Managing Homecare and Medication at Home

In both the United States and Canada, aging populations are prompting families to explore how best to care for their loved ones, with a strong preference for keeping them at home for as long as possible. In-home long-term care services offer a viable solution, allowing seniors to receive personalized care in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. 

However, the financial aspect of this choice is becoming increasingly challenging as the costs associated with in-home care are on the rise. This uptick is mainly due to growing demand for such services amidst an aging demographic, coupled with rising labor costs in the health care sector. As families navigate the complexities of ensuring quality care for their aging relatives, the financial implications of in-home care necessitate careful planning and consideration.

In-home caregivers must provide the care recipient with many services, including help with daily living activities, maintaining personal hygiene, shopping, bill paying, going to the doctor, cooking and cleaning, and supervision for those with dementia. A quality caregiver reduces the stress and burden on loved ones, giving them the time to be family.

Finding reliable and qualified in-home care providers can be challenging in the United States and Canada. While both countries face issues with workforce shortages, the landscape differs: 

United States:

• Availability: A 2023 study by the AARP Public Policy Institute found that 41% of surveyed family caregivers reported difficulty finding in-home care providers. This shortage is expected to worsen with the aging population.
• Cost: According to the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator, the national median cost of in-home care in the US is $4,926 per month. Costs can vary significantly by location and level of care required.

Canada:

• Availability: Similar to the US, Canada also faces a shortage of home care workers. A 2021 report by the Canadian Home Care and Nursing Association estimates a gap of 275,000 home care workers across the country.
• Cost: Cost comparisons are challenging due to differences in healthcare systems and payment structures. However, a 2023 report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives estimates that the average cost of home care in Canada is around $28 per hour, or approximately $4,760CAD per month, assuming 40 hours per week.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada Example:

• Availability: Finding in-home care providers can be challenging in Calgary, with wait times for publicly funded services often exceeding six months. Private agencies may have shorter wait times but at a higher cost.
• Cost: In Calgary, the average cost of private in-home care ranges from $25 to $35 per hour, translating to $5,400 to $7,560CAD per month for 40 hours of care per week.

What is Home Care?

Home care encompasses a broad spectrum of services tailored to assist individuals in their own homes. These services cater to various age groups and needs, including:

• Older individuals: Assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and companionship.
• People with impairments: Support with personal care tasks, mobility assistance, and adaptive equipment recommendations.
• Individuals recovering from surgery or illness: Short-term assistance with daily tasks and medication management to promote recovery.
• Those with long-term medical conditions: Ongoing support with managing chronic conditions, medication adherence, and maintaining independence.

Home care services are personalized and adaptable to each individual's specific needs. This can include:

• Personal home health care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other daily living activities.
• Medication administration: Safe and accurate dispensing and monitoring of medications.
• Senior care: Services specifically designed to address the needs of older adults, including companionship, transportation, and meal preparation.
• Meal preparation: Assistance with grocery shopping, preparing nutritious meals, and ensuring dietary needs are met.
• Companionship: Providing social interaction and emotional support to combat loneliness and isolation.
• Assisted living: Support with daily living activities while promoting independence in a home-like setting.
• Housekeeping: Light cleaning and household chores to maintain a clean and safe living environment.
• Skilled nursing care: Provided by licensed nurses for individuals requiring complex medical interventions or specialized care.

By offering a diverse range of personalized services, home care plays a crucial role in assisting individuals in maintaining their independence, well-being, and quality of life within the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their own homes.

Benefits of Home Care

Independence and Comfort

Home care services bestow the priceless gift of independence, delivering comfort and security straight to one's doorstep. These services allow individuals to lead their lives in a manner that suits them best, all while receiving professional care. This arrangement not only maintains comfort but significantly improves quality of life. Home care empowers people with the freedom to make personal decisions regarding their care, providing a profound sense of autonomy.

By opting for care within the familiar confines of home, individuals can stick to their regular routines, indulge in cherished hobbies, and stay connected with their community. This level of control and familiarity can greatly benefit emotional well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and independence that is less likely in more clinical settings.

The comfort of receiving care at home, where one can relax in personal spaces, sleep in one's own bed, and use familiar items, offers a level of contentment and happiness that institutional care settings struggle to match. This personal comfort significantly contributes to overall satisfaction and well-being, making home care a highly valued option.

Personalized Care

The ability to receive highly individualized care is another important benefit of homecare. Each person's unique needs and preferences are taken into account while designing homecare services. A person's medical condition, preferences, and goals are taken into consideration while creating a care plan in partnership with healthcare providers.

Home care services give people individualized attention and assistance from professional caregivers committed to their well-being. Caregivers can help with daily chores like bathing, clothing, grooming, and mobility support. Depending on the individual's particular needs, they can also help with meal preparation, medication management, and other specialized chores.

Individuals obtain the special assistance they need to maintain their health and freedom when they receive personalized care. Care plans can be changed as necessary to accommodate changes in the person's condition or preferences, ensuring that the care is still relevant and effective.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Homecare services have a big impact on enhancing people's overall quality of life. People can feel happier and more fulfilled when they receive personal care assistance in their homes. They can continue to engage in hobbies, maintain friendships, and stay active in their community. 

People may maintain their sense of identity and purpose by staying in their familiar surroundings. They can maintain a sense of normalcy in their lives while engaging in their activities and spending time with friends and family. An increase in social interaction and participation like this is beneficial for emotional and mental health.

