Many people ask the question; “How do I pay for senior home care services for my family member?” The answer may be with senior grants. In addition to Medicaid, there are a number of grants that give money to seniors specifically for in-home care. They range from assistance for people who do not qualify for Medicaid, to respite for the family taking care of the senior. The grants available vary depending on age, disability, and the area in which the person needing assistance lives. Since this can be confusing, VIDA Senior Resource Staff encourages anyone to call so we can assist with explaining, and applying for these grants. The Vida staff has experience with the application process, and they understand the requirements for eligibility.

Respite grants differ from senior grants in that even though the grant benefits seniors, it is technically for their family members. These types of grants offer respite (a break), to the family members taking care of the senior. They do this by furnishing money to pay for care the family would normally provide. This enables the family to go out for a night, or take a vacation, without worrying about leaving their parent or grandparent alone without help. Once again, the Vida staff will gladly assist in the application, and explanation of any requirements for these grants.

The staff of VIDA Senior Resource is a resource to be used, and their first-hand experience will make the application process for any grant much easier. Please feel free to call for any help or information at 1-866-273-2995 or browse or directory of Senior In-Home Care Agencies.

I recently assisted a lady who was seeking Senior Care for her mother. As we spoke I found myself explaining the difference between in home senior care, (non-medical in home care) and Home Health Care (skilled care). Patiently I weaved my way through her confusion regarding medicaid and medicare providing her guidance and direction choosing the care her mother required.

As I am both the webmaster of VIDASeniorResource.com and the author of our Senior Care Blog it was clear that my next blog post would serve the same purpose of the phone call I took earlier that day.

Its a scenario our in home senior care agencies often encounter.

“Ring Ring Ring…”

“All Valley Home Care, this is Matt how can I help you.”

“Yes my mom has a wound on her rear and I need a nurse to come help her. She is bed-bound and has bed sores that have turned into bleeding wounds.”

Although this request may sound straight forward and simple, the complexity of care that may follow is not.

Lets start with the wound and the request for a nurse. The care of this wound will require skilled care, which is provided from a Home Health Care Agency; This care is generally covered by medicare.

Medicare will pay for the nurse to come visit and provide the wound care, that is it. That could be as little as 2 hours a visit, 3 times a week.

This will merely treat the problem, but will not prevent the reoccurrence of the wound.

The source of the wound is the mother being bed bound causing the bed sources which are leading to the bleeding wound.

This is where Senior Home Care agencies come in. With a much lower cost per hour ($20-30) the caregivers provided by our agencies can do what the skilled care can not; Prevent the wound in the first place.

With both the companionship and support of the caregiver the wounds the mother is experiencing are not only prevented, she is also provided a means to staying and thriving independently in the comfort of her home.

With the many options available for the care of Seniors it is understandable how confusing helping your loved one find the care that best fits their needs can be. Our Care Managers and Care Consultants are trained to help you find this care, even if our services are not the answer.

If you require assistance or are just looking for information feel free to call us any time at 1-866-273-2995, locate an agency near you using our In Home Senior Care Directory, browse our Senior Care Advice pages, or email us.

In an effort to help our clients receive the care that best fits their situation VIDA Certified Agencies work with the Senior Care resources in their communities. All Valley Home Care in Denver, Colorado supports client independence through education and information provided by Pamela D. Wilson of TheCareNavigator.com to enable residents of the Denver area to plan and make informed decisions on a wide range of available services by accessing quality Senior Care.

Pamela Dombrowski-Wilson, MS, BS/BA, CG and CSA, Certified Senior Advisor, specializes in working with individuals and families to navigate healthcare and aging issues with a focus on maintaining independence and planning for long term care. Pamela shares her advice on preparing seniors for both today and the future.

The decision to accept care is often complicated by issues of pride and independence. Who of us, at any age, wants to admit that we can’t take care of ourselves? This is a difficult time for everyone, but especially for a parent who has been strong and able an entire lifetime. Many times the decision is simple. Other times the decision is complicated by matters of health, finances, living arrangement, legalities, cognitive ability or available family.

In looking at the bigger, long term picture it’s best to have a plan and then have a back-up plan. Some families try home care knowing that it may only be a temporary solution. In these situations it’s best to plan for what might happen next. It is a move to an assisted living facility or into the home of a family member? Does a family home need to be sold? In the event health worsens, is the individual associated with proper medical care and specialists? If the unexpected occurs, have legal documents for powers of attorney and a living will been executed? Have end of life plans been discussed?

As a care navigator my goal is to ensure that individuals and families look at the entire situation when planning for today and for the unexpected events of tomorrow. Yes, these are difficult decisions conversations sometimes more easily initiated by a professional. The reality is that one day we will all face similar issues and the majority of us do not wish to be a burden on our families. Better to be prepared for the future than experience the stress of the unexpected when critical decisions must be made and there is no time for indecision.