When seniors begin to need more help with daily needs, it’s common for them and their loved ones to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. Often, the goal is for seniors to remain in the familiar surroundings of their home, while remaining safe and well cared for. If you are in this situation, you may be wondering if a home health aide is the right choice for yourself or an aging loved one.
“The decision to hire in-home aides often comes when seniors need more help than family members can or are willing to provide,” says Joy Loverde, a senior care expert and author. of “The Complete Eldercare Planner, Fourth Edition.”
If you’re considering a home health aide for yourself or exploring care options for a loved one, here’s a closer look at what home health aides do, the benefits of this type of care and how to get a home health aide that meets your family. need.
What is a home health aide, and what do they do?
“Home health aides are trained to provide care and support to the elderly and individuals with disabilities,” says Joanna Stolove, a licensed geriatric social worker.
Home health aides work with patients to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs refer to routine tasks, such as hygiene or personal care, that people usually do on a daily basis by themselves. As people age or become disabled, they may no longer be able to perform basic ADLs on their own.
According to Jennifer Drake, an account executive at the United Disabilities Services Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports seniors and others with disabilities, some common ADLs often assisted by home health aides include:
- Light housekeeping.
- Food preparation and feeding.
- Help with bathing, toileting and basic hygiene.
- Integration.
- Transportation.
- Mobility.
“I would also add safety supervision for those who are at risk of falling or who may be mentally impaired,” Drake said.
Often, Loverde says, home health aides work in a client’s home; however, if a senior moves to assisted living, a nursing home, a rehab center or hospital, sometimes a home health aide will continue to provide services at these locations. Loverde added that some assistants work with clients who need 24-hour care; these aides can “live in” with their clients. Most home health aides come in for a few hours each day and then go home.
How do you know if you need a home health aide?
One of the biggest obstacles to hiring a home health aide is knowing when the time is right. After all, most seniors live independently for most of their adult lives. There is usually a period of time when it is not clear if help is needed or if hiring a care provider is really the right decision.
If you’re not sure, here are clear signs it’s time to consider a home health aide, according to Stolove:
- Struggles with ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, feeding or getting around.
- Health issues or physical limitations that result in increased isolation.
- Mobility, vision and/or hearing challenges.
- Struggles with memory or routine tasks.
- Major or subtle changes in behavior, such as aggression or withdrawal.
- Inability to manage the home environment, such as piles of mail or unpaid bills.
Stolove says that when you or a loved one suspects there is a need for help, it’s always better to err on the side of getting some care in place. “Hiring advance care is always recommended, even if it’s just a few hours a week, because it allows the person to remain independent,” Stolove said.
Home health aids versus medical service aids
When people refer to home health aides, they mean non-medical aides or personal care aides, Loverde explained. Non-medical aides are those who help individuals maintain daily activities, perform basic tasks and may also drive clients to and from medical appointments.
If individuals need higher level, medically licensed professionals to come to their home to help, they will need to get help from the medical service. This role is different from a home health aide, Loverde said. For example, unlike home health aides, medical service aides can:
- Provide home visits to treat chronic medical conditions.
- Perform wound care.
- Provide post-operative care.
- Provide care as part of a prescribed rehab plan.
What to look for in a home health aide
When you begin your search to hire a home health aide, start with the essentials. Here are some factors to consider.
Personality and behavior
“First of all, you want someone who is kind and patient,” recommends Stolove. It’s also about finding someone with a good personality partner. “While some may love a cheerful, extroverted home health aide, others may find it too much or intrusive,” she adds.
Skills and experience level
“There are home health aides with advanced training in dementia care, Parkinson’s disease, cancer and other more specialized areas of care,” Stolove said. You’ll want to consider whether you or your family member has specific needs, as it helps to find a home health aide with relevant experience.
Certifications and training
Some home health aides may be certified, while others are not, and many people wonder if certification is always necessary. “It’s not always necessary to hire a certified home health aide, although it’s good training, because you’ll know they’ve received some basic training on how to administer care,” Stolove explains.
How much does a home health aide cost?
The cost of a home health aide varies based on where you live and the specific aide you hire. You can use our Cost of Care calculator to determine the average going rate for home health aides in your area.
According to the most recent GenWorth care survey, the national median cost for home health aide is $6,292 per month. This rate may be higher or lower depending on where you live. You should also be prepared to adjust your home health aide’s salary based on:
- Experience level.
- Certifications, education or other qualifications.
- The scope of job duties.
- The level of care required.
The average cost for a home health aide hired through an agency tends to be higher — between $30-40 an hour, Drake said. Again, this will vary based on the agency, aide skills and requirements and where you are located geographically.
Does insurance cover home health aides?
Unfortunately, insurance usually does not cover home health aide services. “One of the common misconceptions about home health care is that Medicare covers it,” says Stolove. “Medicare provides home health care coverage after hospitalization, but it is limited in time and duration.”
Typically, home health aides are also not covered by third party health insurance, Drake said, though there are sometimes exceptions. So, what can you do if you or a loved one cannot afford the cost of hiring a home health aide? Here are some additional options:
Veterans benefits
“The Veterans’ Assistance and Attendance Benefit can cover spouses or widows of veterans if they meet the requirements,” Drake said.
Long-term care insurance
Long-term care insurance may cover home care, depending on the terms of the policy, Stolove said. Be aware, though: this insurance can be expensive, and you’ll need to do some research to make sure the specific type of care needed is covered.
Medicaid or other government programs
Medicaid may be an option to pay for home health aides, too. “Medicaid covers the cost for home health aides, but eligibility and coverage will vary from state to state,” Stolove said. Additionally, states may have local programs dedicated to covering senior care costs.
The bottom line
Hiring a home health aide can be intimidating, especially when you’re just starting out. It’s helpful to take this process step by step, and keep the lines of communication open with all parties involved. “Sit down with everyone involved in the decision-making process,” suggests Drake. “Make sure you’re all on the same page for expectations and requirements.”
When it comes to choosing the right aide, Loverde says though there are many variables to consider — whether the person has the right training and background, whether they’re reliable and whether they get along with you or your loved one. — in the end, a basic gut-check goes a long way. “Trust your instincts,” he says.
