Health care within the home is becoming an increasingly viable option for many. Rather than send our loved ones to a facility, decreasing their quality of life as well as their savings, it makes sense to hire someone to work in the home. Here you will find information on the qualifications for home health care providers as well as practical advice about home care.
When Do I Need Home Care?
The decision to send a loved one to assisted living or a nursing home is not only difficult, it is extremely expensive. If your loved one needs gentle assistance with tasks of daily living such as taking medication, preparing meals, bathing, toileting, dressing, light housekeeping or shopping, you might consider home health care. Costs can vary from state to state, but in general, it will be less expensive to hire someone to come into your home. An added benefit is that your loved one will be able to stay in his home for a longer period of time.
What are the Costs Involved?
In general, the cost of a care facility can be from $5,000 to $10,000. For approximately 20 hours per week, at an average of $20 per hour, the cost of a home health care provider would be about $1,600 per month.
What is a Home Health Care Provider?
The term "home health care provider" covers a number of titles, all of which apply to people who may come into your home to help care for your loved one. The more education a person has, the higher the cost for care. The agency or individual will inform you of the hourly cost of each provider.
Homemaker/companion -- Provides assistance with tasks of daily living, including ambulation, bathing, eating, light housekeeping, preparation of meals and companionship. In certain cases, the companion might drive the patient to appointments or outings. Agency regulations and individuals may allow or prohibit this task for liability purposes. The homemaker or companion is not a licensed or certified position. Generally, people in this role are caring individuals who have had experience in some type of elder care. Some agencies provide training classes of their own for this position.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) -- Sometimes known as a home health aide, CNAs have a national certification process. Some states require certification for this position and others do not. Since regulations vary from state to state, you will have to check your state website to determine local requirements. The CNA usually performs many of the same tasks as the companion, but also is trained in basic nursing skills, nutrition and infectious disease control.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) -- A LPN has more training than a CNA and must be licensed in all states. The LPN will gather health history information, take vital signs, prepare and deliver injections, and assist patients with all activities of daily living.
Registered Nurse (RN) -- A registered nurse must receive an associate's degree, bachelor's degree or diploma from an approved nursing program. She must then pass a national licensing exam to obtain a license. All states require a license, and an RN may be licensed in more than one state. Having an RN for home health care is rare because it is usually cost prohibitive. There are a few occasions for a registered nurse to come to the home. Often an agency will send an RN for an initial patient intake, recording health history and vital signs. The registered nurse can assist with all activities of daily living, as well as assess patient conditions. (Bureau of Labor Statistics Information on Licensed Practical Nurses and Licenses Vocational Nurses).
Agency versus Individual
Sometimes you may be able to hire an individual as a companion for your loved one instead of using an agency. This may be more cost effective, or perhaps you found someone you really like. If you decide to hire a provider without using an agency, be certain to do a criminal and sex offender background check. Most local police stations will provide you with the necessary information for performing these searches. Agency benefits include necessary background checks as well as a team of providers at your disposal.
Important Reminders
Remind your loved one not to leave cash or credit cards in plain sight. Remove all papers containing personal information such as social security numbers. If you have small, valuable objects that do not need to be on display, put them in storage.
Check with your state licensing board to ensure that all licenses and certifications of the individual are up to date and there are no pending actions or complaints against the provider.
Sex offender registries vary by state. You can search the registry maintained by your state (search "state name" + "sex offender registry") or check the Federal Bureau of Investigation website.
Tags: home health, your loved, daily living, home health care, health care, health care