Private Duty Home Care for Seniors
Loss of Independence or the Last Step to Maintain Independence?
By John Graham, BrightStar Healthcare
President, 205-868-2996
Having a private duty caregiver come into the home to assist a
senior can be a great way to delay or eliminate the need for the
eventual move to an assisted living facility or nursing home. This
option allows the senior to stay in their homes longer and continue
to maintain a more independent lifestyle with personalized help
from a caregiver.
Seniors want to stay at home as long as possible. This option
provides the opportunity to extend the amount of time someone has at
home with family and friends, near their life's possessions,
enjoying hobbies in a familiar and safe environment.
Private Duty Home Care v Home Health
It is important to note the difference between "Home Health" and
"Private Duty Home Care." Home Health is a term typically associated
with a Medicare benefit following hospitalization in which an agency
provides temporary, limited visits in the home during recovery.
Private Duty Home Care is a permanent service provided to anyone,
anywhere on a private-pay basis, and can be either "Medical and
Non-Medical" or only "Non-Medical."
Companies offering "Non-Medical" care include help in companionship,
light housekeeping, meal preparation and transportation. Other
companies offer more "Medical" care such as assistance with
activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting,
ambulation, and eating). For seniors who have more advanced care
needs, the "Medical" option of having skilled nursing in the home is
also available. All levels of care are available to fit your
schedule 24/7. Brightstar Healthcare is one of the few Birmingham
companies that offers both "Medical and Non-Medical" In Home Care.
Essentially, private duty home care allows seniors to continue to
live and age in place in their own home. Delaying or eliminating the
need to move into a facility keeps them happier and will save money
for future medical or long term care costs. Private duty home care
is not the right answer in every situation but it should be a
consideration as an option with very positive benefits.
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