home care services
There are several options for hiring help. You could hire a family member or friend as a caregiver. When family and friends are not enough, paid caregivers may be available.
Learn more about:
HIRING An individual CAREGIVER
Steps to get started
- First determine what type of help you are looking for: Do you need someone to help with household chores, personal care and/or health care?
- Look for a professional who can meet those needs.
- Seek referrals from family and friends and perhaps from members of your faith-based organization.
- Interview job candidates; be sure to include your loved one in the interview process.
- Ask for multiple references. Contact references, and ask what their experiences have been with the home care worker.
- Consider if the individual is a good match in terms of personalities, communication styles, likes and dislikes.
What you need to know
Individual caregivers do not have someone that can substitute for them if they are sick or unable to come to work. Some people hire a second worker, either as back-up or to share the hours needed so they are not left without care if a worker becomes sick or has to take a day off for other reasons. Hiring a caregiver through an Agency is also an option.
AARP has an entire section on providing care at home - Tips for Hiring a Home-Care Worker
If you receive Medicaid services through Washington State DSHS, you may be eligible to hire a caregiver whose wage will be paid for by the state (also known as Individual Providers or Home Care Worker). Learn more about Medicaid services.
Individual Providers must pass a Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) background check and receive a provider identification number from DSHS before they can begin providing services to you. They must also complete required training and demonstrate that they have the skills to provide the services that you need.
Adults receiving Medicaid and eligible to hire an aide (Individual Provider) can access list of prescreened Individual providers in your area by going to https://carina.org/providecare/medicaid/washington or calling 855-796-0605.
home care agencies
Some people find that choosing a home care agency is the better option, in terms of managing their caregiver.
Agencies will:
- Screen caregivers and conduct background checks. Some agencies may also undertake certain health and safety precautions to protect both individuals and their caregivers, such as CPR certifications or TB tests.
- Monitor and supervise their caregivers and should have programs in place for supervising and checking in on their caregivers when you are not present. If your current caregiver is not meeting your needs for any reason, the agency will provide a replacement.
- Agencies may also provide their staff with additional training in specialty areas like dementia and Alzheimer’s care or in working with developmental disabilities. Some home care agencies provide additional services, including help with transition home after a hospital stay.
What you need to know
If you hire a caregiver through an agency, the agency is the individual’s employer, not you. An agency will also have programs in place to provide you with a fill-in caregiver should your caregiver need to take a sick day. Check to be sure the agency you are interested in is bonded, licensed and insured.
You may wish to print copies of the Home Care Services Checklist before you contact an individual worker or an agency. The checklist will help you learn about and compare caregivers.
home health
A home health agency coordinates skilled nurses and/or therapists who provide services in individual’s homes.
Services include:
- Assessing nursing or therapy needs
- Providing medical treatment
- Providing medical treatment
- Providing training for the person needing care, family members or others who provide support
What you need to know
These services allow the person to either remain at home or return home after a hospital stay. An individual living in an adult foster home, residential care or assisted living facility may also receive home health services. These services require a physician’s referral and may be paid by your insurance coverage. Home Health services are normally limited by time, number of visits or level of improvement.
HOSPICE
Hospice care helps people spend their last days with dignity and quality surrounded by the people they love. It stresses pain relief and comfort measures rather than prolonging life.
Who’s involved?
Hospice care involves a team of professionals and volunteers who provide medical, emotional and spiritual support. Hospice also trains the family or caregivers to give care and prepares them for their loved one’s end of life.
Where does care take place?
Individuals may return to regular medical care, if needed. Hospice can give care in a person’s home, a nursing home or an adult foster home. It can also take place in a residential care, assisted living, memory care, nursing or hospice facility. The person can use his or her own physician or another health care provider.
How do I pay for hospice care?
Hospice care is covered by health insurance. The hospice program manages the care and most of the costs associated with treating symptoms of the terminal illness. Medicare or the person’s insurance plan continues to pay for physicians or other health care provider services. Patients may need to meet co-pays or other uncovered costs. However, no one will ever be turned down for financial reasons.
medical equipment
A wide range of home medical equipment and devices can help older adults and people with disabilities improve or maintain their independence. Some of these, if can be used more than once, over time, are often called durable medical equipment or DME.
What is medical equipment?
Some helpful products and devices to use at home include:
- Hospital beds
- Wheelchairs, walkers, and other walking aids
- Bathroom safety devices (e.g. commodes, bath benches, grab-bars)
- Oxygen tanks and ventilators
- Personal Care, Dressing, and Grooming Aides
- Incontinence Supplies
How do I select home medical equipment?
Many companies sell or rent medical equipment for home use. Company representatives may come to your home and evaluate your needs. They also can teach you how to use and maintain the equipment. The companies may have emergency service in case the equipment breaks or does not work.
How do I pay for home medical equipment?
Medicare and private insurance pay for many types of home medical equipment. For a list of Medicare covered DME, go to Medicare. Individuals often pay out-of-pocket for these products. If insurance won’t cover the cost and payment is a challenge, some local communities have medical equipment banks or loan closets for re-usable items.