Many older adults prefer to stay at home as they age. But is this the right choice for you?
The goal of home care is to help you remain at home as long as possible, rather than moving into a long–term care facility. It may be right for you if you only need minor assistance with your daily activities and enjoy a close network of nearby family and friends. There is a wide range of home care services that can help you maintain your independence within the comfort of your own home. Learn about your options, explore how to choose the right home care service provider, and find tips for discussing concerns with your loved ones.
Is home care right for my loved one or me?
It’s natural to want to stay at home as you grow older—most seniors hope to be able to. However, taking a step back to look at the big picture can help you decide whether staying at home for the long term truly is the right step for you. Too often, decisions to leave home are suddenly made after a sudden loss or emergency, making adjustments all the more painful and difficult. Take a look at your options, your budget, and some of the alternatives.
Deciding whether to stay at home
Your home situation is unique, and several factors will weigh in on the best choice for you. Here are some of the issues in evaluating your options:
Location and accessibility. Where is your home located? Are you in a rural or suburban area that requires a lot of driving? If you’re in an area with more public transit, is it safe and easily accessible? How much time does it take you to get to services such as shopping or medical appointments?
Home accessibility and maintenance. Is your home easily modified? Does it have a lot of steps, stairs or a steep hill to access? Do you have a large yard that needs to be maintained?
Support available. Do you have family and friends nearby? How involved are they? Are they able to provide you the support you need? Many older adults prefer to rely on family to provide help, but as your needs increase, they might not be able to fill in all of the gaps. It’s important to consider proximity to community services and activities as well.
Isolation. If it becomes difficult or impossible for you to leave home without help, isolation can rapidly set in. You may not be able to participate in hobbies you once loved, stay involved in community service that kept you motivated, or visit with friends and family. Losing these connections and support is a recipe for depression…continue reading from helpguide.org
One great health plan to know about is the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program offered in many states that allows people who otherwise need a nursing home-level of care to remain in the community. It provides coverage for prescription drugs, doctor or other health care provider visits, transportation, home care, hospital visits, and even nursing home stays whenever necessary.
For more information about your Medicare options contact a Medicare Supplement Insurance representative at MedicareMall who would love to answer your questions. Customer service is our number one priority and we are more than happy to take the mystery out of Medicare, making that one less thing you have to worry about.
Home Is Where The Heart Is © 2012 MedicareMall.com