Despite the rising popularity of in-home care for seniors, people still have reservations about bringing a caregiver into the home to care for their aging loved one. Inviting a stranger into your loved one’s home is an area of concern, however, it’s important to understand the misconceptions and truths when it comes to the home care industry. Here’s a closer look at 5 myths and facts to help you separate fact from fiction. Myths and Facts: MYTH # 1: I have no idea who will be coming into my home. FACT: The state of Colorado requires any caregiver working with senior submit to a background check. In addition, ask the agency what their selection process for caregivers is like. Many agencies do extensive screening and interviewing before bringing a caregiver on board and will be able to tell you a lot about the caregiver who will be coming into your home. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. is regulated and monitored by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This is typical of all home care agencies. All caregivers working with Elderlink Home Care, Inc. are thoroughly screened with an extensive 4-part background check and orientation. Elderlink Home Care Inc. is a highly reputable business; serving metro-Denver for 30-years. MYTH # 2: I have children that will assist me when I need it. FACT: Often times, the adult children of aging loved ones are very involved in their parents care. However, they may have their own busy lives to manage as well. There may come a time when the aging parent needs assistance that the adult child is unable to provide. In addition, having outside help will enable the adult children to focus on the relationship with their parents as opposed to getting overwhelmed with being the primary caretaker. It also offers them tremendous peace of mind, which is priceless. When family members are the primary caregivers, burnout becomes a very real thing. Work and family demands are stressful enough. While many families hesitate to reach out for outside help due to feelings of guilt, often times it is the healthy thing to do. Having outside help allows the family to breathe easier and it reduces stress. It allows for your loved one to have focused care and for the family to manage their lives and preserve their precious and important relationship with their aging parent(s). MYTH # 3: If I need home care, my insurance will take care of it. FACT: Traditional health insurance and Medicare do not cover the costs of non-medical in-home care. Long-term care insurance will usually reimburse for this type of care if you have a policy. It is a common myth that the government will provide and pay for non-medical in-home care if a senior is no longer able to live independently in their own home. However, this is typically not the case. Health insurance or Medicare will typically cover the costs of in-home medical care after a hospitalization or surgery, however, no assistance with the activities of daily living. It is better to plan ahead and do your research in the event you may require some assistance and it is your wish to remain in the comfort of your own home. Seniors who purchased a long-term care insurance policy earlier in life can usually get reimbursed for some or all costs of non-medical home care when they determine it is needed. Typically, if a senior does not have long-term care insurance, non-medical home care is private/self-pay. MYTH # 4: Home care is too expensive, I can’t afford it. FACT: Home care is more affordable than you might think! When compared to the cost of an assisted living facility or nursing home, home care can be a more affordable option for many seniors. The average annual cost of one nursing home resident is $102,565.00. The average annual cost of one assisted living facility resident is $46,200.00 (Genworth Financial). MYTH # 5: Home care is for people who are totally dependent… I don’t need home care, I can do most things on my own! FACT: Caregivers help with a variety of different daily living activities. Some clients may need more help than others, however, the majority of home care recipients are still able to do a lot of things on their own. They have the home care to assist with things that are possibly becoming a little more difficult for them. This helps the client keep their routine and independence. Non-medical, in-home care includes a variety of services. Caregivers are able to assist with basic, more supportive tasks such as light housekeeping, grocery shopping, and transportation. They are also able to care for clients needing more intensive, hands-on care, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting. The type of care and level of care can be customized to meet the needs of the client. ELDERLINK HOME CARE, INC. – Specializing in In-Home Care & Serving the Denver Area In today’s world of “fake news,” it’s important to have a clear understanding of in-home care, the services, and the benefits. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has served the Denver area for 30 years with a stellar reputation and thousands of satisfied clients. They take great pride in their knowledgeable, compassionate staff and their commitment to quality care. Don’t just take our word for it: check out the testimonials from past and present clients. The pairing process is well-planned by assessing your loved one’s needs and hand selecting a caregiver with the knowledge and skills to meet those needs. Whether it’s a basic task of laundry or a more involved task of bathing, your loved one will feel more at ease in their own home and you’ll feel less stressed knowing they are receiving great care. For more information about Elderlink Home Care, Inc’s services, contact us today. We’ll start working with you to identify the best strategy to get your loved one the care they need.
