YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS — WE’VE GOT ANSWERS
A List of Common Queries for Your Convenience
WHAT IS IN-HOME CARE?
In-home care, also known as home care, is nonmedical care provided in the client’s home. It includes custodial care for elderly people and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, and providing medication reminders. Home care aides also provide companionship, socialization, and cognitive stimulation for seniors. Family caregivers oftentimes use home care services as a respite when they need to travel, work, or attend to other personal errands.
The assistance of home care aides allows many elderly adults to remain at home when they are not ready to relocate to a residential care community. It’s also a good option for those who just need some assistance and are otherwise independent, as the amount of care can be personalized for each individual’s needs, from one afternoon per week to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOME HEALTH AND HOME CARE?
The difference between home health and home care is that home health involves skilled nursing and therapy services, while standard home care does not. Rather, home care providers offer companionship, housekeeping, and personal care assistance such as assistance with ADLs. Only home health care providers, not personal care assistants, are qualified to provide medical services.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING AN IN-HOME CARE SERVICE PROVIDER?
One mistake people tend to make when hiring an aide is to simply tell them that their job is “to take care of my Mom or Dad.” But, this open-ended explanation can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts between the client and caregiver. It’s best to provide a detailed job description. Do you expect the aide to cook? Clean? Do laundry? Pick up medications from the pharmacy and run errands? Will the caregiver bring their own lunch or cook and eat with your loved ones? Make your expectations clear. If you put all these details in writing, you won’t run the risk of disappointment once you’ve hired your aide.
HOW MUCH DOES IN-HOME CARE COST IN NEBRASKA?
According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, Nebraska seniors pay an average of $5,158 per month for in-home care. This is just under $200 more than the national average, and a little over $500 more than the cost in Kansas. Within Nebraska, costs vary depending on the location. While Grand Island doesn’t have any reported costs for in-home care or home health care, seniors in Lincoln paid an average of $5,148 per month in 2021. Conversely, Omaha’s senior residents paid a higher monthly rate of $5,529. In-home care is less expensive than nursing care in Nebraska. Nursing home residents in the state pay an average of $7,483 for their care and residential costs. At $5,148 per month for home care and $5,339 per month for home health care. This is a less affordable option than assisted living, which costs seniors an average of $4,076 per month, including room and board. Adult day health care is the least expensive option for seniors at $1,842 per month; however, this type of care doesn’t provide the same high-level support as in-home care or residential senior care options.
DO YOU PROVIDE FREE CONSULTATIONS BEFORE WE DECIDE ON A HOME CARE PROFESSIONAL?
If you’re considering in-home personal care services for your senior loved one, you probably have a lot of questions about scheduling options, costs, services provided and whether in-home care is the best choice. And, with the variety of senior care options available, you might even feel a bit overwhelmed.
A free in-home care consultation with our care coordinator is one of the best ways to learn about personal care services provided by our compassionate, professional caregivers. Our care coordinators offer no-cost, no-obligation consultations designed to answer your questions and provide expert guidance to help you navigate the senior care decision-making process — giving you peace of mind without added pressure.
WHAT ARE THE COVID-19 RULES FOR IN-HOME CARE PROVIDERS IN NEBRASKA?
All home care workers in Nebraska must have two doses of an approved SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and recommends to keep up with the most recent surrounding boosters. Compliance with this regulation was required by January 27, 2022, while enforcement of the rule was initiated as of March 28, 2022.
These guidelines are current as of April 2022; however, as the Centers for Disease Control continues to further understand the evolution of this virus, recommendations surrounding vaccinations may change. For the most up-to-date advice, it’s best to check with local public health departments.
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