends, relatives, doctors, financial advisors, etc. A list and explanation of regular medications Legal documents including a will Health CareHealth care preferences clearly outlined in a living will Health care proxy/power of attorneyPersonal medical history Health insurance cards Allergies or medical conditionsEmergency information End-of-Life DocumentsEvery adult should have documents in place regarding estate planning and end-of-life, just in case. This is even more urgent for older adults. Families of seniors who pass away without end-of-life documents will face more financial and legal chaos than they need to. Your older loved one should have:Life insurance policy informationTrust documentsA willEnd-of-life instructionsStore Important Documents Gathering important documents for your older loved one is only the first step. For the documents to be useful, they must be accessible. They should be sorted and stored in a master box, which should be kept in a safe place. When possible, create electronic copies that you can store on a save drive via cloud storage or an external hard drive. 

These days, thanks to modern medicine, people are living longer and longer. The majority of people will require long term care at some point in their lifetime. Many of these seniors prefer to age in place and stay in the comfort of their own homes, but they and their families may worry about the associated costs. Below we address how to plan for in-home caregiver cost.In-home caregivers cost less than you think, especially when compared to nursing homes and other assisted living facilities. Exact in-home care costs vary based on factors like your location and the levels of care needed. There are multiple avenues of financial assistance like life insurance policies, Veterans benefits, or a reverse mortgage. Community-based services can also help families pay for home care and home health services for the older adults in their lives.As you develop a long-term care plan for yourself or a loved one, several factors must be considered, such as ones current and future medical needs, family support system, and budget. Since 90% of people 65+ want to stay in their homes for as long as possible, in-home care is a popular option. As your loved ones needs change over time, ComForCare works with you to make changes to the schedule and routine.Do you need help paying for home care? To find out more about the ComForCare pay schedule and costs or meet with some of our compassionate in-home caregivers, reach out to us now.Find Your Closest LocationHow much does in-home care cost?Since 2004, senior care cost (both in-home care and at senior living communities) has steadily increased, averaging 1.5-3.8% per year. In-home elder care costs depend on where you live as prices can vary greatly by market. According to Genworths 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the median price for a home health aide is $26 an hour in the U.S. (Note: rates vary by location, hours a week, and types of care; please contact us to inquire about home care pricing in your area.)At that rate, it would cost about $50,000 per year for 40 hours of in-home care a week. To compare, the average cost for a semi-private room in a nursing home is $89,292 a year.  Paying for care at home what are my options?In-home care, homemaker services, and other personal care services are typically paid for out-of-pocket. However, thats not always the case. Here are eight other ways you may be able to cover long-term care costs and make in-home care payments:  Long-term care insurance is a supplemental policy purchased through a life insurance company. Long-term care insurance reimburses policyholders a set amount per day for home care services. It's vital to know your insurance coverage options and life insurance benefits inside and out. Contact your private health insurance or life insurance policy provider to see if this is an option for you.Veterans Pension provides a home care allowance to qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses. Visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits to learn more about the assistance available from the Department of Veterans Affairs.Catastrophic auto insurance acts as a personal-injury protection or no fault insurance, which can cover home care expenses.Workers compensation may cover home care costs associated with an illness or accident on the job.Reverse mortgages are available to people 62+ who own their home. The funds can be received in monthly installments or a lump sum. Check with your or your loved ones bank for eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions.Medicaid may cover home care services and nursing services through a waiver program, which varies by state. The waiver programs are often coordinated through Area Agencies on Aging. Contact us to see if we participate in a waiver program. Its important to note, Medicare does not pay for long-term home care services. Medicare covers short-term home health care prescribed by a physician. These services include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Assistance with bathing, feeding, meal preparation, and other personal care may also be provided while a person is receiving home health care and support with the tasks of daily living.Area Agencies on Aging provide a variety of services (including in-home care) to adults 60 and older. Services provided through local agencies are determined by performing a community needs assessment and vary by location. To find your local AAA, go to www.eldercare.gov and search by your ZIP code or call 800-677-1116 to speak with a specialist.Family funds can be set up among siblings and other family members to cover the cost of home care for an aging parent or relative. Be sure to clearly spell out the terms of the agreement and consult an elder law attorney for guidance.Provide Relief for Family Caregivers with Quality In-Home Care from ComForCarePaying for in-home care services is just one part of the long-term care process. Check with your or your loved ones insurance about coverage or contact us for a free insurance eligibility verification. At ComForCare, we can connect you with resources and programs that can help ease the financial burden of in-home care.If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation, call 800-886-4044 or find a ComForCare Home Care location for affordable home care options near you.

