Page 34 - BusinessWest August 18, 2021
P. 34

 There’s No Place Like Home
Some Frequenty Asked Questions About Home Care By TANIA SPEAR, MSN, MBA, RN
Q: What is home care?
A: Home-care services are delivered to clients wherever they call home. A wide variety
of assistance is available, including everything from occasional help with housekeeping, meal preparation, companionship, and errands to skilled services such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and hospice care. The goal is to support clients who prefer to remain at home, but need care that cannot easily or effectively be provided by family or friends.
Q: Who provides home care?
A: Home-care services can be provided by an
agency or an individual. Support can be provided from one hour to up to 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. There are many reputable agencies in the area. Your physician, area Council on Aging, hospital discharge planner, or geriatric care manager may be able to refer you to a home-care provider most appropriate to assist you.
Q: How do I pay for home care services?
A: Government and private insurance may pay for services under specific circumstances, such as after a recent hospitalization when skilled nursing or therapy services are needed. Ongoing assistance with activities
Q: Are there benefits to using an agency?
A: While you may pay more using an agency caregiver, there are some advantages. An agency will offer pre-screening of workers, liability protection, workers’ compensation, and backup care in the
event a particular caregiver isn’t available. An agency handles scheduling, payroll, and taxes, resulting in less paperwork.
Q: How do I evaluate a home care agency?
A: You will want to know if the agency works with you to develop a written plan of care and/or service contract and, if so, how often it is updated. How does the agency screen and evaluate employees? Are caregivers and supervisors available 24/7/365? How does the agency resolve concerns or complaints? Can the agency provide a list of local references?
Q: What about COVID-19?
A: While accepting help at home from an agency may cause some fear during the pandemic, there are some things to consider that may help make you
 “Your
physician,
area Council
on Aging,
hospital
discharge
planner, or
geriatric care manager may be able to refer you to a home-care provider most appropriate to assist you.”
Continued on page 54
THANK Y U
of daily living (bathing, dressing, feeding, et feel more confident in your decision to refuse or housekeeping are generally not covered by insurance accept care, as well as minimize risks. First, you want
c.) and
and are often private pay. It would be best to contactNURSES your provider for more information. Home
  WE HIRE GREAT NURSES!
PULMONOLOGIST WANTED!
Join the VA today and provide world- class healthcare for our nation's heroes.
 VA is seeking a Pulmonologist, preferably with experience in Sleep Medicine, to join a dynamic health care system that is expanding its specialty care services for Veterans in Central & Western Massachusetts.
Come see why medical providers of all specialties are choosing the VA.
 Go to: www.usajobs.gov
For infKoerymwoardti"oVnetearabnosuAtdmthinisstrpatoiosni"t/ioSnearacnh Ldocoatihoen:rs"L,epedles,aMsAe"go to
www.USAJobs.gov (search location is Northampton, MA) or contact Dr. Nicole Kirchen at 413-584-4040 Ext. 2018.
 “Honoring America’s Veterans by providing exceptional care that improves their health and well-being.”
FITCHBURG | GREENFIELD | NORTHAMPTON | PITTSFIELD | SPRINGFIELD | WORCESTER
www.centralwesternmass.va.gov
      Continue Your Legacy With Prosper Life Care
Choosing a new home is one of the most important life decisions a person makes. We’ll help you through each step of the moving process and you’ll find that making Prosper your new home is one the best decisions you’ll ever make!
Our compassionate staff is waiting to help your loved one. Call today to schedule a tour.
PROSPER AT MONASTERY HEIGHTS
110 Monastery Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089 (413) 781-1282 • ProsperLifeCare.com
 34 AUGUST 2021
SENIOR PLANNING GUIDE
3151181-01
                                       BusinessWest

















































   32   33   34   35   36