Category: Seniors care

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

Boosting Your Immune System Using Supplements

When you begin your search for a home healthcare provider, you want one who keeps up with the latest in best practices for ongoing health. At AmeriBest Home Care – the best home care agency in Philadelphia, we continually update our personnel and train them accordingly.

Supplements are one way of boosting your (or your loved one’s) immune system. None will prevent or cure diseases, but they give you extra tools to defend your body against bacteria, toxins, and viruses. You bolster your resistance even more with healthy eating, exercise, and proper sleep.

The biggest caution with supplements is that not all of them play nicely with current medications! Over the counter or not, you should always check with your primary about any supplement you plan on taking. Certainly, the advertising sounds promising, but keep thinking: safety first.

Potential Immune System Supplements

At AmeriBest, Philadelphia, our team sometimes walks into a home and sees dozens of bottles on the counter. Some are outdated, some are duplicates, and others aren’t necessary. You don’t need 101 supplements, just a few GOOD ones. For example, many people have a Vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps protect you against respiratory infections.

A mineral you can consider for boosting your immune system is zinc, without which it will not function properly. As a result, you are at an increased risk of illness. About 16% of serious respiratory infections have ties to a lack of zinc. In the aging community, over 30% of people are zinc-deficient.

Another well-known supplement for health is Vitamin C. While you may have heard Vitamin C protects against infections and is a powerful antioxidant, it has another role. This Vitamin helps clear out old cells and replace them with new ones.

One of nature’s gifts to the immune system is Elderberry, which has been a prevalent part of the folk healer’s kit since the time of Charlemaign. Elderberry has antiviral and antibacterial properties, particularly useful in staving off the flu. It can also decrease the duration of a cold.

Then too, what about garlic? This spice has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It stimulates white blood cells. Garlic exhibits the potential to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, too. The Greek physician Hippocrates (after which the Hippocratic oath is named) prescribed garlic for various maladies. There is no need to process garlic in any particular way. Just add it to your recipe, and enjoy.

The Bottom Line

AmeriBest Home Care agency in Philadelphia, PA recognizes the benefits of supplements for aging people that boost immune functionality. However, nothing surpasses a healthy lifestyle. Exercise, healthy eating, good sleep habits, and medication management are part of the picture.

When you have a professional aide, they can help your loved one strive toward that goal. Our staff is highly trained to meet daily needs, protect your confidentiality, and focus on the individual’s sense of involvement and dignity.

Hire The Best Home Care Agency in Philadelphia!

If you’d like more information about our services, you can reach us in several ways:

Telephone: 215-925-3313

Email: info@ameribest.org, and

Online contact form HERE

Walk on the Bright Side: Keys to Greater Happiness

Working with people needing home care services Allentown PA, we constantly see individuals struggling with their sense of purpose, depression, and anxiety because of their condition. These feelings are normal but can get in the way of being happy.

Some organizations are working on what should be an easier question: How to be happy? Studies show that there is a correlation between mental well-being and things like chronic pain and longevity. People who are unhappy focus on their pain more than on activities. People who are happy are more likely to be active, contributing to their body’s overall hardiness.

In-home healthcare, an aide like those at AmeriBest can encourage ideas for improved happiness. They can also redirect individuals trying to break bad habits. The idea is to make new routines and new practices that support positivity. You’d be surprised at how simple some things are, like smiling more. Smile at someone when you pass them (watch their eyes light up).

