If you are considering in-home health care in Michigan or Illinois, there are a number of factors to take into account.
From figuring out just the right type of in-home care that your loved one needs to weighing the differences between private duty care and skilled nursing or home health care, here are some things for you to think about:
Determining the Type of In-Home Care You Need
There are a number of options available when you begin looking for help at home. However, it is best to assess the specific needs of your loved one:
- Does he or she need help with personal care (i.e. assistance with bathing, dressing, eating or going to the bathroom) or household care (i.e. cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping or running errands)?
- Would your loved one benefit from health or medical care (i.e. nursing or therapy, medication management, wound care)?
Home care options are not one-size-fits-all, so identifying your needs and the needs of your loved one will help ensure that the best care option is selected.
Differences between Private Care and Skilled Home Health Care
Types of support and services offered and insurance and payment options determine the differences between private duty care and skilled home health care.
Private duty care is usually paid out-of-pocket and offers support within the home for comfort and companionship. Non-private, skilled nursing or home health care is usually covered 100% by Medicare and also many insurances. It offers clinical support in the home, including nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy, and is designed to help patients become more safe and independent at home.
What to Look for in a Home Health Care Provider in Michigan and Illinois
If you have decided that home health care is right for you and your loved one, there are still a number of questions to ask before picking a provider. For example, consider asking each potential provider:
How long have you been serving the community?
- What services do you offer, and do you have any eligibility requirements?
- What are the fees and payment options?
- What type of training do your employees receive?
- Do you evaluate the patient’s home care needs?
- Do you consult with the patient’s doctor and family?
- How do you develop the plan of care?
- Do you update the family if there are any care plan changes?
- How do you handle emergencies? Do you offer after-hours support?
We know it can be overwhelming to find and narrow down options when selecting care for your loved one. For more information about the differences between private duty care and home health care and for insight into the types of care and support home health care can provide, contact us today.