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In-Home care for seniors is a highly popular option. And a big reason why is it’s one of the most affordable senior care options out there. That doesn’t mean it’s cheap though.
While you won’t have to pay the facility costs of assisted living, nursing homes, etc. the cost of in-home care still can get pretty pricey.
Below are 5 tips on how to save on in-home care costs. They’re worth checking into because they can potentially save you or your loved one a lot of money.
5 Tips For Saving on the Cost of In-Home Care
Shop Around For In-Home Care Companies and Providers
Costs for in-home care can vary quite a bit depending on where you live. Some states can be much cheaper than others. If you or your loved one has some flexibility over what state they live in or where in the state they live, you might be able to save a lot.
We also recommend taking at least a few days, if not a lot longer, to interview different in-home care companies and providers. You want to find a person or company you can trust. That’s most important. But you may also find quite a difference in price between different in-home care providers.
Also, Medicare will cover the costs of in-home care. But only if you use an approved provider. So if you want Medicare to pay for in-home care, look for a provider that is Medicare-approved.
If you need help, there are plenty of free services available that can help you find the most affordable in-home care options, too.
Adult Day Care
Okay, this is not technically “in-home” care. However, if you or your loved one does not require round the clock care consider adult day care. It is relatively more affordable than in-home care. And you or your loved one will still get the assistance you need. The average cost of an 8-hour adult day care is less than $10 per hour! Many adult day cares provide shuttle service to help the elderly get to and from daycare.
Consider Virtual Home Monitoring
A relatively new service called Virtual Home Monitoring may be a good option. It can work great when a senior only needs some minor assistance when a family member or primary caretaker is at work. These services can send alerts if it detects a lot of movement by the doors to the house. There are GPS enabled shoe inserts to keep track of a senior’s whereabouts. There are even bed sensors that can alert family members if a loved one gets out of bed in the middle of the night.
For a senior that doesn’t need a caregiver 8 hours a day, these systems can be an excellent option. And they are certainly more affordable than having an in-home caregiver around for part or all of the day.
Modify Your Home
An elder-friendly home is essential for seniors who need in-home care. It makes it easier for seniors to safely move around the house. Every room in the house should be accessible by the senior. This will be helpful for both the patient and the caregiver.
Early Checkups
As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. How does this apply to in-home care? Well, for better or worse, there’s no way to prevent aging. However, what you can do is visit the doctor frequently and as early as possible if an issue arises. This can help you get early diagnosis so you and your doctors can easily seek immediate medical care if needed.
Staying on top of your health will help lower the overall cost of in-home care if the assistance needed is only minimal. There’s less work involved, therefore more money to save!
These are only some examples on how you can save on in-home care. Share your suggestions in the comment sections below.
