Home care offers flexibility, but it can be more expensive than other housing for older people. Some long-term care companies also send a nurse to evaluate the client at home and ensure that the stated needs are real. Many people can't afford to have a private room in a nursing home, so they have to share a room with someone, probably a stranger. Some home care agencies offer contracts for weekly or monthly care if a family determines that their elderly loved one needs significant assistance on a regular basis. In addition, check with an accountant or tax attorney to see if home care expenses can be deducted for tax purposes.
California offers Medicaid funding for long-term home care through its Medi-Cal health care program. Paying out of pocket for elderly care is often not an option, since the price of care for older people can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year. If you or a loved one want to age in the same place instead of moving to a strange facility and leaving your home behind, home care is often the best option. The cost of home care for older people depends on several factors, such as the number of hours a caregiver spends with their family member, the type of services, and the supplies needed to support them in daily life. You should also consider how long you plan to use this service, says Todd Austin, president of Home Care Pulse.
If the elderly person does not want to be surrounded by people, a home care professional can still act as a companion to reduce loneliness. Memory care is provided in a stand-alone memory care facility or, for an additional cost, in an assisted living facility or nursing home. If you can stay home but need a little help, home care is a great alternative to moving to a facility, allowing you to stay home and provide care. You can then deduct some expenses related to your care and even pay for medical expenses through a tax-free flexible spending account.
The bottom line is to find and hire a home care service with qualified and experienced caregivers. Homecare options, such as homemaker services and home health aides, are moderately priced compared to other care services.