Smiling releases dopamine, the “feel good” chemical. Here are some more ideas:

Sleep:
Adequate sleep is vital to your body and mind. Otherwise, you live in a fog. Create a quiet time before bed, and stick to a routine of when you sleep and when you get up. Avoid eating and drinking before bed or actively engaging your mind in something like an online puzzle. You’re trying to wind down, not up. Also, get bedding and pillows that feel good. Believe it or not, that little bit of comfort affects how well you sleep. Read up on sleep hygiene.
Remain active as practicable:
You don’t need to jog or lift weights. Instead, take short walks. And, when you wake up, stretch before you get out of bed.
The attitude of gratitude:
Instead of focusing on perceived negatives in life, look for the blessings, both big and small. Create a daily journal of things that improved your day. Maybe you snuck in 15 minutes more sleep before getting ready for the day. Or, perhaps, you saw a lovely bird outside your window. Redirecting your mind to “good stuff” improves happiness.
Random acts of kindness:
Give someone a compliment (nice scarf, love your hat). How does it make you feel? Even just making eye contact and saying good morning can boost how you feel inside. It’s satisfying to do good things.
Acknowledge your feelings:
No one is happy every moment of every day. Don’t dismiss those moments when you feel lousy. Don’t just put on a happy face and push feelings away. Instead, try to figure out the trigger. What made you feel bad? Knowing this helps you avoid similar situations in the future.
It’s your story:
You cannot compare your life to anyone else’s. For example, in recovery from surgery, you might hear about someone who was up and going while you are still struggling. You are NOT them. Every person is different, so keep going without making unreasonable expectations.
Finally, keep your space tidy:
Clutter impacts how you feel and think.

Home Care Services Allentown PA

Our AmeriBest caregivers can help with this, among many other daily tasks covered by the home care services in Allentown, PA. If you’d like more information on getting home healthcare, you can contact us online. Our email is info@ameribest.org. The phone number for our Allentown, PA office is 610-596-9070. Our trained professionals are happy to help in any way.

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Tossing, turning, adding blankets, or removing them…the time seems to slow to an aching pace, and all you pray for is going to sleep. At AmeriBest senior care Harrisburg, PA, we’ve encountered many individuals, particularly seniors, who struggle with sleep. Small losses here and there are normal. But when it becomes nightly, the lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and depression.

What is Sleep Hygiene?

In recent years you may have heard the term “sleep hygiene.” Basically, sleep hygiene is a matter of creating healthy habits that help you get better sleep. Both your environment and pre-bed routine contribute to sleeping deeply. When we say “routine,” not all suggestions here work for everyone, so you want to craft a sustainable pattern that, with time, becomes natural.

Factoid: Insomnia

Over 70 million Americans exhibit sleep disorders every year. Between 30 and 50% of the adult population have ongoing insomnia problems. Chronic insomnia is defined as having sleep interruptions or difficulties three times a week for more than three months. Stress is the number one contributor to sleep problems, along with pain, depression, diseases, and medications, all common to the aging population.

How to Get Started

Sleep hygiene aims to create a pre-bed routine and harness habits that may contribute to getting to sleep and staying asleep. The aides at Ameribest, Harrisburg, PA, can help individuals stick to their routines using simple reminders.

For example, they can remind a person of all the steps before going to bed. Dress, brush your teeth, and take a half hour to wind down using gentle lighting and relaxing music. Find the things that really settle your mind and spirit.

Sleep Schedule

First things first, it’s time to set a sleep schedule. Try to wake up at the same time daily, creating a bio-rhythm for consistency. Do not put off sleep unless it’s absolutely necessary. It may take a little time to adjust, but that’s to be expected.

Cat Naps & Electronics

Avoid napping. You haven’t slept well, so it’s not surprising you want a nap. However, the more you nap, the more it impacts your night’s sleep. Limit naps to early afternoon. Also, avoid all electronics (cell phones, tablets, etc.). Electronics stimulate the mind, which is the opposite of what you want. Instead, try relaxation methods like deep breathing and meditation.

Tip: Don’t just lie there awake

When you spend hours in bed, unable to sleep, the connection between you and your bedroom becomes contrary. You want to look forward to bed. So if you’re still awake after a half hour, get up for a bit. Stretch, perhaps read a book, and then try again. Still, avoid electronics, though.

Other Helpmates for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Get as much natural light as possible. Sunlight creates a rhythm in your body that can decrease sleep problems. Don’t drink caffeine in the evening because it’s a stimulant. Late-night meals aren’t great, either. Digestion can disrupt sleep.

