Home healthcare services – do you or your loved one fully understand how it works and if it’s the right choice?  Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions that make the decision-making process confusing. FirstLantic wants to help you determine the best alternative for your care, so we have created this short quiz to ensure you have all the facts. Answers are provided at the end.

 

  1. Home Healthcare Aides (HHA) always live in the home of their clients. True or False
  2. Hourlyhome healthcare services can include which of the following?
  • Medication reminders
  • Light household chores
  • Transportation to appointments
  • Companionship
  • All of the above
  1. Home healthcare services are often more expensive than assisted living. True or False
  2. Home healthcare is low-quality compared to the care provided in hospitals and facilities. True or False
  3. Home care is only for patients who have been recently discharged from rehab or a hospital. True or False
  4. Home healthcare services are not possible if a client has serious medical problems such as dementia. True or False
  5. Home healthcare aides must be certified. True or False
  6. I already have a family member caring for me, so I don’t need professional help. True or False
  7. Home healthcare services can allow me to maintain my independence. True or False
  8. You have to be very sick to get home health care. True or False

 

Answers Below

 

  1. False – Home Health aides can live in the home if required but can also come on an as-needed, hourly basis.
  2. All of the above. In addition, many agencies offer other services, such as help with personal hygiene and meal preparation, as well as more specialized services, such as memory care.
  3. False – The cost of care is dependent on the hours required and the type of care that is provided. However, in many cases, the cost of help at home will be lower than in assisted living.  That is because you can choose the number of hours and the type of services. Although you have some flexibility with assisted living options, the average monthly cost of assisted living is approximately $4,000. However, state-by-state averages range dramatically, from as low as $2,844 to as much as $9,266.
  4. False – Trusted organizations like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have stated that home health care is “just as effective“ as care you get in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.” Home health companies employ licensed, skilled professionals that can provide similar types of care as a hospital but in a setting that is less rushed and more comfortable.
  5. False – you do not need to have been recently discharged from a hospital or rehab to receive home health care.
  6. False – Many home health care providers offer specialized care from professionals who are specifically trained to handle more serious medical issues such as wound care, physical therapy, or dementia.
  7. False – Requirements for Home Health Aides vary by state; however, all agencies that take Medicaid or Medicare must employ certified HHAs. However, this is not the case with private home care agencies, so do your homework to ensure that the agency requires the caregiver to have the proper training and accreditation.  It is important to go through a reputable home healthcare agency that has strong referrals, comprehensive training and performs background checks on employees.
  8. Home health providers don’t need to replace family caregivers, but they can offer an additional layer of support. For example, nurses are trained medical professionals who can provide wound care and other services most family members cannot provide. In addition, a home health provider can offer caregiver support.
  9. True – The purpose of home health care is to preserve your independence and keep you safe at home as long as possible.
  10. False – Home healthcare companies do treat people with serious, chronic illnesses. However, they also provide other hourly services such as light housekeeping, transportation, companionship, and more.

 

If you or someone you know is interested in home healthcare or companionship services in South Florida, FirstLantic can help. We are locally owned and operated, providing our patients with the highest quality in-home care services in Fort Lauderdale ( Broward County), as well as in-home care services in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County) since 2000. Click here to contact us.

 

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