Category: Home Care Philadelphia

Home Care vs Facility-Based Assisted Living in Philadelphia PA: Making the Right Choice

As your loved one ages, you want to ensure that you do what’s best for them. This is especially true if they live with a chronic health condition or disability. The decision between home care and an assisted living community is challenging, as both services provide advantages for seniors who require assisted living in Philadelphia, PA. Let’s look at what home care offers and why it may be the right choice for your loved one.

What Is an Assisted Living Facility?

Assisted living is full-time, long-term care that provides care for seniors on-site. These provide care for those who need a lot of assistance with daily living but don’t need the medical assistance provided by a nursing home. Assisted living residents share common areas but generally have their own private residences. They also have access to services like housekeeping, transportation, and recreational activities.

What is Home Care?

Home care involves a senior living at home, either alone or with family members. A caregiver visits on a regular basis to provide needed personal care, housekeeping assistance, or minor medical needs. Because home care can be tailored to a senior’s specific needs, seniors can receive the same level of care in their home that they would receive from an assisted living facility.

What Are the Benefits In-Home Care over Assisted Living in Philadelphia?

Both home care and assisted living provide Philadelphia seniors with benefits as they age. The right option depends on your loved one’s needs. However, home care does provide unique benefits to seniors, including,

Aging at Home

Home care services allow seniors to age in their own homes, close to friends, family, and their community. This, in turn, decreases a senior’s likelihood of experiencing loneliness and isolation.

Home Care is Customizable

Because home care takes place at the senior’s home, the care is fully customizable. Seniors can receive only the services they need and find the right person to provide those services.

Home Care Is More Affordable than Assisted Living

Assisted living comes with a larger price tag than home care services. This is in part because they come with 24-hour care and on-site services (which your loved one may not necessarily need or want). Because you only pay for the services you need with home care, the costs are as customizable as the services you receive.

Home Care Provides Relief for Family Caregivers

Often family members are seniors’ primary caregivers. However, you often need time for yourself, whether for the doctor, your partner, or just downtime for self-care. Home care provides valuable respite care for primary caregivers to ensure they meet their own physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Home Care Provides Companionship

One concern families have when a senior wants to age at home is that they may experience isolation. Home care services include companionship services, ensuring that seniors have someone to bond with and enjoy activities and meals with.

Are You Looking for Home Care or Assisted Living in Philadelphia, PA?

At AmeriBest Home Care, we want to empower you to choose the right care for you or your loved one. Whether you’re caring for elderly parents or someone with a disability, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Contact us today to discuss your options with one of our program coordinators.

Navigating Medicare in Philadelphia, PA: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Health Insurance Options

Did you know that Medicare covers almost 3 million Pennsylvania residents? In addition to Traditional Medicare, seniors have at least 50 Medicare Advantage plans available to them, which can seem overwhelming. At AmeriBest Home Care, we strive to help seniors make the best choices for their home and health care. Here is our comprehensive guide to your options available through Medicare in Philadelphia PA.

Medicare Philadelphia PA: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

Original Medicare, or Traditional Medicare, includes hospitalization insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B). The government pays for healthcare costs and a beneficiary can obtain care anywhere in the country so long as they accept Medicare. With Medicare Part A, if you or your spouse paid into Medicare through your wages, coverage is typically free. Medicare Part B typically has a monthly premium.

Original Medicare Part A and B cover hospitalization and most outpatient services. However, it doesn’t cover prescription drugs. Likewise, it doesn’t cover dental care or routine vision care.

Medicare Advantage is a private coverage alternative to Original Medicare. Where Original Medicare only includes hospitalization and medical coverage, Medicare Advantage often includes prescription coverage (Part D), as well as other supplemental benefits such as vision and dental.

Because Medicare Advantage is managed through private insurers, consumers have multiple options for coverage, based on their needs and services available in their area including HMOs (health maintenance organizations) and PPOs (preferred provider organizations).