Senior Care Harrisburg

If you are caring for a loved one, it can be difficult to help them achieve solid sleep habits. However, if you have a professional aide like those from AmeriBest Harrisburg, PA, they can step in with guidance during their shift. Make it a team effort!

Call us to see how home care in Harrisburg, PA can best help your family. You can reach our Harrisburg office at 717-545-2920, by email at info@ameribest.org, or by using our online contact form.

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Our senses are the key to the ways in which we engage with the world. When one begins to fade, it changes everything, including how others treat us. We begin to be seen as our condition, not the person behind it. Glaucoma, called the “sneak thief of sight,” is one such disorder projected to affect over 4 million people by 2030. Without raising awareness of how important eye exams are to preserving vision, the numbers will only continue rising. At AmeriBest Homecare in Philadelphia, we get calls from families who do not know how to handle this issue on top of any other health limitations their loved one has. They worry about the quality of life and effective care going forward. After all, Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, especially for Latinos and African Americans. The numbers will only continue rising without raising awareness of how important eye exams are to preserving vision.

Glaucoma up Close

Glaucoma can affect people from all walks of life and of all ages. Nonetheless, it primarily affects people when they hit middle age and upward. Everything begins in the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending thousands of images to the brain for processing. When there is damage to the nerve, the clarity decreases and begins fading. When an eye doctor detects glaucoma in its early stages, it improves their ability to treat the issue.

Two Main Types of Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma is one of the two primary forms of the disorder. It results from increased pressure inside the eye. Secondary glaucoma occurs because of an underlying disease, causing, or contributing to, eye pressure.

Prevention

The problem with glaucoma is that most people don’t even know it’s developing because it begins in peripheral vision. There are no early warning signs. The only way to check for glaucoma is through an eye exam in which the eye is dilated. When discovered early enough, some eyesight can be protected. Note that if your family has a history of glaucoma, it’s doubly important to have regular exams as there appear to be genetic correlations.

Tests for glaucoma look at five factors. First, the eye doctor examines the pressure inside the eye. Next, they look at the shape and color of the optic nerve, followed by checking your field of vision. The last two things are examining the angle where the iris meets the cornea and the thickness of the cornea.

Accessing Homecare in Philadelphia

If your loved one has a glaucoma diagnosis, you may need help with their daily care, especially as the vision fades. Our trained staff is ready to show compassion and kindness, particularly since the individual probably feels vulnerable. Give us a call to learn how we can make things at home run with less stress while also providing experienced care you can trust.

There are many good home care agencies in Philadelphia, but if you’re looking for a GREAT one, contact AmeriBest!

You can contact our office in three ways:

Our online Contact Form

By phone 215-925-3313

Or by email: info@ameribest.org

Cervical Health Awareness Month

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 Health Care Services in Allentown PA

When you have a loved one who struggles with various daily needs, you want a high-quality, dedicated company like AmeriBest in Allentown, PA, on your side. Our goal is to provide comprehensive Home Health Care Services in Allentown, PA, to our community by focusing on compassion and maintaining individuals’ dignity. Studies show that a lack of self-worth greatly impacts an individual’s quality of life. Two key words in AmeriBest’s home care are “client-centered.” Our clients do not feel like they are on the outside looking in. We listen to their ideas, concerns, fears, and hopes when devising a plan of care. Next comes input from family and friends. And, of course, we include all of a person’s healthcare providers in the equation, so everyone is on the same page.

Dealing with Caregiver Uncertainty

Individuals requiring care often have misgivings about having a stranger in their homes. Or they aren’t sure exactly what to expect from the situation. These feelings are shared by families seeking the right situation for their loved ones. It’s not easy. There are many options out there, but think about what you want ideally and make a list, including your questions and use them during reviews of company options.

Remember that all home health agencies in Pennsylvania must have a license from the Department of Health. This license ensures they meet health and safety standards while adhering to rules and regulations. The Department will survey agencies unannounced to check on best practices.