Being alone can often leave individuals feeling lonely and isolated. A supportive companion can give individuals the emotional support they need to prevent such feelings. Professional homecare services provide companionship and emotional support that can help to brighten someone's day, raise their quality of life, and combat loneliness and isolation. These services offer meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and an attentive friend who can significantly improve physical and mental well-being. 

Reduced Risk of Infections

Staying at home can help reduce the risk of infections and exposure to pathogens commonly found in long-term care facilities. In institutionalized care settings, individuals may be more susceptible to hospital-acquired infections due to the close proximity of other residents and the higher potential for exposure to contagious illnesses. Homecare minimizes this risk, promoting a safer and healthier environment.

Cost-Effective

Home care services offer a more affordable alternative to institutional care settings. Individuals can more easily manage their healthcare costs since they only pay for the services they need. This allows them to tailor their plans to their unique needs and budget. Homecare is often less expensive than determinate services found at nursing homes or assisted living facilities, making it a viable path to maintaining good health without breaking the bank.

Flexibility and Convenience 

Homecare offers flexibility in terms of scheduling and care arrangements. Individuals can choose the specific hours and days they require assistance, allowing them to maintain their preferred routines and lifestyle. The convenience of receiving care at home eliminates the need for transportation to and from healthcare facilities, reducing logistical challenges and potential discomfort.

Tips for Managing Medication at Home

Proper medication management is highly essential, and it gets better with the right homecare service. Here are some valuable insights and practical tips for managing medication at home:

Organize Medications

Maintaining a well-organized system for drugs is essential to prevent confusion and guarantee the timely administration of doses. To make it simple to find and manage your prescriptions, group them by category and frequency. Use a pill organizer that has sections for each day and time. Additionally, keep medicines out of children's and pets' reach in a cool, dry location that is out of the sun. When it comes to reliable pill organizers, Ikigai Cases stands out as a top choice.

Create A Medication Schedule

Staying on track requires developing a concise and unambiguous medication schedule. Include the brand name of each drug, the recommended dosage, and the recommended administration time. Medication management apps or setting reminders or alarms on your phone can be beneficial. To ensure that prescriptions are taken as directed, seek the assistance of a family member, caregiver, or home healthcare specialist as needed.

Administer Medications As Directed

Maintaining good medication delivery techniques is crucial for the treatment to be as effective as possible. To preserve cleanliness:

1. Remember to wash your hands before handling prescription drugs.
2. Use the right measuring equipment to guarantee precise dosing, such as syringes, droppers, or measuring cups.
3. Follow any special instructions given, as well as the suggested administration method (oral, topical, or injectable, for example). If swallowing tablets becomes difficult, speak with a medical practitioner about alternate forms, such as liquid or crushed ones.

Know About Medication Interactions

Be aware of potential medication interactions, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. Inform all healthcare professionals about the medications being taken to minimize the risk of harmful interactions. Consulting with a pharmacist or health care provider can help address any concerns regarding potential drug interactions.

Efficiently managing medication at home is a crucial aspect of home care. However, managing medication at home all by yourself might be challenging, especially for seniors. You need the best home care providers to give you all the support and care you need. 

These professionals will help you manage your medication, including ensuring you take the right dose at the right time. They will ensure there are no mistakes in your medication and help you manage the side effects of some medications.  

Navigating the Homecare Landscape 

• Assessing Your Needs: Begin by assessing the unique requirements and needs of the individual. Consider factors like frequency of care required, level of care needed, and any necessary and/or specialized services.
• Researching Homecare Providers: Research and choose reliable home care providers with an excellent reputation where you live, either in the United States or in Canada. Look for an insured, bonded, and licensed agency with well-trained and experienced caregivers. Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from trusted individuals or healthcare professionals. 
• Financial Considerations: Understanding the financial aspects of homecare services is also essential. Homecare services might be funded through Long-Term Care Insurance or out-of-pocket payments. Research available funding options and choose one that suits you most. 
• Ongoing Communication and Monitoring: Keep the lines of communication open between the carers and the homecare agency. Review the care plan frequently, make any necessary changes or adjustments, and provide feedback on the level of care. This ongoing dialogue helps ensure that the individual's needs are met effectively.

Discover Quality Caregivers and Facilities with Ease

Finding the right in-home caregivers or long-term care facilities that offer quality care services for your older family members is simpler than ever with the LTC NEWS Caregiver Directory. With over 80,000 listings throughout the United States, this comprehensive tool allows you to search and review many options for long-term care services. 

Whether you're searching for caregivers or facilities nearby, this free directory makes it effortless to explore qualifications and choices. 

If you're a care provider, you can claim your free listing or upgrade to enhance visibility through the LTC News Directory Business Portal.  

Additionally, the door to quality long-term care is wide open for those with an LTC policy. LTC NEWS offers assistance in processing claims from any Long-Term Care Insurance policy. Partnering with Amada Senior Care, a renowned in-home health care agency, LTC NEWS ensures that you and your loved ones have the funds from the LTC policy to receive quality care. There is no cost or obligation for this service.

Experience peace of mind knowing you have access to quality care services when you need them most - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

These four LTC NEWS guides will assist you in trying to find appropriate long-term services for a loved one:

• Finding Quality In-Home Care
• Adult Day Care Centers (ADCCs)
• Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities
• Finding a Quality Nursing Home