What types of care are available for my loved one?
Eldercare covers a wide range of services — everything from support with daily living within the home to more involved care in a facility. Family First's Care Experts help families plan for their future, set goals and develop uniquely personal care plans to achieve the best outcomes.
Home Care
Home care — often referred to as non-medical home care or non-skilled home care — is the type of care most often sought for loved ones wanting and able to remain in their home. Home care can include help with daily activities such housekeeping, shopping, cooking, transportation, and companionship. Some home care agencies may also be able to provide medication reminders and safety supervision of your loved one. Home care services do not need to be prescribed by a doctor. You can schedule home care services full-time, part-time, intermittently, or even up to 24 hours a day / 7 day a week.
Home Health Care 
Home health care — also referred to as skilled home care — is intended for short-term rehabilitation following a stay in the hospital, nursing home or to prevent a future hospitalization. Home health care is provided by a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech therapist. Eligibility for these services is governed by Medicare or your loved one’s insurance provider. To qualify, your loved one must be homebound or have a terminal illness. Home health care must be prescribed by a doctor. Care is provided primarily in shifts, up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To arrange care, speak with your loved one’s hospital, rehab facility, case management team or with your loved one’s primary care provider.
Private or Direct Hire Caregiver
Some families choose to find and employ a caregiver directly, rather than through a home care agency. By assuming the role of an employer, you must accept the duties of paying employee wages, applicable taxes, running a background check, and filing the appropriate paperwork. In the event your private / direct hire caregiver doesn't show up for a shift or fails to meet your expectations, you will be responsible for arranging (or being) the backup plan for your loved one. Keep in mind, in some rural areas without agencies direct hire caregivers may be the only option. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of a direct hire carefully to determine if it's the right choice for your family.
Independent Living Facilities
Eldercare covers a wide range of services — everything from support with daily living within the home to more involved care in a facility. Family First's Care Experts help families plan for their future, set goals and develop uniquely personal care plans to achieve the best outcomes.
Residential Care Homes
Residential care homes— sometimes referred to as adult family homes — provide an intimate setting for a small number of seniors, usually between two and 10. Residencies are typically located in traditional neighborhood homes and are a good option for seniors with memory-loss-related conditions who may become overwhelmed in high-energy, larger spaces. In addition to room and board, care homes often include assistance with activities of daily living, such as housekeeping and personal hygiene.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are for loved ones who need some assistance with activities of daily living, but do not require 24-hour supervision and medical care. Facilities range in size from as few as 25 residents to 120 or more and often offer "levels of care" depending on residents’ needs. Assisted living residents usually live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. They offer extensive on-site amenities for seniors to participate in social and recreational programs, in addition to meals, assistance with personal care, help with medications, housekeeping, and laundry. Some may also specialize in memory care or include additional specific features to ensure your loved one’s safety.
Nursing homes
Nursing homes provide 24/7 skilled nursing care and assistance and are there to support loved ones who can not live independently. Nursing homes provide rehabilitation services on a short-term basis and long-term care for those with medical care needs that other housing can not accommodate. Nursing home can have certain units specialized in memory care and offer a higher level of safety and security.
Palliative Care
Palliative care offers a comprehensive team approach to meet the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of a loved one who is facing a life-threatening illness or terminal disease. The goal is to prevent or treat — as early as possible — the symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatment, in addition to any related psychological, social, and spiritual problems. Palliative care teams can exist in hospital settings and visiting nurse agencies. Not all institutions and agencies offer this program, so speak with your provider about recommendations.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is a special kind of care that focuses on the quality of life for people and their caregivers who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. Hospice emphasizes comfort measures rather than curative treatments. Most reimbursement sources require a minimum life expectancy of six months regardless of age and diagnosis. Hospice can be covered under Medicare Part A, Medicaid and most private insurances and be delivered in the home or in a facility.