Cervical Health Awareness Month

home health care agencies harrisburg pa

Not that long ago, cervical cancer was the predominant cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States, one-quarter of which were over the age of 65. Thanks to screening and prevention, those numbers have been slowly reducing, but there is still a long way to go. Thousands of women still die of this disease annually. Many will require the help of home health care agencies in Harrisburg, PA.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. At AmeriBest Home Care Harrisburg, PA, we recognize two major barriers to continuing the fight against Cervical Cancer. One is education. The other is prevention by ongoing screening and inoculation. Nearly all cases (70%) of Cervical Cancer begin with an HPV infection; vaccines designed to protect against HPV (Gardasil and Cervarix) could potentially prevent many cases. Pap smears may also catch the problem. So why are these preventatives used more often?

That question returns us to education. There is a general lack of public awareness. Girls and boys between the ages of 11-12 should receive the HPV injection, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). While primary physicians may stress getting the inoculations, something in communication often falls through, leaving children at risk of future HPV cancers.

Two Types of Cervical Cancer

The type of cervical cancer a person has depends on where the disease began. Squamous Cell Carcinoma develops in the outer part of a woman’s cervix, visible during gynecological exams. This is where 90% of cervical cancer originates.

Adenocarcinoma begins in the inner part of the cervix. It is rare. Sometimes both types of cancer appear simultaneously, again a rare occurrence.

How Can PAP Tests Help?

Because cervical cancer is usually a slowly growing problem, a Pap test may detect abnormalities that act as a red flag for future checkups. Pap can also detect cancer in its early form. In both cases, there is a better chance of recovery when the disease is caught in the initial stages.

The good thing is that testing can be done in a clinic or doctor’s office rather than the hospital. If you have a professional home caregiver, they can transport your loved one to and from the appointment, leaving your time open for other matters. For those without health insurance, there are programs offering low-cost screening.

The Aging Population

The mortality rate of cervical cancer in elderly women is high. Studies indicate that delayed diagnosis and insufficient treatment are two correlating factors. The average age of diagnosis is in the early 50s, but there is a second peak of this cancer in women that happens between 60-70. Because these women often have other issues like heart disease and diabetes, their risks are greatly increased.

Home Health Care Agencies Harrisburg PA

Looking for home health care agencies in Harrisburg, PA? When you hire professional caregivers, they are there to provide support, not just with daily tasks but with any protocols that a physician puts in place for “at home” care. AmeriBest staff has been trained to follow the care plans diligently. When you cannot be home, WE can be.

How To Access Home Care in Harrisburg PA?

Contact our Harrisburg office at 717-545-2920. You can also email us at info@ameribest.org or contact us here.

We’ll be happy to help you navigate the process!

Home for the Holidays in Harrisburg: Family Activities

in-home caregiver in Harrisburg, PA

With Harrisburg being the capital of PA, you can anticipate a flurry of activities around the holidays. You read the descriptions and get all excited, but then wonder how well the event will be when bringing your family, including elder members. If you have an in-home caregiver in Harrisburg, PA, breathe a sigh of relief. Your aide can provide many supports to make the event memorable with less fuss on your part.

So where might you go? Since it’s a sweet time of year, why not visit Christmas is Sweet Lights at Hershey? This is a drive-through event (hey, no walking!) with over 600 displays. If you cannot go, your AmeriBest aide can drive for you. Do not miss getting hot chocolate. It’s fantastic.

There’s also Hershey Park, filled with decorations and presenting special programming; You’ll see 5,000,000 lights everywhere you go. Stop at the ticket office for complete accessibility information should your senior family member require it.

For something laid back, head to the Capitol in Harrisburg with your AmeriBest aide and enjoy the incredible tree in the rotunda. While you are there, you may stumble across a concert.

A half-hour away from Harrisburg in York, you can check out a model railroad display featuring a 2,700 ft. layout (a quarter-mile track). The engines might not be circling your tree, but there are regular open houses that will fit your schedule throughout the holidays.

