In-home Care

Home Health Agencies

These agencies provide registered nurses, home health aides, physical and occupational therapists, social workers and nutritionists to assist patients by providing skilled and non-skilled services. You need a documented medical or physical rehabilitation need for these services and a doctors' prescription for Medicare or other insurance reimbursement. The services are time-limited.

Home Care Workers: Homemakers, Companions, or Home Health Aides

Occasionally, a family may want to have someone stay with the patient at home for short periods of time, while they are away from home. A companion or homemaker may also help the more isolated patient who still manages to live on her own. Families wishing to make such arrangements might want to consider several sources. Suitable companions/homemakers might be found through various employment, home health, or other private agencies. A listing of agencies can be obtained from the Alzheimer's Association, your local hospital, or social service agency. Religious groups, college student employment centers, advertisements in local papers, and interested friends or neighbors may also be of some assistance in finding a qualified person.

When using an agency, it should be licensed, bonded and insured, at the very minimum. Many agencies will allow you to contact former or current customers as a reference. The families should inquire about costs for these services, and although this service is usually privately purchased, they should check their medical insurance policies for reimbursement coverage. Choosing the right person is important. In selecting the companion, the family should consider both the personalities of the patient and the companion. The patient can be involved in the process, by asking him what kinds of things he would like a companion to do with him. It is essential that the companion be well versed regarding the disease process and have the ability to communicate with compassion and flexibility. One can expect an initial adjustment period as both the patient and companion get to know one another and become comfortable with the relationship.

For further information and details about the various home health workers that are available to you and your family, please visit - www.nahc.org (National Association for Home Care).

Guidebooks on hiring in-home care

"Someone Who Cares: A Guide to Hiring An In-Home Caregiver" is available from the Council for Jewish Elderly. 773-508-1000. $10

"Alzheimer's: Steps to Success With Decisions About Help at Home" is available from the AARP Andrus Foundation. 1-800-775-6776 or e-mail andrus@aarp.org.