Advantage plans cover the essential services of Medicare Part A and Part B. However, Advantage plans don’t cover hospice care. Fortunately, Original Medicare covers hospice, even if you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

The costs for Medicare Advantage vary based on the insurance provider. Some plans offer integrated Part D, meaning that beneficiaries only pay premiums for Part B, just as they would with Original Medicare. While premiums are widely variable, they’re often less expensive for consumers than Original Medicare with the addition of Medigap coverage. When considering cost, it’s important to look at the out-of-pocket costs on Medicare Advantage plans, as these establish how much a patient must pay for care before Medicare picks up the costs.

Medigap

Medigap is supplemental coverage that helps to pick up the gaps left behind by Medicare Part A and Part B. This includes covering co-pays and deductibles as well as plans that cover emergency expenses when traveling outside of the country. If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you can purchase Medigap coverage.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a government-funded program that provides low-income and disabled Americans with health insurance coverage. Seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, may receive full benefits under both programs (known as full-benefit dual-eligibles) or have Medicare but receive Medicaid to help pay expenses like Medicare premiums (called partial duals).

Are You Considering Options for Medicare in Philadelphia, PA?

At AmeriBest Home Care, we want to empower you to choose the right plan and care for you or your loved one. Whether you’re caring for elderly parents or someone with a disability, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Contact us today to discuss your options with one of our program coordinators.

Independent Living in Philadelphia, PA: The What, How, Cost, and Alternatives

If you or a loved one is aging, you may be looking for alternatives. Should you consider aging at home or an assisted living facility? What about independent living in Philadelphia PA? At AmeriBest Home Care, we’re committed to educating our communities on the alternatives available to them. Let’s look at the option of independent living and what it entails.

What Is Independent Living?

Independent living is a housing arrangement aimed at seniors aged 55 and older. These are living communities that offer services and amenities that seniors generally need as they age. While specifics vary by community, they typically offer,

Home maintenance
Transportation services
Security
Meal plans

Who Is Independent Living Ideal for?

For seniors who want to live independently and don’t need assistance with daily living activities, independent living is a good alternative. It provides additional security and allows seniors to live in neighborhoods with other seniors.

What Is the Cost of Independent Living?

The cost of independent living varies across different communities. In retirement communities, residents typically have the option to either rent or buy their homes, in addition to paying a monthly fee that covers maintenance and amenities, similar to a homeowner’s association fee.

On the other hand, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCSRs) may charge additional fees, as they have nursing staff and provide dining credits, among other things. Prospective residents are often required to pay a large entrance fee to reserve a space and gain access to medical care, with monthly fees after moving in potentially reaching as high as $5,000. Whether CCSR is a suitable option depends on factors such as whether the individual lives alone or with someone else and the level of care they require, as well as whether they can afford the entrance fee and monthly fees. (Source)

Do Medicaid and Medicare Pay for Independent Living in Philadelphia PA?

Medicaid and Medicare don’t cover the costs for independent living communities. However, seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) may qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover their care costs.

What Are the Alternatives to Independent Living?

Independent living isn’t the right choice for everyone. Fortunately, seniors have other options to independent living communities. Depending on a senior’s needs, some of these alternatives may be covered by Medicare and Medicaid.

Assisted living facilities provide a high level of care for seniors. While the highest cost option, the facilities can be the best choice for seniors who are unable to live independently and need 24-hour care.

Home care services allow seniors to age at home without needing to move to an independent community. Service providers like AmeriBest Home Care provide a variety of services that help seniors manage everything from meals and personal care to transportation.

Living with the family is another option for aging seniors. For seniors who are able to live independently without personal assistance, living with a child or other relative allows them to stay in their communities and close to family. Often family members will provide care when a senior loved one needs daily living assistance. For these caregivers, providers like AmeriBest Home Care can provide respite care to allow them to see to emergencies and other needs.

Are You Looking for Home Care or Independent Living in Philadelphia?

Senior Services in PA: April Is National Minority Health Month

It’s April, a month for gentle showers, planting flowers, and focusing on elderly and disabled people in minority communities. Yes, it’s National Minority Health Month. Let’s look at the unique challenges minorities face and how senior services in PA can help.

