As we age, certain tasks become more difficult. We may have difficulty with basic household chores, hygiene or we may have medical needs with which we require help.
Still, not everyone wants to or can afford to stay in a residential care facility when they can no longer care for themselves. You may just want to stay in the comfort of your home during your elder years.
Two services that can help you stay in your home if you need help caring for yourself on your own include home care services and home health care services.
Home care services
Home care involves services given to assist people with home-based tasks. Home care does not offer medical services. Some examples of home care include help with:
- Bathing and dressing
- Cleaning
- Cooking
- Being transported to appointments and other places
- Receiving company and companionship
Home care costs, on average, nearly $5,000 monthly. Still, it is more affordable than a stay in a residential care facility.
Private insurance, long-term care insurance, life insurance and reverse mortgage loans can help pay for home care, at least in part.
You cannot pay for home care with Medicare. If you are eligible, you can pay for home care with Medicaid. You must meet specific financial and care requirements.
Home health care services
Home health care provides clients with medical services given by a certified aide. A doctor must recommend or order home health care for it to be covered by your health insurance.
Some examples of home health care include:
- Giving shots or infusions
- Help recovering from injuries or operations
- Managing a client’s chronic health conditions
- Inserting IVs
- Physical therapy
Medicare may cover home health care services if you have a doctor’s prescription, and the services are considered a necessary component of a Medicare care plan. You must have Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B and meet other requirements.
Long-term care planning and staying in your home
If you want to stay in your home during your elder years, it is important to make home care and home health care part of your long-term care plan.
Specifically, you want to plan ahead on paying for these services when the time comes. You can purchase long-term care insurance or a life insurance policy while you are still in good health. You can also make sure you will qualify for Medicare or Medicaid and that you understand what these policies will and will not cover.
With the right planning, you can stay in your home as you age.