Watching movies at home is fun, but what about going to a real movie theater for your senior’s favorite holiday title? The Majestic Theater (Gettysburg – under 1 hr away from Harrisburg) will show A Christmas Carol on various dates. Take your trusted AmeriBest aide with you so they can settle your senior in, and you grab the popcorn.

About 30 minutes south of Harrisburg, you can gather the family together for the Trail of Lights at Country Creek Produce Farm. There is a driving trail for those with mobility issues. Food and beverages are available (tip: try the doughnuts).

Twenty minutes away on December 1st, your aide could take your loved one to a relaxing, fun wreath decorating. It takes place at the Costwater Distillery.

Move It Inside If You Wish

If you don’t want to travel or the weather makes it impossible, there’s a lot you can do with your family, including seniors! For example, while you’ve seen dozens of outdoor lights, how about making your light festival inside the house?  Even if your senior cannot manage the strings of lights, you can bet they’ll want to direct the action.

Play holiday trivia (you can make up the questions or buy a game set). Have a family bingo night, or bake cookies. Just think about the things your family has always enjoyed together and make minor adaptations suited to your loved one’s condition.

Home for the Holidays in Harrisburg Family Activities

In-Home Caregiver in Harrisburg, PA

If AmeriBest already serves your family, your aide will come with a bucketload of ideas for celebrating the holidays. This person can help with planning, shopping, and decorating, making your job much easier.

Considering getting a professional in-home caregiver in Harrisburg, PA? Or becoming one? AmeriBest will answer all your questions! You can reach us in three ways:

Our online contact form: HERE

Email: info@ameribest.org, or

Call 717-545-2920

How Are YOU? Caregiver Self-Assessment

AmeriBest Home Care

Being a caregiver is rewarding but often exhausting. If you are the friend or loved one of an individual in need of home health care in Harrisburg, PA, trying to go it alone, it’s a good idea to do a self-check from time to time. After all, you cannot help others when you are drained and out of sorts. So, how are YOU?

The American Medical Association created a measuring tool. Physicians use it to assess anxiety and stress among family caregivers. There are yes and no questions. Depending on the results, the physician may suggest in-home health care services that AmeriBest proudly provides in Harrisburg, PA.

An example question would be, “During the past week, have you felt completely overwhelmed?” That inquiry could be followed by, “Have you felt torn between your family, work, and caring for your loved one?” The idea is to get a general feel of the caregiver’s stress levels. When the rankings are particularly high, it’s worth looking for support, including getting in touch with a professional aide who takes some of the work off your hands. At AmeriBest Home Care, we take pride in our staff’s ability to effectively work with a wide range of people.

AmeriBest Home Care

At first, you might feel hesitant about both the assessment and reaching out to a professional service. That’s perfectly normal. Family caregivers represent a majority of support for aging loved ones with chronic problems or functionality limits. We all want to be able to help successfully, feeling that, as a family, we’re best suited to knowing and meeting our loved one’s requirements.

But there are challenges to providing help to your loved one. You play many roles beyond your family station (son, daughter, cousin, etc.). You are the cook, maid, nurse, and driver, just to name a few. With all that responsibility, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. They fall into a backdrop of activity until a day arrives when you’re sick, worn out, frustrated, and ready to give up. It’s a terrible moment for anyone.

Remember, you are “only human.” There are limits as to what each of us can handle. This is why so many families turn to agencies like AmeriBest Home Health Care of Harrisburg, PA. They want a trustworthy company with high professional standards. Our staff receives ongoing training to keep them informed of “best practices” in the ever-changing home caregiving industry.

More importantly, our aides focus on the family as a unit. While they come to your home to help your loved one, the entire household has input on many matters, including answering questions about the individual’s favorite foods, tv shows, and activities. The integrated social nature of proficient caregiving is incredibly important. Depression and anxiety can run high in families who have done everything alone.

home health care harrisburg pa

If you’d like to learn more about what AmeriBest can off you, you can reach out to us anytime.