Chronic diseaseslike arthritis, diabetes, dementia, and heart diseaseaffect seniors at an increasingly high rate. According to the National Council on Aging, almost 95% of adults over 65 are living with at least one chronic health condition. Nearly 80% live with two or more. Because these illnesses each come with their own special safety and wellness concerns, many people worry that their loved ones wont be able to continue living at home in old age. But if your loved one has a chronic condition, new technologies are making it easier and safer than ever before for them to age in place while managingand even optimizingtheir health. Whether used alone or as an integral part of an in-home care service, smart technology is shaping the future of elder care for the better.5 Ways Smart Technology Can Help Seniors Manage Chronic Conditions at HomeAdaptive Smart Home EquipmentSmart home technology isnt only good for asking a virtual assistant how many ounces are in a cup (although that is a handy feature!). Smart devices can make homes safer for older people in a wide variety of ways, from home security to controlling the comfort of their environments.Voice AssistantsVoice assistants can help seniors stay current with the news, make shopping lists, order groceries, and more. They can also be paired with other devices, making it easy for seniors to open doors, operate the lights, and do other tasks with a simple voice command. This is especially helpful for those with arthritis, limited mobility, or vision impairments!For example, voice assistants can be programmed to automatically keep the thermostat at the ideal temperature to manage arthritis. They can also automatically turn lights on when visibility is low, mitigating trip and fall hazards.Elderly Safety DevicesTechnology like video doorbells and smart locks can protect seniors and enhance their sense of safety at home. They allow older adults living alone to speak to unknown visitors before opening the door, monitor packages and delivery services, and more. They can even automatically lock doors at night.Devices like smart smoke alarms can also defend seniors against fire hazards, which are a significant threat to people over 65. Beyond sounding the usual fire alarm, these devices can automatically call first responders and send alerts to your phone or tablet when the batteries are running low. These features give seniors with physical limitations plenty of time to get help.Medication AssistanceDepending on the level of assistance your loved one needs, there are plenty of options available for keeping track of medications. Seniors can easily set up daily medication reminders using a virtual assistant. Smart pill dispensers can even be programmed to dispense the correct dosage of medicine at the same time of day for ultimate peace of mind.Remote Patient MonitoringRemote patient monitoring (RPM) has been gaining attention recently as a way for health care providers to monitor and manage chronic conditions with fewer hospital visits. But did you know it can also be used to help in-home caregivers promote security, stability, and independence for seniors who live at home?Using advanced, non-intrusive sensors and Bluetooth-enabled health devices, caregivers can record and track a persons vital signs remotely and in real time. These devices may include:Wearable smartwatchesPulse oximetersBlood pressure monitorsWeight scalesGlucometers for blood sugarMoreMore seniors can stay at home for longer with this kind of proactive approach, which ensures that chronic conditions arent progressing. And if anything does change, the persons entire care team will know to make interventions early on.Fall Detection and PreventionThe CDC estimates that one out of every four adults over 65 fall each year, and that of those, less than half report the incident to their doctors. Even small falls can have major health consequences, which is why preventing fallsand reporting the ones that do happenis so crucial for seniors living at home.Todays smart home systems can track a persons usual movement patterns and alert trusted caregivers if they stray from baseline. Artificial intelligence has given us the power to predict when a persons fall risk increases. Then, caregivers can make safety adjustments to the home environment as soon as possible.In the event of a fall, these detection systems can alert loved ones, caregivers, and/or emergency services, if necessary, to make a wellness check. The earlier a person gets help after a fall, the better their chances of making a full recovery. Virtual Telehealth & Caregiver Check-InsSometimes, older adults with chronic health conditions dont need a great deal of assistance with personal care and daily tasks. However, they could still benefit from regular check-ins with their medical team and qualified caregivers. Telehealth makes it easier for these seniors to remain independent while still receiving the care, attention, and social support they need.With daily virtual calls, seniors can build real relationships with knowledgeable and understanding caregivers. They know theyll always have a partner in their ongoing wellness and someone to talk to when they need it. Research suggests that this kind of social engagement can prevent chronic conditions from worsening, which can translate to more years spent independently at home.How Connected Care from ComForCare Can HelpConnected Care is ComForCares remote patient monitoring program, which offers proactive, preventative care interventions through tools just like these. Perfect for a range of diverse needs, our unique and robust support fosters engagement, empowerment, and connectivity that allows people to embrace and extend their independence.As a next-generation senior care service, Connected Care can help seniors even when a caregiver isnt physically in the home. Whether its used as a standalone service or as part of an in-person care plan, Connected Care can support seniors with:Fall detectionWellness monitoringDaily virtual callsChronic disease managementLearn more about Connected Care here and contact our team to find out if this service is available near you!Make Home a Safe Place to Age GracefullyMost older people want to continue living at home for as long as possible. And as technology advances, it becomes increasingly safe for them to do so. Smart devices, AI, and other advancements can be powerful tools for caregivers as they seek to empower the people in their care to feel dignified and independent in their golden years.Still, technology is no replacement for skilled, dedicated, and compassionate care. If youre interested in learning more about how ComForCare can help you make your loved ones home environment a safe and healthy place to age, check out our comprehensive in-home care services. And if you have questions, help is always available online or over the phone!

