Home companions, or in-home care, are professionals who assist aging adults with their day-to-day activities. This can include socializing, physical care, and help with activities of daily living. While LTC policies may pay for a home health aide, less likely coverage is offered for companions.
Costs of in-home companion care
The cost of in-home companion care services can vary based on a number of factors. The type of services needed, the number of hours per day required, and the location all play a role.
Many older adults opt to hire a live-in companion. A companion will provide a variety of services that can help older adults remain independent in their homes. They can assist with transportation to medical appointments, meal preparation, laundry, and more.
Some companions may visit two to three times a week, while others might make daily trips. It is important to set clear boundaries and expectations before hiring a live-in companion.
The average national median cost of in-home companion care is $3,813 per month. This figure varies by state. Louisiana’s median cost is $96 per day, while North Dakota’s costs average $175 per day.
Physical care
If you have a senior in your life, you may be wondering how you can best provide him or her with the physical care they need. This can include helping them with meal preparation, light housekeeping, and transportation. In addition to giving your loved one a sense of security, you can also help prevent costly trips to the hospital or nursing home.
When choosing an in-home companion, you’ll need to consider how much it will cost. The price will vary depending on the level of care you need and the number of hours you need. It is also important to ask about the credentials of the care provider.
While some insurance policies cover in-home care, most of the time you will need to pay out of pocket. The costs can range from just a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per month.
Socialization
The best way to get your loved one to socialize is to enlist the aid of a quality in-home caregiver. Not to mention, the health benefits are unquestionable. Luckily, there are a handful of companies out there that make the task of caring for your parents and grandparents a cinch. And the best part is that you won’t have to lift a finger! With a little bit of time and patience, your aging loved ones can enjoy the perks of life as they were meant to be. Besides, who wants to spend your golden years alone? The aforementioned company offers a variety of services including in home companions, respite care, and even in home health aides. Plus, they also provide an extensive network of senior care providers to help ensure you get the best possible care.
Help with activities of daily living
If your aging loved one needs help with the activities of daily living, you might consider hiring an in-home companion to provide a little extra assistance. This might include helping the elderly person get dressed, cook meals, and take a bath. It may also include well-person checks, transportation to appointments, or grocery shopping.
Having someone to care for your loved one can be a real blessing. A companion will be able to take away the stress of being a primary caregiver, and will also promote a positive outlook on life.
Companion-like services might be provided by neighbors, friends, or a paid service. This type of care is often used to augment the time and energy family members can devote to caring for their elderly loved one.
LTC policies may help pay for a home health aide, but less are likely to cover companion care
If you’ve decided to get long term care insurance, it’s important to read your policy carefully. There are many different policies, and the coverage varies greatly. Depending on your needs, you might have to pay for your own home care, or your insurer may cover some costs.
There are two main types of LTC policies. They are indemnity and reimbursement. An indemnity LTC policy pays a specific dollar amount per day for the insured person to receive medical care in the home. The reimbursement style LTC policy reimburses the policyholder for the actual expenses incurred, up to the policy’s maximum benefit.
Depending on the type of LTC insurance you choose, you can also receive benefits for community services such as meals, housekeeping, and personal care. In addition, you can have an option to receive alternate level of care in a hospital setting.