Use our online form HERE. Alternatively, you can call our office at 717-545-2920 or email info@ameribest.org

Do I Qualify for In-Home Care Services in Harrisburg, PA?

Do I Qualify for In-Home Care Services in Harrisburg, PA

If you’re facing a short-term recovery with assistance or a long-term plan for your health and well-being, you may ask yourself, “Do I qualify for in-home care services in Harrisburg, PA?”. Or perhaps you’re looking into this option for a loved one. You are not alone. Many people seek out highly qualified caregivers, like those provided by AmeriBest Home Care, as an alternative to respite or nursing homes. It’s far more comfortable and soothing. You know where everything is and everyone who enters your door.

Of course, not all caregiving services are created equal. When you care for a vulnerable individual with physical, intellectual, or emotional challenges, you are left in the unenviable position of making responsible choices in their stead. Nonetheless, there are certain qualifying factors for getting aide services at an affordable price.

Insurance

A significant determining factor is insurance. Each carrier has its definitions of the individual’s condition and what type of care they can receive at home. You’ll see the term “medically necessary” frequently. Most often, a physician has to delineate the present needs and the means required to keep the individual safe.

Age

Age is also a factor. Medicare is designed for people over 65, but it also covers people who become disabled before that. So, a 50-year-old individual who becomes disabled can qualify for having at least part of their home care costs covered. The beauty of medicare is consistency. Regular insurance companies don’t have that.

AmeriBest Home Healthcare Provider Harrisburg, PA 

The basic qualifications for in-home care services in Harrisburg PA are:

  • Attestation by a physician as to your specific needs (like physical therapy or skilled nursing)
  • Having a provider that is properly registered in your state (like AmeriBest).
  • Having a plan of care reviewed and updated regularly by your health team.

So, Where Do You Begin?

Pennsylvania has a “one-stop” resource for information, including home health agency licensure qualifications. The Department of Aging offers Medicare counseling and a program called Options. You qualify for this program if you’re 60 or older, a Pennsylvania resident, a legal US citizen, and have unmet needs regarding daily functionality.

Documentation

Be prepared to gather various types of paperwork as proof of qualification. Examples include a driver’s license, social security card, and proof of insurance; If there is a spouse or family member assisting, they may need a Power of Attorney to ask questions about you over the phone.

It’s expected that the State of Pennsylvania will review services regularly due to the rapidly growing elderly population. When you use a home care health provider like AmeriBest, they keep abreast of these changes and guide you through any that affect your care or that of a loved one.

AmeriBest: Home Healthcare Provider in Harrisburg, PA

Our agency prides itself on the quality of services offered, professionalism, and caring staff. Your situation, or that of your loved one, is wholly unique. Personalization is a big key to the overall happiness of our clients.

We also gladly train family caregivers to provide proper care and get paid for it!

You can use our online contact form HERE

You can also email us at info@ameribest.org

Our Harrisburg office number is 717-545-2920; you can also call 1800-HOMECARE

Do I Qualify for In-Home Care Services in Harrisburg PA?

 

Home Health Aide Programs in Harrisburg, PA

Home Health Aide Programs in Harrisburg PA

Most adults have no idea how to sign up for home health aide programs. If you are looking for home health aide programs in Harrisburg, PA, AmeriBest Home Care can answer your questions and offer guidance. Make a list of everything you’d like to know, at least right now. Inevitably, with all the paperwork involved in hiring a home caregiver, more issues arise.

One resource where you can find professional in-home caregivers in Harrisburg, PA, is Medicaid. Medicaid pays for in-home care (to one degree or another) in all 50 states. There are financial considerations and the need for a physician’s recommendation, but it offers relief. But more than that, Medicaid certifies agencies like AmeriBest Home Care. A company must abide by rules to work cooperatively with Medicaid for payments. Those rules protect you, as Medicaid will do regular surveys to ensure the regulations are met.