The Origins of National Minority Health Month

This month’s awareness focus has its origins in 1915, when Booker T. Washington sought to bring health awareness to African American communities. In 2002, the US Congress officially recognized his efforts and designated April as National Minority Health Month. The purpose of this month is to,

Build awareness about the disproportionate burden of illness and premature death among people of color
Encourage action through education, detection, and treatment

Why Addressing Health Disparities Matters

A 2011 study found that if preventable diseases such as hypertension and stroke were addressed in Latino and African American communities to the same degree as they were in non-Latino white communities, we would save almost $24 billion dollars in health care costs. While the amount of money alone is staggering, it points to something far more important: the number of people who suffer and die because of disparities in our healthcare system.

These are problems that persist over ten years after this study, as people of color are still more likely to be ignored or have their concerns dismissed. For example, black women are more likely to have complaints about pain being ignored compared to white women, which contributes to black women being more likely to die in childbirth compared to white women. Considering the risks that people of all ethnic and racial groups face as they age, such as osteoporosis and the increased risk of injury from falls, you can see how this disparity in treatment can result in poor outcomes for people of color.

How Senior Services in PA Help Overcome Health Care Disparities

At AmeriBest Home Care, we ensure that our caregivers provide help for seniors in Philadelphia that addresses all their concerns. As we tailor our services to the individual needs of patients and families, we listen to not only understand the care services they want but the care they receive currently and in the past from other health providers. Through attention and care, in-home care professionals can help seniors get the healthcare they need by,

Ensuring healthcare providers understand the severity and impact of the condition in question
Noting and relating symptoms that a patient displays regularly that they may not consider
Acting as an advocate for care
Supporting the prescribed care plan and delivering care at home

Are You Looking for Help for Seniors in Philadelphia, PA?

Medicaid in Philadelphia: 101, Eligibility, How to Apply

Aging with comfort is important, but sometimes you need a little help with medical expenses. This is especially true if you have a chronic health condition. Fortunately, Medicaid in Philadelphia is available to those who need assistance with medical expenses. So, let’s look at what Medicaid (Medical Assistance) is, who is eligible, and how to apply.

What Is Medicaid?

Medical Assistance, or Medicaid, is a program that pays for health care and mental health services for eligible individuals. Medicaid is funded jointly by the federal government and states and is meant to provide those with low income or have special needs with the medical coverage they need.

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in Philadelphia?

In Philadelphia, Medicaid or Medical Assistance eligibility is grouped two ways:

Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)

Pregnant women
Children 18 and under
Parents and caregivers of children under 21
Adults 19-64 whose income is at or below 133% of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines
Family planning services

Non-MAGI

Individuals 65 and older
Individuals who are blind and/or disabled
Medical Assistance Workers with Disabilities
Individuals receiving long-term care or home and community-based services

What Income is Counted Towards Eligibility?

Generally, the following income is taken into consideration when determining Medical Assistance eligibility,

Wages
Interest
Dividends
Social Security
Veterans’ Benefits (except for MAGI MA)
Pensions
Spouse’s income if living with them

Different groups may have different income requirements. At AmeriBest, we can educate you on requirements based on your specific situation.

How Do You Apply for Medicaid in Philadelphia?

The Department of Human Services provides multiple ways for Philadelphia residents to apply for Medical Assistance. This allows you to choose the method that best meets your needs. If you don’t know if you’re eligible, you can still apply:

Online using the COMPASS
By calling 1-866-550-4355 to apply online
In person at your local county assistance office (CAO)
By downloading or picking up a paper application from your local CAO and mailing it to them when you complete the application.

Do You Need Medical Assistance (Medicaid)?

What Is Agency with Choice Program?

If you live with a family member with disabilities or are caring for elderly parents, choosing care can be a hard decision. While the goal of living and aging at home is to live independently, the process of finding quality home care can be less empowering than it should be. That’s why AmeriBest Home Care works closely with families to tailor care, including working with the Agency with Choice program.

What Is Agency with Choice?

