Top Questions Answered About Senior Care at Home

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Find answers to some of the most common questions about senior care at home.

You’re feeling concern that Mom may require some assistance at home, and so naturally, you know exactly where to turn for assistance, right? No? Relax – you’re not alone. Millions of Americans are facing the same dilemma, and most people don’t know a lot about senior care at home until the need for care develops. 

If you’re in the preliminary stages of researching home care options, it’s beneficial to have some insight into what exactly home care is and how it works. To help you through this process, the professional team at Happier Home Care, the leading provider of respite care in Burbank, CA and the surrounding areas, has put together some frequently asked questions regarding home care, along with the appropriate answers to help you make better, more informed care decisions for your loved one.

Q: Will Medicare pay for long-term in-home care?

A: No. Although it’s true that Medicare may cover some home health care costs within very specific boundaries, it was never intended to cover long-term in-home care.

Q: Is it more economical to hire a caregiver privately than utilizing a professional home care agency?

A: No. Although at first it may seem that hiring an independent caregiver is more inexpensive than hiring a caregiver through a professional home care agency, there are many hidden costs when hiring a private caregiver. For example, with a privately hired caregiver, you are the employer, meaning it’s your responsibility to cover taxes, worker’s compensation, and more. When working through a home care agency, you do not have to worry about or pay for any of those items. 

Q: Is home care an appropriate choice for a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia?

A: Yes. Happier Home Care provides highly skilled, compassionate Alzheimer’s and dementia care throughout the Burbank area. Our caregivers receive ongoing training on how to provide the highest quality support to seniors, offering families much-needed respite and peace of mind.

Q: What do ADL and IADL mean?

A: ADL refers to Activities of Daily Living, or activities that occur every day, like showering, dressing, transferring from the bed to a chair, walking, etc. IADL refers to Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and addresses such activities as handling household expenses, shopping, using the phone, etc. ADLs and IADLs are assessed when identifying which level of care is most appropriate for an older adult. 

Happier Home Care can help older adults with both ADLs and most IADLs, resulting in safer, more comfortable, and more independent lives at home.

We know you probably have some additional questions about senior care at home, and we’re always here to provide you with the answers you need. Contact us any time at (818) 651-6679 to learn more about our home care and respite care in Burbank, CA and the surrounding area.