It doesn’t stop there. The State itself offers many senior services. They can coordinate things like durable medical systems and emergency response systems.

Getting Started

Individuals who are 65 or older and have a disability can apply for help from Medicare and Medicaid. Your disability must be a “qualifying” one. Medicare and Medicaid are secondary to any personal insurance you have. Many health insurers do offer in-home caregiving, like the services AmeriBest provides, but it may have a deductible and hour limit. For example, a person recovering from surgery has some personal insurance but must contribute $15 per 4-hour visit.

If you haven’t already signed up for Social Security, do so. Once you are enrolled, Social Security automatically signs you up for Medicaid. This applies to regular Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), depending on your circumstances. By way of illustration, a man of 54 becomes disabled due to surgery. He, his loved ones, or the hospital social worker, can apply for SSDI, through which they can receive in-home aide services.

Home Health Aide Programs in Harrisburg PA

A Closer Look

Remember, Medicare only covers in-home services when they are deemed medically necessary. Your case will be reviewed annually and signed off again by a physician who provides a plan of care. This is not necessarily a bad thing. If problems have worsened, you may qualify for more aide hours.

Pennsylvania participates in the Home and Community-Based Service Plan, funded by the federal government. It proves support beyond what you need for your health. There are 12 HCBS services for which you can apply currently, each with different types of eligibility.

Don’t forget to check to see if you have a long-term insurance policy through your place of employment. Usually, people sign up for these at hiring and then forget about them because any costs come right out of their paycheck. If you have it, keep it. The older you are, the harder it becomes to get this type of insurance.

AmeriBest Home Aide Programs in Harrisburg, PA

The face of caregiving is constantly undergoing a lift or a tuck of some type. It’s AmeriBest’s responsibility to remain aware of those changes and the benchmark for best practices. Our trained staff will review your options with you so you can make informed choices.

To contact us for more information, use our online contact form, email info@ameribest.org, or call 717-545-2920 or 1800-HOMECARE

Home Care for Older Adults With Dementia in Harrisburg, PA

Home Care Assistance for Older Adults With Dementia in Harrisburg, PA

As time rolls on, medical knowledge grows. Recently there’s been research on how air pollution harms the brains of older adults. This in turn contributes to issues like dementia. The actual “reason” hasn’t been nailed down yet, but the correlation remains, according to the National Institute on Aging. In fact, a person who lives where air quality is better can have an extended time before signs of dementia hit, averaging 1.5 years.

There are two types of air pollution that seem to be the main culprits:

  • Fine Particulate Matter: Tiny solids and liquids in the air (dirt, dust, soot, etc.)
  • Nitrogen dioxide is a byproduct of vehicle emissions, industrial sources, and certain natural events like wildfires.

These pollutants may also impact heart health, which is vital to brain health, too. Over time, the effects accumulate, increasing the risk of mental deterioration. In fact, in 2020 the Lancet’s Commission on Dementia Prevention and Care added air pollution as a risk factor.

 

The Caregiver’s Role

A family caregiver or a home health aide (like those AmeriBest trains and hires), cannot undo the damage that’s already been done, but they can help with the aftermath.

Assistance with daily living, making sure a person remembers their medication, keeping track of important contact information, and knowing the location of everything in someone’s home are examples. You do not want to keep a person indoors 100% of the time. That’s not healthy and often leads to depression, but you can make their life within the home much simpler and more content.

Tip: To check the quality of air in your region, use AirNow.gov for information. This can help you determine if it’s a particularly bad day for taking seniors out for long hours.

Home Care for Older Adults With Dementia in Harrisburg, PA

Dementia Home Care Harrisburg PA

At first, some families have reservations about home care, but it is one of the best ways to make your loved one comfortable and at ease, especially with mental impairments. They need familiarity and consistency, but children, grandchildren, or friends may simply not be in a position to provide the level of care necessary for health and safety.

Once you hire a professional team, like the personnel AmeriBest has to offer, you have peace of mind. Aides are trained for both home and community-based assistance. They become part of the family matrix, with two extra eyes and hands so you can take time for handling your own matters with peace of mind.

