By: Consumer Reports
By: Consumer Reports
When it comes to hiring help at home for oneself or for a relative, the first step is to decide the moment.
Some people act opportunely, establishing a system supportive before things start to get complicated, says Carolyn Clevenger, a gerontology nurse practitioner and professor at Emory School of Nursing. Others wait until a concerning event has occurred, such as a fall while cleaning or getting lost during an errand. Sometimes families also take action if they see stacks of unopened mail, moldy food, or dents in the car, says Amy Goyer, AARP family and care expert and author of “Juggling Life, Work, and Caregiving.” Association, 2015).
If you are trying to convince a family member that help is needed, do emphasize that the objective is to be able to maintain independence.
It can be difficult to imagine exactly the kind of help that is needed, says Goyer. Instead, start seeking expert advice.
Contact your local senior agency. They can connect you with home and community care services and can also arrange for a home assessment.
You can contact a geriatric care manager through the Aging Life Care Foundation, who will help you make long-term plans, says Dr. Camille Vaughan, associate professor of medicine and director of the Emory Center for Health in Aging.
A certified independent aging specialist ( Find one through the National Association of Home Builders and they can recommend some home renovations to make it safer or more comfortable.
Every person has needs that require different kinds of help and expertise, says Vaughan. Here are some kinds of help you might consider.
Company : Sometimes a caregiver is needed to combat loneliness and help you e to leave home more often.
Finance: You may want a family member or close friend to handle tasks like finances and paying bills if they’re falling behind, Goyer says.
Medication Administration: To learn prescription management strategies, talk to your pharmacist or primary care provider. Vaughan also suggests considering an online system like PillPack that takes care of delivering pre-arranged medications for when you need to take them.
Other help around the home: An extra hand with cleaning, shopping and setting up the pantry, preparing meals, taking care of yard work, and Driving can also make a difference.
Personal Care: Many people may need help bathing, going to the bathroom, or dressing.
Physical or occupational therapy: It is often recommended by doctors to help with recovery after surgery or a fall, and is done in the short term. Check with Medicare or your health insurance to find out what your provider options are.
There are two main ways to find help at home, Goyer says: hire people directly or through an agency.
Many people They rely on the recommendations of family, friends, or religious communities to hire someone directly. You can also check websites like Care.com to find caregivers in your area, Clevenger says, though you will be responsible for properly evaluating them. You can often save money by hiring someone of your own. You just need to be very specific about how you want things done.
If you go to an agency (compare options at medicare.gov/care-compare), they may You don’t see the same person for every visit, but the agency should be able to provide coverage when your usual helper gets sick. Agencies should also be able to offer a wide variety of services.
Most services are not fully covered by health insurance or Medicare, Vaughan says. Long-term care insurance can help you, as can Medicaid. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also provides home care assistance to those eligible for VA health care, it adds. Additionally, your local senior agency can provide free or low-cost help with meals, cleaning, yard work, and other chores.
Editor’s Note: This article was also published in the December issue of 2021 from Consumer Reports On Health.
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2021, Consumer Reports, Inc.
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with the advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports is an independent nonprofit organization that works with consumers to create a just, safe, and healthy world. CR does not endorse products or services and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2021, Consumer Reports, Inc.