|
The state of Washington recognizes the unique paths family caregivers find themselves on when caring for family members and friends. Creating innovative programs and services for family/friend caregivers has earned Washington consistently high national rankings for supporting caregivers in their journey.
If someone you help needs more support to meet their basic household and personal care needs, there are several options to consider for helping them and reducing stress in your caregiver role.
In-home care is hiring someone, a caregiver, to assist you where you live without moving to a facility. In-home care for long-term care needs is different than “home health” that is ordered by a medical provider. In-home care services, related to long-term care needs, usually include options such as light housekeeping, laundry, meal prep, transportation to medical care and essential errands such as pharmacy and grocery store, personal care such as getting dressed and bathing, and transferring in/out of bed and to/from furniture, walker, and wheelchair. You can request minimal help at first and add services as your needs change and as you become more familiar with the routine and workers.
Who hires the caregiver? You may hire a home care agency business that employs the caregiver who has completed special training, or independently hire a caregiver yourself. This article from Family Caregiver Alliance offers ideas to consider when hiring in-home care through an agency or independently. You can search the internet, ask friends, family, or colleagues for individual caregiver or agency recommendations. You may also call or email Kitsap County Senior Information & Assistance (360) 337-5700 or seniorinfo@kitsap.gov for more information.
What does it cost and who pays for in-home care?
- Cost varies per company or individual. Example range is $35-$40 per hour. Minimum hours per shift/week/month may apply. Some may also provide 24-hour, overnight, or live-in help.
- Typically paid for out-of-pocket/private-pay by you or family/friends.
-
Some insurance plans and long-term care policies purchased privately or through an employer may provide a benefit.
- Veterans and survivors who are eligible have a variety of options within Home and Community Based Programs for supporting independence while living at home.
- Those who apply and qualify financially and functionally, for Medicaid Long-Term Care programs may receive some or all of the in-home caregiver cost paid for by the program, based on an assessment and care plan.
- Non-Medicaid programs such as Family Caregiver Support Program, Kinship Caregiver, Kinship Navigator, and MAC/TSOA provide multiple types of support and services, including in-home care based on eligibility.
Also, no-cost workshops for family caregivers are offered in Kitsap County (and statewide) in the month of November, in recognition of national Family Caregiver Month.
Contact Kitsap County Senior Information & Assistance (360) 337-5700 or seniorinfo@kitsap.gov for more information, including program eligibility (some with no income or asset criteria) and upcoming events. Information can also be found on their website: www.agingkitsap.com.
The summary of long-term care residential information listed below was obtained from WA State Dept. of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (DSHS, ALTSA) HERE.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted Living Facilities are facilities in a community setting where staff provide services to support the safety and well-being of the adult. Housing, meals, laundry, supervision, and varying levels of assistance with care are provided. Some provide nursing care, specialized care for people with mental health issues, developmental disabilities, or dementia. The home can have seven or more residents and is licensed by the state. Some may offer day or overnight stays for the person needing care, to provide short-term relief/respite for family caregivers. Payment is typically private/self-pay, long-term care insurance policy- based on policy benefit, Veteran benefits, and/or Medicaid (not Medicare A/B) programs.
Adult Family Homes
Adult Family Homes are regular neighborhood homes where staff provide services to support the safety and well-being of the adult. A room, meals, laundry, supervision and varying levels of assistance with care are provided. Some provide occasional nursing care, specialized care for people with mental health issues, developmental disabilities or dementia. The home can have two to six residents and is licensed by the state. Payment is typically private/self-pay, long-term care insurance policy- based on policy benefit, Veterans benefits, and/or Medicaid (not Medicare A/B) programs.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes provide 24-hour supervised nursing care, personal care, therapy, nutrition management, organized activities, social services, room, board and laundry. People may have a “short-stay” for rehab after hospitalization and return home. Health insurance, long-term care insurance policies, Veteran benefits, and/or Medicaid may pay depending on the situation, time spent at the facility, and insurance benefit. Private/self-pay is required without insurance coverage or benefits for the services received.
Information Resources From State, County, and Veterans Websites:
Also, you may ask your insurance company if your plan has a benefit (and your cost) for
at-home tests and/or physical testing locations within their network.
Resources
Local Caregiver Support
Choosing Care in an Adult Family Home or Assisted Living Facility
Long Term Care Resource Book-English
Long Term Care Resource Book- Other Languages
|
