Planning for Care at Home

Nobody wants to lose their independence as they age, especially not your senior Mom or Dad, or your elderly spouse. Chances are you do not want to either. Nobody wants to be a burden to their family; but the time eventually comes, due to aging, illness, dementia or another catalyst, when a person cannot live without some assistance. Studies show that nearly 90% of Seniors prefer to remain comfortably and safely in their own homes as they age, rather than move to an institutional or congregate setting. That means enlisting the help of a private, licensed home care agency should be an essential component in estate planning.

Medicare only covers short episodic visits for medical and nursing procedures, but not ongoing day to day help on a long-term basis. Assisted living facilities can be regimented and costly, while skilled nursing centers should be the choice of last resort unless medically necessary. Private care in the home is personalized, from the care plan to the visit schedule, to pricing options, and choice of caregiver. But how do you get your loved one to accept care, where do you do your research, how do you budget for care, and how do you get started? It is easier than you think to put a plan in place.

We suggest 6 easy steps:

1. Start a conversation before an emergency arises. Some seniors may be resistant to discussing their personal affairs or acknowledging their limitations, but getting a complete snapshot of their current situation is useful for identifying the areas in which they are still self-sufficient and those in which they need, or are likely in the future to need, assistance. Emphasize that planning for home care now is a way to maximize their independence and quality of life in the future.
2. Consult with experienced professionals such as elder law attorneys, benefits counselors, certified public accountants (CPAs), certified financial advisors (CFPs), geriatricians and social workers, before the need for care arises. Be sure that the preference for home care is well documented in the estate plan, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Proxy. The staff of a reputable home health agency will be a valuable addition to the planning team, working closely with your family’s trusted advisors to provide the proper advice and care, and also helping to maximize long term care insurance benefits.
3. Find the right provider that offers care options appropriate for your loved one. Ask about credentials, references, background checks, and training. The agency will create a written care plan that outlines everything you can expect the caregiver to do, including help with meals, medications, and walking Muffie!
4. Discuss any needs or special requests with the agency and caregiver you choose, such as help with fall prevention or medication reminders and meal preparation. The more they know about your loved one’s background, health issues, and routine, the better care they can give. Share notes on any favorite activities, and when and what they like to eat, watch or read.
5. Talk to the primary care physician. Most often they will offer support and can help to persuade your loved one that accepting assistance is the best choice for their safety and wellbeing. Try to get all responsible family members to agree on the goals well in advance of the need.
6. Keep in mind that an in-home care plan is an ever-evolving tool. A Registered Nurse from a licensed home care agency regularly evaluates and updates each client’s plan of care to ensure all needs are being met, and quality standards are being Finding the best option for in-home care is important because your loved one’s needs are likely to increase over the long term, so flexibility is key.

Putting these pieces of the puzzle in place in advance can save valuable time and help you avoid stress and confusion later on. Care needs can change in an instant, so it is important to build a plan of action and develop a list of available resources to help meet both current and emerging needs. A plan for care at home can be a great tool, providing agreement with a loved one and other family members about how to proceed. Aging in place is one of the most common goals of care for elderly parents. An in-home caregiver from a reputable home health agency helps everyone while being an economical choice. Your loved one gets the assistance in the home they need to maximize their quality of life, and you get some time to yourself, are able to care for your own family, and tend to your business or career.