The Best Home Health Care Services in Allentown, PA

Overall we want people to feel more comfortable and safe in their homes. We also want to educate families about risks and valuable insights into the current situation they may never have encountered. While we handle the professional end, families still have valuable roles to play as intermittent caregivers.

There are many good reasons to consider hiring home health services for the vulnerable population. You have responsibilities, and when you try to meet those along with those of your loved one, it becomes a struggle. There are many challenges to caregiving. Time management is at the top of the list. An aide can give you much-needed time away. They can:

Assist with bathing and dressing
Provide medication reminders
Prepare meals
Help with safe ambulation
Do laundry and light housekeeping

Most importantly, AmeriBest’s home caregivers in Allentown, PA, provide socialization. Whether it’s recounting favored memories, playing cards, or watching TV, the aide is a person who can give your loved one their whole attention.

Taking the Next Step

When ready, reach out to AmeriBest’s Allentown, PA office at 610-596-9070. We also have offices in Harrisburg, PA, and Philadelphia. Seek the one closest to you for convenience. Don’t feel awkward about what may seem to you as an odd question. Thousands of people have probably asked likewise.

We have a professional staff ready to review the process and respond to all your questions. Call us at 610-596-9070. If you prefer, email AmeriBest at info@ameribest.org or use our online contact form for your initial communication.

Home for the Holidays in Harrisburg: Family Activities

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.

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 Much Does Senior In-Home Care Cost?

Surveys tell us without a doubt that the vast majority of seniors want to age in place, staying in the comfort of home. As a result, the need for home care services like those we provide at AmeriBest Home Care is growing by leaps and bounds. Looking for a Personal Care Assistant Philadelphia? Not sure where to begin? It can all be very confusing, but one thing you definitely need to know about is paying for home care services.

Let’s dive into it!

Senior In-Home Care Cost

The cost of caregiving varies greatly from region to region. Things impacting how much senior in-home care costs include the services you need and how often you need them. Everyone’s financial situation is different, so creating an affordable retirement plan is important.

Talking to a financial advisor if you have assets doesn’t hurt. Also, check if you have any long-term insurance that may help with fees. On average, it costs about $5,000 a month for either an independent caregiver or hiring one through an agency like AmeriBest. In Philadelphia, the costs are about $700 lower. If your loved one is in the unenviable position of needing round-the-clock care, the cost leaps up to over $19,000.

How do those numbers compare to nursing homes? Aging in place is less expensive. A semi-private room in Philadelphia will run over $11,000.

Personal Care Assistant Philadelphia: Pay Options

Besides any savings and investments you may have, there are several ways of getting help to pay for home care. First, if the senior is a veteran, the VA covers a variety of health benefits, including long-term care.

Next comes Medicare. The government provides health insurance for people over 65. Medicare may cover the cost of skilled at-home care, including:

Medical supplies for your home
Skilled nursing care
Physical therapy
Speech therapy
Part-time, professional home health caregivers
Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
Medical supplies for home use
Part-time home health aides

Your loved one’s physician is essential for receiving this care, as a doctor must create the plan of care and certify the individual as homebound. Also, Medicare does not cover meal delivery, personal care, or homemaker services.

Medicaid

So, where does Medicaid fit in? Medicaid is tailored to low-income individuals. Every state has specific requirements for qualification. In Pennsylvania, a person must be a US citizen. Other qualifiers for people who need insurance assistance include:

Being pregnant
Being the parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 17
Have a disability
Have a family member who lives with you that has a disability.

The amount a person can make in a month, and have in resources, changes annually.

Your Personal Care Assistant Philadelphia

Traversing the world of insurance can be frustrating. AmeriBest Home Care is here to help. Once we know more about your specific situation, our team offers guidance on obtaining financial help. Contact our Philadelphia office any time with questions using our online contact form. You can also call 215-925-3313 or email ino@ameribest.org.

We look forward to providing you with professional knowledge and support.