Managing Business Expectations

Posted on: 4 June 2019

When it comes to caring for aging parents, the choice to age at home often means a considerable amount of work for the adult children. If your parents are getting older and want to stay at home, you'll need to make sure they have the support services available to assist with daily living needs. For some families, home care agencies can be the best option. Here are some ways to approach home care to help your parents age in place.

Non-Medical Care

Not every parent will need medical care, but that doesn't mean home care is not appropriate. In many cases, home care agencies provide assistance with simple tasks your parents may just struggle more with. For example, if your parents can no longer drive, a home care agency can provide assistance with grocery shopping and transportation to medical appointments. Meal prep, light housekeeping, and other daily household tasks can also be provided for your parents. Be sure to ask about all available options, and then discuss them with your parents. Let them choose what they need help with, as this can provide a greater sense of independence.

Trusted Caregivers

Of course, you'll want to know that the people caring for your parents are trustworthy. Home care agencies typically run criminal background checks, but there are additional ways you can be sure your parents are being properly cared for. Consider dropping by unannounced during a time you know the caregiver will be at home with your parents. You can observe the interactions to help determine if proper care is being provided. It's also a good idea to have regular conversations with your parents about the level of care they are receiving. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, contact the agency and request a different care provider.

Affordable Care

Cost can be prohibitive for some families, particularly if your parents are not in need of medical care at home. You'll want to balance the level and quality of care your parents receive with the overall cost. If your parents have assets, consider contacting an attorney to determine if the costs of home care can be used toward a Medicare spend-down. In some cases, you may be able to use some of those assets to help your parents qualify for Medicare services should they need them further down the road. Be sure to ask about pricing when you begin interviewing agencies and set a monthly budget for care. This budget can help you determine how many hours of care your family can afford to pay for. Once this budget is set, you and your family members can work out a schedule to fill in any gaps.

To learn more, contact home care agencies in your area.