Firstly informing your self on caregiver services, service providers, and the costs can be a challenge. Finding the right resources aren't easy due so much information to filter through. This becomes increasingly important to as our loved ones and a large population group begins to seek help. Maintaining your independence is a comfort but what are the costs involved? They are less that you might think. There are also cost effective solutions like family, out of pocket care, and Medicare coverage.
Lets start with out of pocket or private pay solutions to your caregiver needs. Out of pocket care or private pay is the direct payment for caregiver services. This can be done via check, debit card, credit card, bank transfer, or mail. Champion Care's convenient solution to payments are electronic invoices that are emailed for a paper-less solution. These invoices can be paid using any form of electronic payment method like electronic check, debit card, credit card, google pay, paypal, and venmo. This reduces the hassle every week.
So there are different caregiver service providers that vary in costs per hour. Non-medical care usually costs less than medical care. Hospice care or a living facility also costs more that non-medical care. The factor of how much care is also something to think about. How many hours do you need care really depends on an assessment you can perform on your own. The amount of hours you choose also directly affect the cost amount per week. Finally whether you choose to go through an agency or an independent provider can affect costs. Some independent providers can charge upwards of $30.00 dollars per hour. Agencies having the resources can charge anywhere between 20.00-30.00 dollars per hour.
Agencies have the resources to interview and talk to many caregivers with a wide range of experience and certifications. With individual providers you are directly hiring an individual for you needs. Agencies have the caregivers for rotations and smooth transitions through respite care, vacations, and and longer shifts. For 24/7 care an agency is recommended for management of the homes caregivers, their hours, attendance, and payroll.
Insurance companies can cover some caregiver costs but ensure you check in with them on the rules, regulations, and guidelines. Medicare can cover the some caregiver expenses as well but there are specific guidelines you have to follow like checking in with your physician and proving it is medically needed. Veterans benefits exists as well but please ensure to check in with your veterans benefits provider for more information on what is covered.
Finding a great and reliable caregiver isn't always easy. The turnover rates or duration of time a caregiver chooses to stay at a home that employs them or agency is very low. There are many options for researching caregivers or agencies. Simple online searches can show alot of rates and companies. Ensure you research which one is best for your needs. There are specialized HHA agencies that suit particular needs like Dementia or Parkinson's Disease. Listings for independent providers are sparce as well. Currently there are a few listings pages for independent caregivers that are very reliable. One is care.com that is a fantastic resource for both caregivers and people seeking care. In the coming years as more people search for their perfect match for their in home will require more resources devoted to this incoming possible crisis.
In conclusion finding in home care does take time and effort. Remember to prepare for your care needs and please check out our other articles for more information on specific care, treatments, lifestyle, Medicare, and more. Specifically https://championcarecaregivers.odoo.com/blog/blog-1/a-second-look-at-in-home-care-26 that covers and summarizes in a great way all the options. Also https://championcarecaregivers.odoo.com/blog/blog-1/finding-great-care-25 that summarizes all the options when needing to find great care.