Our services include personalized care coordination so that your loved one’s entire medical team is on board and regularly informed of any changes that occur. We can answer many of those nagging questions, including about air pollution, while also educating the whole family on how best to keep the individual happy, peaceful, and maintaining their dignity all at the same time.

If you’d like more information about dementia home care Harrisburg PA, don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions or concerns. You can contact AmeriBest Home Care Harrisburg, PA office in one of three ways:

Call: 1800-HOMECARE or 717-545-2920

Email: info@ameribest.org, or

Use our online contact form HERE.

The First (EVER) National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers

caregiver home health aide in harrisburg pa

If you’ve been looking for a caregiver home health aide (Harrisburg, PA), you are not alone and you may face hurdles. Throughout the US there is a shortage of family caregivers. As a result, the Health and Human Services Administration has created a National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.

The strategy includes 150 actions focused on the private sector aimed at supplemental assistance with resources, particularly in long-term care. The RAISE Family Caregiving Act’s advisory panel joined in the effort, along with the public and professionals in the universe of home health care.

Caregivers, be they family members or trained professionals like AmeriBest Home Care Caregivers in Harrisburg, PA, have a critical role in the health and well-being of homebound individuals. Everyone ages and many of us will face a moment when we need assistance. It’s a difficult moment, challenging a person’s sense of individuality and pride. We all need somebody in our corner, and non-skilled caregivers do just that. They keep the company, assist with daily activities that are challenging for the care recipient, and provide invaluable support.

caregiver home health aide in harrisburg pa

Who’s In? And Who’s Affected?

In this, the ACL (Administration for Community Living) joins in the 2022 strategy by presenting a vision and recommendations to help caregivers. They are gathering contributions and commitments from as many sectors both private and public as possible.

Consider that there are over 50 million people annually who require health assistance to maintain their quality of life. Of those, 70% utilizing home care are aged 65 or over. Many adults would not otherwise have the financial resources needed to maintain physical, emotional, and mental support without efforts such as this.

It is understandable that families WANT to help their aging loved ones, but it’s simply not always practical, or possible! For one, the family rarely has training in handling their loved one’s needs effectively. For another, the busy nature of life means that non-professional caregiving becomes spotty.

Home Care Assistance for Anxiety and Depression in Elderly

Most people caring for someone 50 or over have minimally part-time jobs, and their own core families to care for.

The average number of years family members contribute to caregiving is 5. It’s easy to burn out! This is where a dedicated home health aide agency like AmeriBest steps in as a helpmate. When you don’t want to consign an individual to a nursing home, trained aides in the home are a great solution!

While cost may concern you, Medicare, Medicaid, and various health insurance marketplaces have coverage for home and community-based services, provided by a caregiver home health aide in Harrisburg PA. There are some requirements for coverage, including personal resources and income, which is why it’s wise to work with a navigator who can walk you through the red tape. They make the process easier, as can an agency representative!

The Next Step

When you know your loved one wants to remain in their own house, and you know you cannot give them the time and attention they need for well-being, reach out to AmeriBest Home Care for Services in Harrisburg, PA.

There are several ways to reach us to get your all-important questions answered.

Call us at 1800-HOMECARE or 717-545-2920

Email us at info@ameribest.org

Use our contact page HERE.

Would you like to become a paid family caregiver home health aide in Harrisburg PA?

Please submit your application HERE.

Your Trusted Provider of Home Health Care in Harrisburg, PA

Home Health Care in Harrisburg, PA

When given the option, most seniors prefer to stay in their homes as they grow older. The problem remains that they often have problems that keep them from being wholly safe when alone in that environment. Some with balance issues, for example, may trip and fall on a rug. Those with shaking hands may break a glass and get cut. At this point, a family is left to make hard decisions for their loved one. No matter how capable the individual is, there comes a point when they need more assistance, and sometimes family and friends simply can’t keep up with the demands on their time. The idea of nursing homes is unpleasant. They feel cold and impersonal. So you’d like to find a way of having your family member in their own house, with whatever extra care they require. That’s where home health care in Harrisburg, PA comes into play.

