As an alternative to moving from one’s home, many seniors would prefer to have the care come to them. Home Care may be contracted to provide services in a senior’s home, apartment and oftentimes in an Independent Living senior housing setting. The National Association for Home Care and Hospice has identified several types of services that home care providers offer. Among them are medical services provided by physicians, registered nurses (RN), licensed nurse practitioners (LPN), and physical therapists which are generally referred to as Home Health Services. These services typically include wound care, respiratory care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, intravenous or nutrition therapy, injections and monitoring serious illness as well as ongoing health status.

Non-medical services provided in the home include assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) and chore services, These services are ideal for seniors that require assistance with personal care, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, cooking, etc. and desire to age in place.. Non-medical support services may or may not be accompanied by professionals who perform monitoring for an acute or chronic medical condition. In addition, home health aids may be contracted as companions to provide the human interaction and oversight support for peace of mind for the senior and their family.

There are also several other specialty mobile services that may also be classified under Home Care. These services include mobile beauticians/barbers, dentistry, pharmacies, X-rays, foot care, and more.

Home Care costs are most often paid out-of-pocket, particularly for non-medical services. However, a senior interested in this option but unable to afford it should speak with a local advocate through Senior Information and Assistance about alternative methods of payment. Home Health Services may be covered by Medicare if the certain eligibility conditions are met. Check out Medicare.gov to learn more.