By Maria Burke, RN
Owner, Celtic Angels Home Health Care
Making decisions about your future or that of a senior loved one is often daunting. All the “what ifs” keep you up at night, and it’s hard to know what’s best. Most people would prefer to age in place, but how do you know whether that’s right for you or your senior loved one? Here are seven of the most frequently asked questions about home health, answered.
1. Is in-home health care safe?
Naturally, one of the first questions many people have is whether in-home health care is safe. Fortunately, the answer is yes. Care partners from reputable agencies, like Celtic Angels, are fully trained, certified, and thoroughly screened.
2. Will I/my senior loved one receive quality care?
Absolutely! Home health care partners are skilled in their jobs, so you can trust that you/your senior loved one will receive quality care. Plus, one of the best things about in-home health care is family members are able to monitor the type of care their senior loved one receives much more closely than if their loved one was in assisted living or a nursing home.
3. Would my senior loved one be better off in a nursing home?
Most seniors prefer to age in place rather than in a nursing home, and families should feel confident knowing that’s an excellent choice. In fact, a recent study found that in-home health care offers a variety of benefits to seniors and their families, and that many seniors in nursing homes don’t have a medical need to be there. Plus, in-home health care keeps your senior loved one from being exposed to the risks of communal living, which were sadly highlighted during the COVID19 pandemic.
4. Is home health expensive?
In-home health can be more affordable than you may realize. Indeed, the same study mentioned above found that on average, in-home health care cost approximately $25,000 less per year than nursing home care.
5. What services are available through home health?
A multitude of services are available through in-home health care. For example, at Celtic Angels, we offer everything from homemaking services to skilled nursing. You can read more about the many services we provide at www.celticangelsinc.com.
6. Can I choose my care partner?
Of course! It’s imperative that you and your senior loved one feel comfortable with your care partner. That’s why Celtic Angels always schedules a no-cost, no-obligation initial meeting in your home, during which you have the opportunity to discuss a custom-tailored care program for you or your loved one.
7. How do I know which home health agency to choose?
Choosing the right in-home health care agency is an important decision. We recommend checking to see whether the agency is fully bonded, licensed, and insured. You should also ask about what certifications and training their CNAs and HHAs have and how they conduct background checks for care partners. It’s always a good idea to ask for references, as well.
Would you like to learn more about home health or set up a meeting to see if Celtic Angels is the right fit for you/your senior loved one? Contact us today to begin by visiting www.celticangelsinc.com.
