Are Home Care Services the Right Choice for Your Aging Loved One? Cleveland Elder Law Attorney

In a perfect world, each of us would welcome the end of our lives in the peace of our homes. Few people ever have a real desire to move from the home where they have been active and independent into a nursing home. Unfortunately, when the senior years bring unexpected health problems, Alzheimer’s or dementia, tough choices must be made.

For many families, home care services are a happy medium. The patient can reside in the home, while still receiving medical care, psychical therapy and assistance with basic daily life activities. The desire for families to “age in place” has created a wealth of service organizations that provide everything from companionship to nursing care, from the comfort of the family home.

The majority of home health care service providers are what is commonly referred to as paraprofessionals. A paraprofessional is not a nurse, but rather a companion. These types of home health service providers will assist with homemaking, cleaning, cooking, shopping, transportation and companionship. Home Health Aides are typically professional trained, and in some states must be licensed, and are available to help with more personal activities, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring from bed to a wheelchair and continence issues.

Licensed nurses and physical therapists are most typically reserved for short-term home care, such as might be needed after an illness or injury. Home Health Aides and other paraprofessionals are typically retained for ongoing care.

If the person requiring assistance has Alzheimer’s or dementia, you will want to be sure that the agency or individual you hire has professional training, certification or verifiable experience with patient’s that have memory issues. The good news is that 79% of home health care agencies provide Alzheimer’s training to their employees, and 99% of these agencies do not charge a higher fee for services to Alzheimer and dementia patients. This is certainly a welcome change from the differences typically seen in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.