To help provide individuals and families more control over their in-home health care, the Office of Developmental Programs made Participant Direction Services (PDS) available. Agency with Choice is one of these services, allowing individuals or their representatives to have direct supervisory control over the care services they receive while the Financial Management Services (FMS), such as AmeriBest Home Care, handles the employer-related paperwork such as payroll and tax records.

What’s the Difference Between Agency with Choice and Contracting through a Care Agency?

Agency with Choice provides individuals and their families with more control over their care. When you contract with an agency like AmeriBest to supervise your care, the standards your caregiver meets are determined by the company. While you are the patient and client the caregiver is responsible for, the agency still acts as their direct supervisor.

With Agency with Choice, the caregiver is considered an employee of AmeriBest for the purposes of payroll, tax, and other employment considerations. However, you directly supervise and manage the care they provide. This makes it easier to tailor the services you need and empowers you or your representative to directly supervise your care.

Who Is Eligible?

Individuals who live with a disability or autism and live at home or with a family member or friend may be eligible for Agency with Choice. Not all in-home care services may qualify for the program. However, services typically covered include,

In-home and community support services
Companion services
Respite services
Homemaker and chore services

Is Agency with Choice in Philadelphia Right for You?

Senior Care for Your Loved Ones in Philadelphia PA

As years go by, our loved ones show signs of aging. Eventually, there are things they cannot do for themselves. You step in to help here and there, but the responsibilities keep on growing! People find themselves overwhelmed. That’s where AmeriBest Senior Care Philadelphia, PA, steps in offering in-home health care for seniors.

You may have already felt a financial strain from caregiving due to lost pay or out-of-pocket expenses to provide your loved one with medical necessities. You would not be alone. Three in ten families caring for their seniors report increased debt. Our agency can walk you through all the financial supports available, including Medicaid, which can decrease your burden substantively if you qualify.

Aging in Place

Aging in place is highly preferred among seniors. They don’t like the idea of moving from their home. Everything there is familiar, including the people. At a facility, many strangers walk the halls, and it’s nowhere near as comfortable. Plus, many families feel guilt over engaging in a nursing home. Using a home healthcare service solves these problems.

Studies show aging in place has an impact on mental health, too. Being at home, a person feels secure, and they also have a sense of autonomy. There’s less stress and more predictability.

You want to make the best choice in home care. At AmeriBest Home Care, we pride ourselves in attentive service and making every effort to maintain the individual’s sense of self-respect. Your professional home caregiver frees you up to focus on personal needs and tasks, many of which have been on the back burner because you simply ran out of time.

What to Expect

As you seek senior care for your loved one in Philadelphia, PA, you might wonder what to expect from services. At AmeriBest Home Care, we will work with you, your loved one and their medical team to come up with a personalized plan of care. Some of the duties of our caregivers include:

Preparing meals
Med minders
Housekeeping
Bathing
Dressing
Organizing schedules
Participation in social events
Driving to physician’s appointments.

AmeriBest: Senior Care in Philadelphia, PA

Our company name says it all. We want the “best” for your entire family. Aging in place doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Everyone needs to have a say and receive essential information as soon as possible. We encourage family advocacy. There are no “cookie-cutter” solutions in our business. The plans we settle on take into consideration family dynamics, your concerns, and your loved one’s feeling.

We are one of the top agencies in Philadelphia, PA, having shown dedication to superior care. As the world of caregiving grows and changes, we remain mindful of best practices in every aspect of our services. In choosing our staff, we seek individuals who show strong compassion, support, and attentiveness. We also scout for people who are dependable and trustworthy.

For more information, please contact us any time!

Call: 215-925-3313 or 1800-HOMECARE

Email: info@ameribest.org

Characteristics of a Good Home Health Care Aide in Philadelphia

A good home health care aide in Philadelphia can manage many responsibilities. They are compassionate, knowledgeable, and able to multitask. A home aide should also have a love of learning and development.

Compassionate

An in-home caregiver should be compassionate. Compassionate people are in tune with the needs of others and make an effort to help them. They listen to their patient’s stories, empathize with their struggles, and are sensitive to their challenges.

