Step 1: Take a deep breath. Relax. Know that help is available.

Thousands of seniors and their families are facing the same challenges you are now facing. Asking -- and answering -- the following questions will help you know where to begin.

1) Is skilled home health urgently needed right now?
In other words, is there a medical necessity for nursing care or therapy services? The only one who can know that is your doctor. If so, your doctor will probably be writing what is called a referral for home care that details the type and frequency of services needed. This is required by Medicare. The plan may include both skilled nursing services and therapy services, as well as personal care services if needed. The plan is similar to a prescription -- it is for particular services to be delivered over a set period of time. Remember that Medicare-covered home health services are delivered on an intermittent basis and cannot be provided over an extended period of time, unless there is a continued need for skilled services (nursing and therapy services).

2) Has there been a fall or recent illness, or are you planning for an upcoming release from hospital or rehabilitation facility?
You or your loved one may require a combination of services. Even if nursing care is not required, you may still need help getting in and out of bed, bathing and grooming, as well as help caring for your home. Scheduling a care assessment prior to release can help walk you through your options and determine the best plan for you before going back home. Skilled services (nursing and therapy services) may be indicated following a discharge from a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Your physician or the facility physician may order skilled home care. If it is determined that you only need custodial care (assistance with bathing, dressing and home maintenance services), Medicare would not pay for those services. You and your family would have to make other arrangements for payment of those services.

3) Are you or your loved one simply unable to "do it all"?
More and more seniors are blessed with generally good health, but they may be physically unable to do all the things they used to do to take care of themselves and maintain their homes.

In the past, this would have probably meant a move into assisted living, skilled nursing facility or nursing home. But more and more seniors and their families are seeking supportive home services that allow them to remain independent in their own homes. Speak to one of our experienced home care experts for a consultation and service recommendation.

4) Are you geographically distant and concerned about “keeping an eye” on your loved one?
Advantage Healthwatch™ is designed specifically for you and your family. Our skilled nursing staff will visit the home on a pre-arranged basis, providing friendly company as well as monitoring the physical and mental condition of your senior, as well as the condition of the home. We’re not spying! We’re acting as a caring representative for the family, checking in to make sure that mom or dad’s needs are being addressed, and that they are happy, healthy, and safe. You are provided with regular updates on your loved one. Please ask one of our care managers for more information.

5) Has the family "talked"?
Far too often, seniors have faced these issues alone, or a single family caregiver has taken on the full burden of developing a later-life care plan.

The truth is, modern families are complex. Don’t let pride, estrangement or past differences interfere with planning for the best later-life care for mom or dad. Planning for long-term care should start early before an illness or emergency occurs.

You may feel powerless right now during what may be a very stressful time. But time and time again, we have seen families come together to help mom or dad, and in doing so, achieve their greatest moment “as families”, united in purpose to provide competent, compassionate, and dignified care to their loved one.

Advantage Home Health wants to be part of your solution for compassionate home health care. Ask us for more information. We’ll be glad to help!