In-Home Health Care

• Home health agencies provide specialized in-home medical care that may include skilled nursing, speech therapy, and occupational or physical therapy. Practitioners are licensed home health aides, therapists or nurses. This type of specialized medical care is usually to help a senior citizen recover from an injury or illness, or to deal with a long-term condition.
  
  

In-Home Aid/Companionship Care

• This type of in-home care provides assistance to the elderly with daily activities such as eating, dressing or bathing. It may also include help with meal preparation and household chores, or administering medications. Some states require agencies providing this type of care to be licensed and to meet minimum requirements. Most agencies provide training and supervision of workers.
  
  

Hospice Care

• In-home hospice care is designed to provide support and medical care for the terminally ill. Care may include provision of medications, supplies and equipment. Trained professionals are also available around the clock to assist family members, to ensure the patient's wishes are honored, and to keep the patient as comfortable and free of pain as possible. Most hospice services are certified by Medicare and are licensed by the state.
  
  

Independent Providers

• Independent providers are privately hired nurses, therapists, aides, homemakers and companions. Unless they receive government funding, hired aides, homemakers and companions do not have to be licensed or meet government standards. Clients pay the provider directly. They are also responsible for supervising the care and finding a replacement if the worker fails to report to work or meet job requirements.
  
  

Considerations for In-Home Care Agencies

• It is important to carefully screen agencies before hiring one to provide care. Speak to the local agency on aging and to people who have used the agency's services. Ask questions such as: How long has the agency been a part of the community? Is it an approved Medicare provider? Is it certified by any national health care organizations? Does it offer clients a "Patients' Bill of Rights"? Is a written care plan provided? How closely are workers supervised? Are staff members available after hours? How are caregivers hired and trained?
  
  

Considerations for In-Home Care Independent Providers

• It is even more important to do a thorough screening when hiring an individual provider for in-home care. The screening should include an interview to ensure the worker is qualified and is able to provide the care needed. A list of references should also be requested to see if other clients have been satisfied with the service provided. When working with an independent care provider, have a back-up plan ready for times she is unavailable or unexpectedly cannot provide care.