At one point or another, the people that we love give into their old age. And as we know, old age comes with its own fair share of health challenges. Other times, we are required to take care of loved ones who suffer from chronic diseases.
Despite this, life does not stop so that those we love can make a full recovery. We still need to juggle the demands that come with work, children, and home life, on top of caring for the sickly. But wouldn’t it be nice if we had some much-needed help?
This is where home health care comes in.
Caring for the ill at home is not only beneficial but also a safe solution that will bring you comfort. This kind of care is inclusive of skilled nursing, physical, speech, and occupational therapy as well as in-home care that provides help with bathing, cleaning, and even monitoring your loved one’s medication regimen.
But before delving into this type of care, it is best to understand the costs that come with it. Once you know the amount of money that you will be paying then it will be easy to make a decision on home health care for your loved one.
The good news? This type of care is considerably cheaper than the costs that are associated with living in senior homes.
Let’s break it down!
Home Health Care- National Costs
According to a research study by the American Health Association, the monthly cost for 44 hours per week of home health care is approximately $4,099. Therefore, this accumulates to $125 on a daily basis. However, costs may be slightly higher than this depending on where you live as well as the services that are requested.
For instance, medical-based in-home care may be more affordable than living-oriented in-home care. While the former is all about administering medication, changing bandages, and providing therapy, the latter deals with caring for every aspect of their patient’s life.
If your loved one is able to take a shower, go to the toilet or get around by themselves, then you may subtract living-oriented care costs and only pay for the medical-based costs. This will surely make for a much cheaper budget.
Home Health Care- Regional Costs
The National Council for Aging Care reports places like Alaska, Hawaii, Rhode Island, North Dakota, and Massachusetts to have the most expensive home health care services. However, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and North Carolina are known for affordable in-home care costs.
Calculating Home Health Care Costs
Whether you choose living-oriented or medical-based home health care fo your loved one, you will be charged according to their individual needs. In-home care is broken down in the following ways:
- Hourly rates
As aforementioned, if your loved one remains independent on their day to day activities then they do not need around the clock care. In fact, there are seniors who require care for three hours a day. In this case, the costs will be lower.
- Daily rates
If your loved one needs constant help in all their day to day activities then daily payment rates are incurred. Usually, a majority of agencies charge a flat rate of $200 to $350 per day. The exact amount of charges is based on the region and the specialized care that your loved one needs.
- Overnight rates
Different from daily rates, overnight rates are cheaper because of the few activities that the patient is subjected to. If your loved one needs overnight care then it is because they may wander off in the night or wake up too many times to use the bathroom.
Thus, the caregiver ensures their safety at night. A majority of agencies charge between $120 and $200 for overnight care (10 to 12 hours a night).
Conclusion
As you will be spending an average of $4,000 on a monthly basis, it is imperative to find the perfect home health care service for you and your loved one. Your choice of care should not only have your best interest at heart but also speak to your specific needs.
A vetting process will enable you to end up with the services of highly qualified professionals. Ensure to check for references, testimonials as well as proof of qualifications that the staff has.
Go the extra mile to find out whether the staff is insured and if they work with a professional doctor to develop the best care plan for your loved one. Before making payments, be well-informed about the hourly, daily, and overnight rates.
Finally, ensure that you get everything in writing.
