Most seniors will require some level of care as they get older. Receiving this care at home from a home health aide is the preferred route. It’s important to know that there are a variety of types of home health aides and programs offered. Knowing your needs is very important as you decide which type of in-home care to go with.
At Comfort Home Care, we’re proud to offer a wide range of home health aide services throughout Rockville, from Alzheimer’s and dementia care to respite care, injury recovery care, and many others. In our two-part blog series, we will discuss the most important areas you will want to consider when choosing a home health care option.
Talking to Your Doctor
First and foremost, a conversation with your primary care doctor about the various home health aide options is an important start. Your doctor knows your situation and medical history well and can offer advice, in addition to offering you valuable referrals to local support services like Comfort Home Care.
Few people are better positioned to recommend the ideal home care format than your doctor. Some seniors may need to hire a home health aide on a part-time basis while others might require around-the-clock care. Your doctor can help you figure out what level of service is best for your situation and budget.
Evaluate Your Needs
Whether on your own, with your doctor, or even with the assistance of close family or friends, take some time to evaluate your needs. Look at your daily schedule, your health needs, and your lifestyle preferences.
Take into consideration the various ADLs (activities of daily living) and IADL (instrumental activities of daily living) that are most challenging for you, from the basics like eating and showering to more advanced tasks like grooming, hygiene, mobility assistance, meal prep, and transportation. Identifying which of these areas you need assistance with will go a long way in helping you identify the right program and the right at-home caregiver.
Factor in Your Budget
Before you begin your search for the right home health aide, you will want to have a clear understanding of your budget. Remember to consider all associated costs of whichever home health aide option you choose. This might include using the services of a professional home care organization like Comfort Home Care, hiring an aide privately, or enrolling in a government-funded program.
In our article Agency vs Independent Home Health Aides in Rockville, we outline the differences between these two options including some of the unthought-of costs associated.
Comfort Home Care can work with you no matter what your needs are and offers competitive rates on both private and government-funded options.
For more on locating the right Rockville home health aide for you and your family, or to learn about any of our in-home care services, speak to the staff at Comfort Home Care today.