Opening Discussion

When you start looking for caregivers, the task seems impossible. There are a lot of options, but you can take certain steps to find a trusted provider in home health care in Harrisburg, PA. We strongly recommend beginning your journey with a family discussion. You don’t want to just surprise your loved one with a stranger entering the home! Also, you don’t want the individual to feel as if you are robbing them of their independence in any way. So, diplomacy really matters here.

Ask everyone what they envision for home care. Bring the individual’s opinions to the table and listen actively. There is sometimes resistance to an unknown person providing care. Compare that uncertainty to having dozens of unknown people in a strange environment, and you’ll likely see that wall giveaway.

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Appraise Your Needs

With that touchy situation out of the way, you can think about how much help you need. What level of assistance do you envision?

  • Help with chores?
  • Meal preparation?
  • Assisted mobility?
  • Personal care assistance?
  • Hygiene?
  • Private duty nursing?
  • Physical therapy?
  • Socialization?
  • Transportation to medical visits?

What Makes AmeriBest Home Health Care Different from Other Agencies in Harrisburg, PA?

The AmeriBest difference begins with our culture. We value excellence in our staff and show it. We know without the right people on the job, we cannot succeed in offering the best care experience. Once we’ve hired someone, we offer opportunities for ongoing professional training, so they always come to their shift prepared for a wide variety of emerging situations.

Before we hire our staff, we do background checks on each and every person. We ask about their level of experience and what they feel their role is in caregiving. We also discuss any concerns over transportation. The goal here is to give you peace of mind about the people we send to your home for ongoing care. Also, if you have any concerns about your aide, you can bring them to our attention for remediation. There is always the chance of mismatched personalities, and we know it’s vital for you to express your issues openly and honestly.

Speaking of which, AmeriBest stresses the importance of getting to know our clients. What do they enjoy doing? What are their favorite foods and TV shows? Our caregivers become a significant part of your household, and it’s important they build healthy relationships.

You probably have several questions. The learning curve about home care is pretty daunting. We’re here to help. Feel free to contact our offices any time:

Our online contact form

Phone: 717-545-2930

Email: info@ameribest.org

Our professionals stand at the ready with reliable answers.

What Home Care Assistance is Available in Harrisburg, PA?

Home care assistance Harrisburg PA

You are seeing the signs that your loved one needs help with their daily functioning. They do not want to go into a “home” or another facility because it seems so cold. The good news is that there are options that will keep them safely in their beloved house. So, what home care assistance is available in Harrisburg, PA?

In truth, what type of services you’ll receive depends heavily on the circumstances. However, home caregiving focuses on four key areas:

  • Personal Care: This covers cleaning, laundry, dishes, food preparation, hygiene, and medication monitoring, among other things.
  • Supervised Activities: It’s important to get out of the house. A trained aide can transport an individual to community activities regularly, even those with dementia or functional impairments.
  • Personalized Case Management: At AmeriBest in Harrisburg, PA, we pride ourselves on creating specialized care plans perfectly suited to your loved one’s situation.
  • Companionship: An aide becomes a lifeline for socialization. Studies show that such interaction deters depression and anxiety.

Other assists include skilled nursing, speech therapy, and physical therapy. An agency can offer you options on how to make the home space safer and easier to navigate. They can also assist with obtaining medical equipment and supplies when you’re struggling to find them.  In short, home care assistance in Harrisburg, PA, provides support to vulnerable individuals while maintaining their dignity and sense of independence.

Choosing a Home Care Agency

As you might imagine, the approach and culture of one agency can be vastly different than another. How do you choose? One of the most important things you should know is that the Department of Health in PA licenses caregiving agencies. This department oversees an agency’s standards and surveys them regularly. An agency must adhere to regulations.

