Home care describes a host of services typically delivered by a nursing agency or home care agency. Services typically include:
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Skilled Nursing Care
- Home Health Aide Services
- Nutrition Counseling
- Hospice Care
- Personal care such as dressing and grooming, transferring, errands, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation
- Respite care
- Medication Management – filing prescriptions, monitoring medication administration and effects.
A licensed nursing agency provides the medical care and sometimes non-medical care as well. A “home care agency” is an agency that provides non-medical care such as personal care or home health aids who help with bathing, dressing etc. Some services are private pay, and some are covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Whether or not you can receive government assistance with home care varies greatly by location, income and assets. Home health care is a terrific option for someone who needs extra assistance perhaps after a hospital stay in order to recover or perhaps on an ongoing basis for those whom the activities of daily living are getting to burdensome. These services allow seniors to remain home where they are comfortable and receive good care. The services take some of the care giving burdens off of family members. If you or a loved one could benefit from home care contact your local senior center, elder law attorney or doctor for a recommendation.
©Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. 35 Arnold Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, 336 South Street, Hyannis MA 02601 and 45 Bristol Drive, Easton MA 02375. This article is for illustration purposes only. This handout does not constitute legal advice. There is no attorney/client relationship created with Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. by this article. DO NOT make decisions based upon information in this handout. Every family is unique and legal advice can only be given after an individual consultation with an elder law attorney. Any decisions made without proper legal advice may cause significant legal and financial problems.