When a person in Kansas City reaches an age where they are no longer able to take care of their daily tasks, they have several options. For example, they could choose to live in a nursing home. However, according to the Census Bureau, of individuals between 65-years-old and 74-years-old, approximately 1 percent of them reside in a nursing home. If possible, many people would rather opt for in-home care.
Home health aides can provide many services, allowing their clients to continue living independently in their own home. They can help with self-care activities such as taking a shower, using the toilet, running errands and getting dressed. Home health aides can spend anywhere from several hours a day to 24 hours a day with their clients. However, home health aides may not be able to provide medical care to clients.
In-home care can be a less-costly alternative to other types of care facilities, some of which may require a substantial deposit in addition to fees paid each month. In-home care can also provide individuals with the stability that comes with remaining in their own home.
There are a number of ways a person could pay for in-home care. Care planning in these situations could involve using Medicare or long-term care insurance to afford in-home care. However, many people end up financing in-home care on their own. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that almost 5 million individuals in the United States utilize the services of one of 12,000 home health agencies to find in-home care professionals.
Ultimately, if one is using in-home care, it is important that a care plan is developed that meets the unique needs of the individual receiving care. This involves evaluating daily tasks and the individual’s need for medical care. Determining how to pay for such care can be challenging, but obtaining in-home care can be very beneficial for those who want to remain in their own home as long as possible.
Source: The New York Times, “Learning the Unfamiliar Language of Home Care,” John F. Wasik, Oct. 23, 2015