When you start your search, we recommend having a list of questions ready to ask each potential agency. Start with their certification and accreditations. These aren’t an end-all and be-all, but it’s a beginning.

Move on to their hiring and training practices. The best agencies look for a specific “type” of individual as staff, one with compassion, patience,  attentiveness, and strong ethics. The agency must require background checks by PA State law. After hiring, do the aids receive more training, and if so, what type? At AmeriBest we know it’s important to keep our staff abreast of best practices as they emerge in the health care industry.

From a pragmatic point of view, what does the agency do when your aide calls off? How soon can they have a replacement available? Can the agency handle your loved one’s unique requirements, if applicable?

Last, collect references and follow up on them. You’d be surprised at how many people take a professional services company at its word. Get feedback from others and from the Better Business Bureau so you’re not caught by an unpleasant surprise.

What Can You Expect from AmeriBest Home Care Harrisburg, PA?

When our agency works with you, we pride ourselves on being knowledgeable and individualized. There are no “cookie-cutter” solutions to home care here. Your situation is different from anyone else’s in family dynamics alone.

We focus on getting to know you and your loved one, as well as getting input from their wellness team. You can contact us online, call 717-545-2920 or 1800-HOMECARE, or email info@ameribest.org with any questions or get further information.

In-Home Care Services Available in Harrisburg, PA

In-Home Care Services Available in Harrisburg, PA

There is no way to avoid the impact of time on our bodies but to live a healthy lifestyle. Even then, people develop chronic illnesses or debilitating injuries that leave them hospital bound for extended periods of time. No one likes being at a hospital. But there is an alternative. You can hire a professional caregiver to provide in-home care services in Harrisburg, PA by contacting AmeriBest Home Care.

What Are In-Home Care Services?

Home sweet home. There is comfort derived from being in familiar surroundings. In-home care services allow an individual to stay in their home while receiving ongoing care for their condition.

Home Health Care comprises care that takes place in a patient’s home. The exact services differ based on individual needs and situations. Trained aides come and meet with the individual and their family to assess a “best practice” approach in creating a plan of care.

Benefits of Hiring an In-Home Caregiver

There are many benefits to in-home care services in Harrisburg, PA. For some, their insurance or Medicare does not completely cover the cost of specialized facilities. Overall, services delivered to your home cost less than what accrues in a hospital. But the benefits of an aide service go beyond money.

In this setting, the entire family is encouraged to take part in their loved one’s care. They remain active participants, but have the opportunity for regular “time out,” away from the difficulties of caregiving. It’s easy to burn out otherwise.

Home Health Care services include things like

  • RN and therapist visits
  • Personal care (dressing, bathing, etc.)
  • Light housework, like laundry and sweeping
  • Yard work
  • Cooking
  • Socialization and companionship
  • Respite
  • Transportation
  • Medication management, and more.

In other words, the goal is to provide a safe, comfortable environment that offers continuity, familiarity, and an extra set of eyes and hands at the ready. Over time, an aide develops a connection with the client, building trust, and supporting their wellness goals.

What is the Difference Between Home Health Care and Home Care?

There are a variety of in-home services you can get in the comfort of your own house. Sometimes “home care” and “home health care” get confused. Home health has a medical focus. Services come from licensed professionals helping people with things like dementia, physical therapy, and psychiatric care.

By comparison, home care doesn’t require licensed personnel. Rather, staff members receive basic training before they go into the field. There are even situations in which you can hire a family member or friend to take care of you. These people can have their training and timekeeping managed by an agency like AmeriBest.

Looking for an In-Home Caregiver in Harrisburg, PA?

When you’re ready to interview caregivers in your area, don’t hesitate to give AmeriBest a call. Our professionals are ready to answer all your questions and guide you through the paperwork required. We take pride in having highly trained staff who are compassionate and dependable. Our goal is to deliver superior service every day.

You can use our online contact form, call 717-545-2920 or 1800-HOMECARE, or email info@ameribesthomecare.com