What You Should Know About Live-in Homecare

24-hour in-home care offers several advantages to traditional nursing homes. Seniors get to stay in an environment they know and keep their independence. You avoid the guilt of feeling like you're sending them away to die. You can still keep your busy life and not be totally overwhelmed. If you're curious about 24-hour live-in care, read on. 

Getting Quality Live-in Home Services

Quality home healthcare providers only employ certified nurses and medical aids. They will work with the senior's doctors and or have their own physician on staff. Helpful and professional, they can provide not only excellent medical care but also assist with daily household tasks and chores such as cleaning. Most home healthcare companies are fully insured and bonded by the state.

However, always verify the credentials of a home healthcare company and its employees before retaining services for your loved one. Find out how long they've been in business. Check their reviews online. And when scheduling a consultation, ask for references

The Cost of Home Care

Rates can vary depending on where you live. The total cost depends on how many hours per day a worker needs to spend with the senior. A safe bet is between $200–$350 during the day. That price includes allowances for caregiver lunches and breaks. Massachusetts, North Dakota, Alaska, and Hawaii are among the most expensive states for in-home senior care, while Alabama, Arkansas, and West Virginia are among the cheapest states.

At night, assuming a 10–12 hour shift, expect to pay between $120 and $200. Nighttime is cheaper because it's easier. The caregiver's primary responsibility will be to ensure senior safety and monitor any equipment. Also, they will make sure that Alzheimer's or dementia patients don't leave the home or hurt themselves.

Medicaid, Medicare, VA insurance, private health insurance companies, and out-of-pocket are all viable payment options. Expect the total billed cost of full-time in-home healthcare to be around $4,000 per month. Although, the true cost could be considerably less if the senior doesn't require constant care.

Your loved ones are getting to that age where they need someone with them 24/7. Maybe they have numerous medical conditions that require constant in-person monitoring. Or maybe dementia has made them prone to wander off, lost and confused.

The problem is that you have your own family, and there aren't enough hours in the day to care for both. If this sounds like your situation, then 24-hour live-in-home care might provide a solution.