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Eldercare isn't just another word for a nursing home. A range of services exists
to provide elders with the levels of care and independence appropriate for their
individual circumstances, from care in the home to live-in care facilities.
Of course, individual care providers and facilities vary widely, so you should be
sure to do your research thoroughly when selecting a care provider.
HOME CARE
If, like most elders, your parent prefers to remain at home, home care may be
appropriate. Home care includes medical care, such as nursing and rehabilitative
therapies. But home care is also non-medical care, such as assistance with dressing
and bathing, housekeeping, meals, companionship, and supervision.
Home care providers include professional healthcare workers like trained
nurses, personal care assistants, therapists, housekeepers, and friendly
visitors and companions.
For both medical and non-medical support, your parent can receive home care
from either a home care agency, which hires and trains professional home care
workers, or by hiring an independent care provider.
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HOSPICE CARE
Hospice care is for people who are terminally ill and expected to live six months or fewer.
It focuses on supportive services throughout the last few months of life, such as pain
management and counseling.
A patient can receive hospice care in the home, a nursing facility, hospice
clinic, or hospital. The patient's doctor generally supervises this type of care,
which is covered by Medicare Part A.
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ADULT DAY CARE
Adult day care is a community-based program that provides services for elders who can't be left home alone.
Facilities are normally open during normal weekday business hours, although some communities open
the facilities on weekends and evenings too. Costs vary widely, from a few dollars to nearly $200
a day, depending on location and the types of services offered.
If you're the primary caregiver, adult day care can allow you to continue to work while making
sure your parent is still cared for. It also gives your parent the opportunity to get out of the
house and interact socially with others, which, according to experts, is important for maintaining
mental and physical health.
Every adult day care program is different. Some specialize in a single type of care — such
as care specifically for people with Alzheimer's — and some offer a variety of services,
such as meals, social activities, recreation, transportation, and a few health services, like
rehabilitative therapy.
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WHAT
IS RESPITE CARE?
Experts recommend that primary caregivers occasionally take time off from their duties,
since caregiving can be an exhausting responsibility. Respite care gives
caregivers a break.
Respite care can be home care, adult day care, or an overnight stay at a residential
eldercare facility, depending on the level of care your parent needs.
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RESIDENTIAL CARE
Residential care combines living arrangements and care services. The most intensive type
of residential care is provided by skilled nursing facilities, where residents live in the
facility and receive around-the-clock care.
Another type of residential care that allows elders a greater degree of independence is provided
by assisted living facilities. Some assisted living facilities are apartment complexes or condominiums
with eldercare services on site, while others provide a dormitory environment with common dining
and social areas and varying living arrangements.
Continuing care retirement communities generally provide several residential care options,
from independent housing with light services to live-in skilled nursing facilities. As residents'
needs change, they move to the appropriate living arrangement within the community.
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MEDICAID
If your parent is eligible for Medicaid, the program will pay for some long-term
care costs. To find out exactly what Medicaid will cover, check with your individual
state's Medicaid office.
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OUTSIDE LINKS
www.eldercare.gov
The Eldercare Locator from the US Administration on Aging can refer you to eldercare resources
in your area.
www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/
The Medicaid website explains Medicaid eligibility and benefits.
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