FAQ
FAQ Page - What You Need to Know
To address your queries about our services, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and provided detailed answers to each one.
What regions do you serve for in-home care?
We currently provide caregiver services across Aurora, Denver, Colorado Springs and Counties: Adams, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert, Jefferson.
What Happens If an Elderly Person Has No One to Care for Them?
When elderly individuals find themselves without a caregiver, various support services can step in to provide assistance and ensure their well-being. These services may include:
- Government Assistance Programs: Many governments have social welfare programs designed to support elderly citizens. These programs may offer financial aid, housing assistance, and access to healthcare services.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Numerous non-profit organizations focus on the welfare of the elderly. These organizations often provide services such as meal delivery, transportation, and companionship programs.
- Community Resources: Local communities may offer resources such as senior centers, where the elderly can engage in social activities, receive health check-ups, and access educational programs.
Why Choose Home Care?
Most people want to stay in their own homes as they grow older, rather than move elsewhere. They desire to remain in familiar surroundings, maintain connections within their communities, and preserve friendships nurtured over time. Home-based care offers an optimal solution for those needing assistance with daily living activities or nursing services, allowing them to avoid hospitalization or institutionalization while receiving customized support from skilled caregivers within the comfort of home.
What are the signs that an elderly person is in need of assistance?
Identifying signs that an elderly person requires assistance is crucial for ensuring their safety and well-being. Common indicators include:
- Changes in Physical Health: Keep an eye out for noticeable declines in mobility, changes in weight, or struggles with personal hygiene.
- Social Withdrawal: If an elderly person becomes increasingly isolated, it may signal a need for companionship or assistance with daily activities.
- Neglected Living Environment: A disheveled or unkempt living space may suggest difficulties in managing household tasks, indicating a need for support.
What Is The Difference Between In-Home Care And Senior Housing Options Like Assisted Living?
In home care keeps seniors safe in their own homes by providing care either hourly or live-in services. Most seniors would commonly prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Assisted living facilities are for aging adults who need more care, or need a safer environment. Assisted living facilities are a great option for people who become confused easily and may wander or may need regular medication administration by a med-tech or nurse.
What Is Personal Care?
Personal care is one of the most common types of in-home care. Generally, this type of care is meant for individuals with chronic health conditions, physical disabilities, or difficulties with strength, coordination, and mobility. Care will typically include a combination of tasks and activities, which are designed to ensure the individual’s safety, comfort, and well-being.
What hours can I expect an Allevia Home Care caregiver to be with my parent/loved one?
We customize service hours/days based on each senior’s needs. Care can be 2 hrs/day up to 24/7 around-the-clock supervision. Most start with help a few times a week.
What is the importance of personal care for seniors’ well-being?
Personal care is crucial for seniors as it helps them maintain their dignity, independence, and overall well-being. It can be challenging for seniors to accept help with personal tasks after a lifetime of managing independently. However, personal care can create a safe environment when dealing with personal tasks, listen to the wishes of the elderly patient, adapt to the preferences and needs of the patient, prepare the medicines and other things that support wellness, promote the quality of life of seniors, people with disabilities, and those suffering from illnesses in need of home care, and is a part of healthy living. Personal care also promotes good mental health, helps avoid skin issues, keeps up with foot care, prevents dental problems, stops body odor, maintains a healthy appearance, and helps detect health complications.
How can communities contribute to the well-being of elderly residents without caregivers?
Communities play a vital role in supporting elderly residents who lack caregivers. Ways in which communities can contribute to their well-being include:
- Volunteer Programs: Establishing volunteer programs can provide companionship, assistance with errands, and help with daily tasks for elderly individuals.
- Educational Initiatives: Communities can organize workshops and educational programs to raise awareness about the needs of the elderly, fostering a more supportive environment.
- Neighborhood Watch Programs: Creating neighborhood watch programs encourages residents to look out for each other, ensuring the safety of elderly individuals without caregivers.
Who provides Personal Care?
Personal care can be provided by a variety of professionals, including home health aides, personal care aides, and certified nursing assistants.
In addition to these professionals, there are also home care agencies that provide personal care services. These agencies employ trained professionals who can provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
It is important to note that the availability of personal care providers may vary depending on the location. Therefore, it is best to check with your local Department of Health and Human Services or a Medicaid specialist to determine the availability of personal care providers in your area.
Does Medicare Or Health Insurance Pay For In-Home Care?
Medicare and traditional health insurance pays for very limited amounts of care, for very brief periods of time. Companion care and non-medical home care are typically not paid for by Medicare or traditional health insurance.
What legal options are available for elderly individuals without caregivers?
When an elderly person lacks a designated caregiver, legal options can help ensure their rights and well-being are protected. These options include:
- Guardianship: In situations where an individual is deemed unable to make decisions independently, a court may appoint a legal guardian to act in their best interests.
- Power of Attorney: A legal document granting someone the authority to make decisions on behalf of the elderly person, particularly in financial or healthcare matters.
- Advanced Healthcare Directive: This document outlines an individual’s preferences for medical treatment if they become unable to express their wishes, providing clarity in challenging situations.
Do your senior care aides have special training or qualifications?
Yes, we thoroughly screen applicants and provide ongoing senior care training, so clients receive compassionate, competent assistance.
How quickly can Allevia Home Care start care after my initial inquiry?
In most cases we can begin senior care services within 1 week of first contacting our agency. We strive to respond promptly to urgent senior assistance requests.
What sets your senior care services apart from competitors?
Our dedication to customized care planning, skilled caregivers, and transparent communication at every step sets us apart. We focus exclusively in seniors.
Who is eligible for Personal Care?
The eligibility criteria for personal care assistance may vary depending on the state and the Medicaid program. In general, home and community-based services are available to eligible persons aged 60 or older and to adults with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 59.
Medicaid is one of the programs that provides personal care assistance through its Medicaid State Plan and Medicaid Waiver programs. To be eligible for Medicaid, specific eligibility criteria must be met, including being a resident in the state in which one applies, financial requirements, and functional requirements.
In addition to Medicaid, there are other programs that provide personal care assistance such as Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers or Section 1115 Demonstration Waivers.
It is important to note that eligibility criteria may differ based on the state and the program. Therefore, it is best to check with your local Department of Health and Human Services or a Medicaid specialist to determine your eligibility for personal care assistance.
Personal vs Companion Care
While both offer companionship and emotional support, personal care involves direct physical assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and other tasks. On the other hand, companion care focuses on companionship and light household help without physical assistance.
What health challenges may arise for elderly individuals without proper care?
Elderly individuals without proper care may face various health challenges that can impact their overall well-being. These challenges include:
- Malnutrition: Inadequate access to nutritious meals can lead to malnutrition, affecting physical health and cognitive function.
- Untreated Medical Conditions: Without proper care, chronic medical conditions may go untreated, exacerbating health issues and reducing the individual’s quality of life.
- Increased Risk of Falls: Lack of assistance and supervision may elevate the risk of falls, resulting in injuries that can further compromise the individual’s health.