Navigating the complexities of elderly care can be overwhelming, especially when trying to ensure that our loved ones receive continuous support in the comfort of their homes. The notion of “24-hour care” is a solution that many families consider, offering a combination of medical attention, daily assistance, and companionship throughout the day and night.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 5 steps on how to get 24 hour care for elderly at home, ensuring peace of mind for both the individual and their families. Let’s first have a look at what 24 hours care is and what it includes.
What 24 hour Care Includes
24 hour home care, which is part of Non-Medical Care Services refers to continuous, round-the-clock care provided to individuals, typically the elderly or those with specific health needs, within the comfort of their homes. It ensures that the person receives assistance, monitoring, and companionship throughout the day and night.
In a 24-hour care setting, especially in a home environment, most non-intensive needs of the elderly can be covered. Here’s a breakdown of what can typically be covered and potential limitations:
| What Is Covered in 24-hour Home Care | Potential Limitations of 24-hour Home Care |
|---|---|
| Basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) | Intensive Medical Needs |
| Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) | Emergency Care |
| Companionship | Specialized Therapies |
| Medication Reminders | Equipment Limitations |
| Mobility Assistance | Burnout and Continuity |
| Health Monitoring | Costs |
| Specialized Care (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer’s care) | (Additional limitations can be added or expanded upon in detail as needed) |
For more information about inclusions, benefits or other information, check out this article: 24 Hour Home Care: Inclusions, Benefits, Cost & More! Now, let’s have a closer look at 5 steps on how to get 24 hour care for elderly at home!
5 Steps on How to Get 24 Hour Care For Elderly At Home
1. Assessment of Needs
Begin by understanding the specific needs of the elderly individual. It’s crucial to identify whether they require specialized medical attention or simply assistance with their daily activities.
- Determine if they need specialized medical care, assistance with daily living activities, or both.
- Consider consulting with a medical professional like a doctor or nurse. They can help assess and determine the level of care required.
After understanding their requirements, the next step on how to get 24 hour care for elderly at home is to explore available options.
2. Research Options
Pennsylvania offers various in-home care options, from established agencies to private caregivers. It’s essential to find the right fit based on your elderly loved one’s needs.
- The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has an Aging Services Directory which may help you locate services in your area.
- The Pennsylvania Homecare Association is another good resource for finding a provider.
With an understanding of the available options, it’s now vital to consider the financial aspects.
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Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Philadelphia
3. Financial Considerations
Providing 24-hour care can be expensive. Assessing your budget and understanding potential financial aids can ease this burden.
- Begin by determining the cost of the desired 24-hour care service. Check out our blog article on 24 hour home care if you want to know more details on how much it costs in the USA and more specifically Pennsylvania.
- Check if the elderly person has long-term care insurance which might subsidize the costs.
- Explore governmental programs. For instance, Medicare and Medicaid, especially the Community HealthChoices (CHC) in Pennsylvania, can offer certain in-home care services.
- Additionally, some local community programs or non-profit organizations might offer financial assistance or reduced rates for elder care.
Once your financial strategy is clear, the next step on how to get 24 hour care for elderly at home involves directly interacting with potential care providers.
4. Interview Care Providers
It’s of utmost importance to ensure that the caregiver or agency you choose is trustworthy, skilled, and a good fit for your loved one.
- Start by scheduling interviews with potential caregivers or agencies.
- During these interviews, thoroughly check references, qualifications, and ensure background checks are conducted.
- It’s also crucial to ensure the care provider can comprehensively meet the specific needs of the elderly individual.
After conducting interviews, you’ll be better positioned to make an informed decision regarding the best care for your elderly loved one.
5. Begin The Process
The process for determining eligibility generally involves the following steps:
- Initial Inquiry & Consultation:
- Reach out to the home care agency to express interest.
- The agency typically schedules an initial consultation to discuss your needs, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one.
- In-Home Assessment:
- A qualified professional, such as a nurse or care coordinator, visits the home to evaluate the care recipient’s physical, medical, and environmental needs.
- They may assess the home’s safety, accessibility, and other factors to determine the appropriate level of care and services required.
- Medical Documentation:
- The agency may require documentation from a physician that outlines the individual’s medical conditions, medications, and any recommended treatments or restrictions.
- This documentation helps the agency create an appropriate care plan.
- Financial Evaluation:
- The agency might ask about the potential client’s financial situation to determine payment arrangements.
- This can include questions about insurance, private pay, or potential eligibility for governmental aid programs.
- Care Plan Development:
- Based on the in-home assessment and medical documentation, the agency develops a personalized care plan.
- This plan outlines the type, frequency, and duration of services to be provided.
- Agreement & Contract:
- The agency provides a service agreement or contract that details the services, costs, and terms and conditions.
- It’s essential to read this thoroughly and ask any questions before signing.
- Caregiver Matching:
- Depending on the specific needs and preferences, the agency matches the individual with a caregiver or team of caregivers.
- Some agencies allow or encourage interviews with potential caregivers.
- Regular Monitoring & Updates:
- After services commence, the agency should regularly monitor the care provided and adjust the care plan as needed.
- There may be periodic reassessments to ensure the care is still appropriate and meeting the individual’s needs.
When seeking home care services, it’s beneficial to research multiple agencies, compare services and costs, and seek recommendations or reviews from others who have used their services.
With these 5 steps on how to get 24 hour care for elderly at home, you should be able to get started. If any of those steps was not clear, do not hesitate to call us and it will be a pleasure to answer any questions you have!
Conclusion
Navigating the world of 24-hour home care can be a daunting task, especially when the well-being of a loved one is at stake. By following these 5 steps on how to get 24 hour care for elderly at home, families can ensure that they are making the most informed decisions regarding the care of their elderly relatives. It’s vital to remember that every individual’s needs are unique, and the care solution should reflect that.
Tahara Health stands as a testament to the commitment and dedication required in the field of 24-hour home care. With their extensive services tailored to various needs, they are a beacon of trust and reliability for families across numerous counties in Pennsylvania.
Take the next step and contact Tahara Health Today
Because your family deserves nothing but the best in care and comfort!
