Senior in home care needs are expected to climb in the coming years. By 2050, 89 million people will be age 65 and older. Of these, it's estimated that 84% will want o live out their lives in their own homes, most likely requiring some form of elderly home care. But how do seniors afford personal home care?
A good first step for many, especially those seniors that don't have family nearby to help, is to seek the advice of a geriatric care manager. A geriatric care manager is a professional whose role is to act as an advocate and help seniors and their families coordinate care needed.
Your local Office on Aging is a valuable resource for services provided within your county. Each county operates its own office and offers information about programs to individuals over the age of 60. Information is available on a variety of programs and services for seniors, many at no cost. Some counties have grants that are awarded to qualifying seniors to pay for home care services.
Talk with your local hospice agencies. Hospice has traditionally only been thought of as care for those near death. Hospice agencies actually offer their services to chronically ill patients as well, thereby lengthening the amount of time services can be rendered. Utilize hospice services can be conjunction with other agencies in order to have as much care as possible for the least expense.
Speak with your local religious based organizations such as your church or synagogue. Many churches and religious organizations offer parish nurses and other free assistance to their senior members.
Go online to a website called Benefits Check Up. This is an online screening tool that helps seniors locate federal, state and local benefits programs for which they may be eligible.
Comparative shop your local home care agencies. Talk with local agencies to find the best priced/valued services. Look for any agency that doesn't require a long term commitment.
Consider live-in caregiver instead of having several different shifts throughout the day. This is usually a more economical form of home care and it reduces the number of people coming in and out of your home.
While senior in home care needs are on the rise, services to accommodate these needs are as well. A little bit of time can save a great deal of money when you research options for senior care.