Maybe you’ve noticed your parents have become more forgetful lately. Perhaps you’ve been injured or have a medical condition that limits your ability to handle day-to-day tasks. Maybe your spouse or child has physical or emotional needs that have become too overwhelming to manage.
It may be time to consider in-home care services. Fortunately, BrightStar Care® is committed to guiding you and your loved ones every step of the way.
To help you navigate this time in your life, we’ve prepared this simple overview that explains when to consider at-home care and how you can get the process started.
Signs It's Time to Get In-Home Care Help
A good place to start is by evaluating the situation by answering some questions. You may want to get input from other family members. Just be sensitive to the fact that you don’t want to embarrass your loved one or make them feel as if their privacy has been invaded.
These observations and questions may include:
- If the phone rings, does your loved one hear it and answer the call?
- Do they drive safely and with confidence, arriving at their destination on time?
- Can they (or you) physically manage tasks like carrying hampers, loading the washer and dryer, and putting away laundry?
- Do they (or you) have the mobility needed for managing daily activities and personal care needs?
- Do they remember to care for their pets, pay bills and complete basic household maintenance?
- Do they take the correct dose of their medications on time?
- Are they (or you) recovering from major surgery or has there been a significant change in health status?
- Do they (or you) need frequent blood draws, injections or intravenous (IV) medication?
- Do they (or you) have difficulty remembering or carrying out any activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, preparing and eating meals, brushing teeth, using the bathroom, or getting dressed?
If your response to any of these questions indicates a need for support—or if you have other concerns about living safely at home—then you may want to consider in-home care.
With over 400 locations nationwide, BrightStar Care® provides a comprehensive range of in-home care services to meet the diverse needs of our clients and their families.
What Types of In-Home Care Services Are Available?
The types of in-home care services we offer include:
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Care
- Child Care
- Companion Care
- In-Home Therapy
- Personal Care
- Short-Term Transitional Care
We also have skilled nursing care services and pediatric nursing services available for individuals with more complex home health needs.
What to Ask When Considering In-Home Care Services
It’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s a good idea to talk to an expert to find out if there are resources that can help you and your family achieve the quality of life you’re striving for. Here are some examples of questions to ask an in-home care provider.
Evaluating Care Needs
- Can my loved one’s needs (or my needs) be met by family and friends or do we need additional support?
- What type of support do we need?
- Do we need 24-hour, around-the-clock care, or are weekly or daily visits more appropriate?
Exploring Care Options
- Can they (or I) receive care at home in our familiar surroundings?
- Where can we turn for in-home care services?
- How do we choose a caregiver or nurse that we trust?
Understanding the Cost of Care
- How will we pay for in-home care?
- Who handles billing insurance?
Home Care Logistics to Plan For
Here are a few key logistical factors to consider when hiring a nurse or caregiver to provide in-home care:
- Home Access: Discuss how your nurse or caregiver will reach your building, park their vehicle, and enter your home or apartment.
- Caregiver Schedule: Determine when and how frequently your caregiver or nurse will come to your home, like 24-hour care vs. once-daily visits.
- Designated Space: Decide where in your home the care will take place and ensure that the area is free of hazards, such as fall hazards.
- Pet Considerations: It may be necessary to keep your pets temporarily enclosed, depending on your arrangement with your nurse or caregiver.
- Supply Management: Review all medications and medical supplies in detail, including when and how they will be refilled and supplied.
- Communication: It’s crucial to discuss how you and your family will stay connected with your nurse or caregiver.
- Emergency Protocol: Establish a preparedness plan in case of emergency, covering points like emergency contacts and access to your residence.
Moving Forward with In-Home Care
One of the big decisions families make is whether to hire independent in-home caregivers or work with an agency. While each family’s needs are unique, choosing a reputable agency like BrightStar Care® can offer several advantages over hiring an independent caregiver. The comparison chart below can help you find the best fit for your loved one’s in-home care requirements.
Independent Caregivers | BrightStar Care® |
|---|---|
| You’re responsible for performing a background check and verifying the caregiver’s license. | We handle background checks and license verification. |
| Ongoing training and continuous education aren’t guaranteed—and neither is RN oversight. | In addition to RN oversight, we provide ongoing training and continuous education for our nurses and home health aides. |
| If you or your caregiver becomes ill or cancels an appointment, it may be difficult to find a qualified, timely replacement. | We make it easy to change your schedule and handles logistics for you. |
| You’re responsible for ensuring that the caregiver is bonded and has adequate insurance coverage. | Every BrightStar Care® nurse and caregiver is bonded and insured. |
| You’re responsible for managing tax and insurance matters | We manage caregiver payroll and taxes for you. In most instances, we can also handle billing your insurance. |
For more information, check out our Home Care Guide for details on home care planning, payment options, choosing the right services, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get clear answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how to set up in-home care, including whether you need a doctor’s referral, how long it takes to start in-home care, and what happens if you want to change caregivers.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At BrightStar® Home Care, we have the experience it takes to assess your loved one’s in-home needs and recommend a plan of care. Please call 866.618.7827 or find an agency near you to learn how we can support your loved one with high-quality care at home.