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:

• 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 are recovering from surgery.

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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 does not 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.

• Do Your Research

It is 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. Make sure the agency is bonded and insured, in case something happens to the caregiver at your home.

• 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 are homebound
• Patients in need of physical, speech, or occupational therapy who are under the care of a doctor, have a plan of care that is 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
• 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 that you make the best decision for your family so that your parents are cared for during their golden years.

Consider consulting with an elder care coordinator at Bratton Law Group if you need more information on securing home care.

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