Knowledgeable

A good home health care aide should be knowledgeable about the patient’s condition and how to administer treatments. They should know when a patient should take their medications, how often those medications need to be taken, and what will happen if they are not taken on time or as prescribed. It also means the aide must understand how specific equipment works and operate it correctly.

A Multitasker

In addition to being a caring and compassionate individual, a good home health care aide in Philadelphia should be able to multitask. Multitasking is an essential skill because it enables them to be more efficient in their job, ultimately saving time and money for the patient’s family.

Handling Stress

The ability to handle stressful situations is another characteristic that makes a good home health care aide stand out from other candidates. A stressful situation may arise at any moment when caring for patients.

Love of Learning

It’s not enough to just be a good home health care aide. To stay competitive in the field, they must be willing to develop their skills and knowledge continually. Continuing education is a must.

If you’re interested in home health care in Philadelphia for an aging loved one, contact us at AmeriBest Home Care to learn more.

Supporting Your Elderly Parents With Paid Caregiving

As our parents get older, it can be a challenging and emotional time for everyone involved. As their children, we want to ensure that they are comfortable and well-cared for, but it can take time to figure out what to do and where to begin. However, by being informed and prepared, we can navigate these challenges and celebrate the joys of growing older together. Today, we’ll explore the ways you can support your aging loved ones, including but not limited to paid caregiving, state assistance, and other available support. Let’s dive right in!

Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help

There are several alarming signs that may indicate that an older adult needs more help, including:

Difficulty with daily activities: Struggles with tasks such as walking, bathing, dressing, and cooking can indicate that an older person may need assistance with these activities.
Changes in physical appearance: Unexplained weight loss, poor hygiene, and changes in clothing choices can be indicators that an elderly person is struggling and may need help.
Changes in behavior: Sudden mood changes, increased confusion, and disorientation can indicate that an older adult may need more assistance and support.
A decline in cognitive abilities: Difficulty with memory, communication, and decision-making can be early signs of cognitive decline. They may indicate that the elderly need more help.
Safety concerns: Issues with mobility, falls, and medication management can be serious safety concerns for elderly individuals. These red flags may indicate that they need more help at home or in a facility.
Isolation and loneliness: Withdrawing from social activities and relationships can signify depression or a need for social support.
Difficulty with managing finances: Struggles with paying bills, mismanaging money, and frequent calls for assistance can indicate that an older or disabled person may need help with financial management.

It is crucial to identify these signs and provide the necessary support and resources to help elderly individuals live safely and comfortably. This may involve working with family members, professional care providers, or local resources to ensure that the elderly person has the support they need.

How To Start Supporting Your Aging Parents

Start a conversation: Talk to your parents about their preferences and expectations for their future. Ask them what they would like to happen if they need help with day-to-day activities or if they become ill. Find out what their wishes are for medical treatment and end-of-life care.
Get organized: Make a list of their medical information, insurance policies, and other important documents. Consider getting power of attorney so you can make decisions for your parents if they cannot.
Assess their needs: Look for signs that your parents may need help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or preparing meals. Consider hiring in-home care or moving them to a care facility if necessary.
Make time for joy: While it’s essential to take care of practical matters, it’s also important to celebrate the joys of aging together. Plan regular visits and trips, and find activities that they both enjoy.
Stay connected: Even if you live far away, technology can help you stay in touch. Encourage your parents to use video calls and email to stay connected with you and their grandchildren.
Seek support: Taking care of aging parents can be emotionally and physically taxing. Make sure to seek help from friends, family, or a support group. It can also be helpful to speak with a therapist who can provide you with tools and strategies for managing stress.

Aging can be difficult, but we can also make it a time of joy and celebration. Remember to communicate openly, get organized, assess your parents’ needs, make time for joy, stay connected, and seek support. By doing so, you can ensure that your aging parents are comfortable at home.

How Can I Get Paid for Caregiving for My Parents?