Finding a home care service for yourself or an aging loved one is one of the most important decisions you can make. Over three-quarters of adults want to age in place, and you want to ensure that youre receiving the highest level of care. But in this time of transition, one aspect of the senior care search tends to weigh heavy: the cost.At ComForCare, we understand that financing care is one of the most pressing concerns families have during this process. Thats why weve created this guide with several frequently asked questions about affording in-home care. What In-Home Care Services Does Medicare Cover?Medicare eligibility can be quite limited when it comes to home health services. Part-time or intermittent home health aide services are listed as eligible home health services. However, you must meet all of these criteria to qualify:You are under a doctor's care, and care services are created and reviewed regularly by that doctor.A doctor must certify that you need:Intermittent skilled nursing care other than drawing blood, ORPhysical therapy, speech-language pathology, or continued occupational therapy services.You must be homebound.Of course, not all seniors who need a helping hand also need skilled nursing care. Thats where home care services come in. We can assist with daily living activities for seniors who need it, even if they arent homebound or need regular at-home medical care.What is Skilled Nursing Care and How is it Different from Home Care?Home care services like ComForCare help with eating, dressing, personal hygiene, shopping, cleaning, and more. The care is non-medical and intended for older adults who need a helping hand around the house for their safety.Skilled nursing care can provide these services as well, but the key difference is that medical care is also involved. A doctor can prescribe home health care and determine if you or your loved one requires such services.Does Medicare Reimburse Home Care Service Provided by Family Members?Medicare does not cover any care unless it is provided by a licensed caregiver. Thats part of what makes finding a home care provider an appealing option. Taking care of someoneeven someone you loveis labor for which you dont receive compensation without certification. While paying for home care may seem intimidating, it can save you a great deal in the long run. Heres How:Decreased chance for your loved one to experience falls or condition complications, preventing hospital expenses and pain.Decreased need to take PTO or leave work to provide care. Fewer costs related to your own health and stress levels.Is Home Care Affordable Compared to Other Senior Care Services?Believe it or not, home care tends to be the least expensive senior care option available. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average national cost of a private room in a nursing home was an astronomical $108,405 in 2021. Assisted living facility costs, meanwhile, came in at an average of $54,000 for the same year. While home care costs vary depending on the persons specific needs, they typically fall below these numbers. Plus, you get the advantage of receiving high-quality care in the comfort and dignity of your own homenot competing for space in a basic or shared facility room.How Can I Get Help Paying for In-Home Care Services?Financing home care for yourself or a loved one can, understandably, feel impossible at first. If so, youre not aloneup to 41% of Americans over 50 dont believe that they will be able to stay in their current home and community. But at ComForCare, we hope to change that.We offer flexible home care options, from full-time to part-time care. Our caregivers can start by filling in gaps when family members are handling other obligations like work. If your familys needs change, we can always work with you to change the schedule. Were also happy to share resources for financing care, which may include:Veterans benefitsLong-term insuranceWorkers compensation Life insuranceReverse mortgage or home equity loansAnnuities, investments, and savingsBottom Line: Home Care is a More Realistic Option Than You Think!Respecting the wishes of your loved ones isnt impossible. At ComForCare, we work with each family to create a top-quality home care plan that wont cause an undue financial burden. Even if youre just beginning your journey to in-home care, call us at (800) 886-4044 today to ask us anything, 24/7. Were ready to help you find the perfect caregiver!