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40-70 Rule

The 40-70 Rule

How to Talk To Your Older Parents About Needing Help

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Home Health Care Overview
20 Questions To Ask Before Choosing
Preparing For Home Health Care
Other Resources For Help At Home
Useful Products

Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Care

 

Home Health Care Fact Sheet

ElderCare Network

 

Home health care

helps seniors live independently for as long as possible, given the limits of their medical condition. It covers a wide range of services and can often delay the need for long-term nursing home care. >> More


Finding Home Care Agencies

 

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The National Center for Home Care and Hospice provides a free searchable database of home care agencies. >> More


Care Pathways Logo

Care Pathways also offers a free database of home care agencies.

>> More


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Medicare has a searchable database of home care agencies approved by Medicare. >> More


 

Excellent Book!

 

Elder Care Made Easier: Doctor Marion's 10 Steps to Help You Care for an Aging Loved One

 


 

Home Health Care for Elders

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This Is About Your Care

Or the Care of A Loved One

It's Important To Be Informed

Gretchen Heuring | ElderThink | 02.25.09

 

"Home Care" and "Home Health Care" Are Different

 

The term "Home Care" describes a collection of services available to older adults who prefer to remain independent and stay at home but whose families and friends cannot easily provide care. These services include assistance with the activities of everyday life such as chores and housecleaning services.

 

"Home Health Care" is more medically oriented and is usually provided by licensed professional including nurses, home health aides, and therapists. Home health care usually involves helping someone recover from an illness or injury.

 

Paying for Home Health Care

 

The costs for home health care vary from community to community. In addition, costs differ for different health care professionals. It's important to understand the costs from the very beginning. Funding sources can be Medicare (or Medicaid), private insurance, the Veterans Administration, or local Aging Services. Each funding source can have different requirements and limitations. Ask questions, ask for written information, keep a notebook!

 

What To Ask the Home Health Care Agency In the Beginning

 

A legitimate agency will be happy to answer your questions. During the process, you should experience patience and kindness. The US Administration on Aging suggests twenty questions to ask. >> Go to 20 Questions to ask

 

How to Talk to Your Parents About Needing Care

 

How To Prepare For A Home Health Care Aid

 

It's definitely worthwhile to spend a little time preparing for the person who will be doing the work. Understanding from the very beginning what will (or will not) be done during the daily routine can save difficulties and disappointments later on. Also, there are some specific things that are helpful for the health care provider to know. >> More

 

A Change In Your Way Of Doing Things

 

Remember that home health care means a change in your way of doing things. Another person will be present in your home and often may be in areas where you cannot see exactly what he or she is doing. You will have to adapt if you wish to remain in your own home.

 

It will be hard at first, but many have accepted this change, and you can too!