Family caregiving can be very demanding and emotionally and physically tolling. It can be a source of stress for many caregivers and significantly impact their health, relationships, and financial well-being.

It’s essential for caregivers to prioritize their well-being and to seek support when they need it. This can include talking to friends and family, joining a support group, or seeking help from professional resources like therapists or respite care services.

There are several ways to get paid for caregiving for your parents in Pennsylvania, including:

Private Pay: You can agree with your parents or their family members to provide care for a fee. This is known as private pay and can be a flexible arrangement that meets the needs of both parties.
Medicaid Waiver Programs: Pennsylvania offers programs that can provide funding to pay for care services in the home. You can check with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging or the local Area Agency on Aging to learn more about these programs and how to apply.
In-Home Support Services: Pennsylvania also offers in-home support services through the Home & Community Based Services. These services can provide support with activities of daily living, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
Long-Term Care Insurance: If your parents have long-term care insurance, they may be eligible to receive benefits to pay for your care services.
Tax Credits: There are also tax credits available for caregivers in Pennsylvania, such as the Caregiver Credit and the Dependent Care Credit. These credits can provide financial relief for caregivers who care for their parents.

Working with a professional is vital to determine the best course of action for you and your family. AmeriBest Home Care can help you navigate the complex regulations and requirements related to paid caregiving. Call 1800-HOMECARE today.

CDPAP: What Is Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program?

When someone you love comes to the point of being unable to wholly care for themselves, the family is faced with the choice between facilities, hiring an aide service, or applying for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPAP) – a program utilized by AmeriBest Home Care in coordination with Medicaid. All three of our offices in Philadelphia, PA, Harrisburg, PA, and Allentown, PA, can assist you in this matter.

The difference between a hired caregiver and someone hired through CDPAP is simple, familiarity. The CDPAP allows close family members of trusted friends to become a caregiver. Note this is a paying position. When you utilize Consumer-Directed Care, you have peace of mind that comes from knowing the person in your home regularly throughout the week. Better still, they’ll likely have some familiarity with your loved one, which makes that person feel more at ease.

Perhaps someone you know has already provided ongoing care freely to give you time away to do other things. AmeriBest can train that person. In this situation, CDPAP maintains continuity of care for the individual in need.

A Closer Look at The CDPAP Program

The Consumer-Directed program is part of Medicaid aimed at decreasing the cost of care among seniors. There are a few rules as to who you can choose as a caregiver, however. A spouse cannot receive compensation under this program with the exceptions of: New Jersey, Rhode Island, New York, California, and Washington. Why? Because from a legal standpoint, spouses are already responsible for each other.

A person seeking to utilize the CDPAP program must be eligible for Medicaid. Under Medicaid, they must also meet the criteria for personal care, certified home health care, or private duty nursing. Finally, an individual’s physician must provide an order using designated paperwork. There is yet one more step.

When a person qualifies for CDPAP services, a qualified professional comes to your home, determining the level of need. Afterward, you’ll be notified of how many hours a week your loved one can work and get paid. This is a firm number (no wiggle room).

Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program Benefits

CDPAP provides a level of familiarity and rapport that takes weeks (if not months) to establish with a professional aide. Being part of the family, the caregiver already understands dynamics and the “lingo.” They recognize the people who may arrive at their doorstep.

Once in place, CDPAP permits your friend or family member a flexible schedule. You will coordinate hours with them directly. You can also create an “in-house” plan of care, outlining the expectations of your caregiver (family or not, this is important).

How AmeriBest Home Care Helps

Even the best in-home health care agency doesn’t fit all molds and situations. As the demand for caregivers grows, having someone you already know becomes an ideal solution. Plus, individuals on the CDPAP have a support consultant. They bridge the individual and the program, ensuring ongoing requirements are met. AmeriBest does that, and we also take care of their wage processing.

We are sure you have questions, and our professionals are happy to answer them. You can contact us at any of our three offices:

Philadelphia, PA 215-925-3313

Harrisburg, PA 717-545-2920

Allentown, PA 610-596-9070

Or our online contact form HERE

Email: info@ameribest.org