Home Care Today– Growing Options and Risks

As published in:
Simply the Best Barbara McKay Magazine Spring/Summer 2008

Home Care Today– Growing Options and Risks
With an estimated 4.2 million Americans currently over age 85, an expected 78 million baby boomers to reach age 65 by 2030; almost 25% of Americans are in the process of dealing with elder/care issues, it is no surprise that the home care industry is exploding.

Growing Options
It's not easy to become elderly or a parent to your parent(s). The “Sandwich Generation”, those sandwiched between aging parents and their own children, face a number of key areas critical to elder care; aging, legal, medical, financial and living arrangement issues. Support from an in home caregiver can help to assist with the activities of daily living, while providing companionship, whether it is your own child, spouse, sibling or an aging parent.
The type of home care service needed depends on several factors: mental/ physical health condition, support from family or friends, residential location, availability of finances. Financing may be long term care policies, money from a trust, state funded programs, insurance, Veterans aid and attendance benefit or private pay. Licensed home care agencies provide qualified caregivers such as companions, certified nursing assistants, nurses and rehabilitation therapists. Their services cover: activities of daily living, nursing/wound care; rehabilitation, case management, pre/post operative care, errands, etc. In addition to elder care, services can include pre/post operative care, new moms and multiples support, short term disability and illness. For employers, some agencies offer packages to help save on lost time/revenue as a result of employees forced to miss work to care for sick parents and/or their own children. Imagine the comfort and peace of mind knowing your loved one is in good hands whether you live near, with or far from your loved one.

Risks
With many home care agencies choices, all making the same promises, it is critical to carefully select your agency. Unfortunately, not all are honest and ethical. We recommend you ask to see the agency’s policy on orientation, screening, testing and supervision. The National Association for Home Care and Hospice, NAHC, is a great resource in each state.

A Question of Quality and Ethics
Home care is a very personal choice and can be an invaluable service. Too often, we are witness to heart wrenching cases where neglect, abuse, theft and lawsuits have occurred as a result of families trying to save money by privately hiring their own caregivers. Like any other service, you pay for what you receive. In addition, if someone is offering to buy items to gain or keep your business, question their ethics. Peace of mind is worth the price. Call and interview agencies. Ask for references. Take your time and be sure that you feel a connection with them. Visit their office. Trust and confidence in your agency, its internal staff and its caregivers is critical. Make informed decisions based on your own research. After all, they spend a great deal of time in the home, and truly become an extension of your family!

Leading Education & Ethics in Charlotte and Across the Country
Serena Brock - nationally recognized entrepreneur/speaker and focuses on the importance of the synergistic relationship between attorney’s, financial planner’s and home care owner’s supporting the fast growing baby boomer population. An advocate for children/seniors, she currently is a member of the North Carolina Association for Home and Hospice Government Affairs Committee, the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Foundation and the World Orphans Day, Global Click Campaign. Brock lends her expertise to several national organizations including the National Private Duty Home Care Association, Medicaid Practice Systems, Elder Law Answers and The National Network for Estate Planning Attorneys.