When you are looking for home care for a family member or a friend, the cost is a significant consideration. Statistics consistently reflect home care is highly beneficial and allows an elderly person to remain in the comfort of their own home while recovering from an acute illness or surgery, as well as being more cost-effective.
Fortunately, home care costs are substantially less than other types of senior care, such as assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. There are various levels of care available for the senior population.
With all the expenses to consider, how home health agencies set their prices will help you choose which agency takes care of your loved one.
Frequently, home health aides assist elderly patients with activities of daily living, grooming, bathing, housekeeping, meal preparation as well as companionship. While home health aides are utilized most, one can choose to employ private duty nurses or a live-in caregiver at a significantly higher price.
Except for a live-in caregiver, most home care personnel charge an hourly rate. These individuals can be obtained privately or through an in-home health care agency. Although retaining services through an agency may cost 20-30 percent higher than a privately hired caregiver.
Another bonus to going with an agency includes strict regulations & policies, a background check, tax deductions, and a replacement caregiver for absences/ vacation coverage when the primary caregiver is unavailable. The national average for hourly home care is roughly $21 hourly, depending on the level of care required. Home care costs usually vary from state to state ranging from $15.75 – $28 hourly.
There are times where a senior requires a professional healthcare provider such as a skilled nurse, physical or occupational therapist. These disciplines are often paid per visit, some estimates for these services are as follows:
This directly effects how in-home health agencies set prices.
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) provides certain coverages for in-home health care. In some cases, the entire costs may be covered, while in other circumstances, the organization will assist veterans in reducing their expenditures for in-home health services. These benefits will vary based on the veteran’s military record, rank, and years of service.
Medicare doesn’t cover receiving care for activities of daily living. However, medical care necessities are included, such as skilled nursing — wound care, IV therapy, medication management, diabetic education, physical or occupational therapy, or a medical social worker. All recipients must meet homebound status criteria to receive any of the above-listed services.
Medicaid is a state and government-sponsored program designed to serve low-income families. This coverage offers an extreme difference from Medicare by covering a patient’s non-medical and medical needs.
Of course, self-payment is always an option for patients in need of senior health care. There are various utilization choices for obtaining self-payment; reverse mortgages, home care loans, long term care insurance.
In closing, as previously mentioned, there are multiple ways of coverage for in-home health services that can be obtained by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or self-payment. In some situations, a family member becomes the primary caregiver who is a mutual benefit and great comfort to both involved parties.
In this case, one could apply to the state for in-home support services compensation. When the time arises to retain in-home health support for a parent or grandparent, its crucial for each family to find a service that at an affordable rate to avoid further hardship / financial strain. This ensures their needs are met to allow the patient to reach their highest level of functioning potential daily.
For any questions or additional information on how in-home health agencies set prices, please feel free to email me – Shannonsmgarr@aol.com.
