Does your aging loved one need in-home care or admittance to a skilled nursing facility? This can be a difficult question to answer, depending on health condition. Oftentimes, a senior can stay at home to recover from an acute injury, but they may require 24-hour assistance, physical therapy and medication distribution that cannot be provided by a home health aide. Or, a disease like Alzheimer’s may start slow, but can progress to an unsafe level for independent living in a matter of months. What’s the right choice for your loved one?
We highlight the key differences between in-home care and a skilled nursing facility stay.
Level of Care Provided
In-Home: A home health aide can assist with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental ADLs. These include:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
- Continence
- Transferring
- Housework
- Medication Reminders
- Shopping and Meal Preparation
Aging individuals who are still able to live independently benefit most from in-home care.
Skilled Nursing Facility: Individuals who require around-the-clock assistance should seek skilled nursing care at a licensed facility. Nurses and doctors are on-staff or on-call 24/7 to take vital signs, administer injections, pass medications, provide wound care and respiratory services and help with speech retraining and more.
Medicare Coverage
In-Home Care: When a senior receives in-home care, the services provided are not typically covered by Medicare. A home health aide can help with Activities of Daily Living, transportation and companionship via private payment. Under Medicare, a licensed nurse (RN/LPN) can perform skilled services and administer some medicines for an additional cost. A Physical, Speech or Occupational Therapist can provide rehabilitation services and bring durable medical equipment (DME) to the home.
Skilled Nursing Facility: At West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center, we accept Medicare Parts A, B, C & D.
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): For in-patient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice and some home health services.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): For medical and preventative services like ambulance transportation, doctors’ services, outpatient care and medical supplies.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): Features of Part A, B and sometimes D, offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
- Part D: For the cost of prescription medications, not covered by Parts A – C.
If you or a loved one is searching for the right skilled nursing facility for short-term rehab, long-term care or hospice, contact West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center today!
Read Previous Article:
« Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare
« Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare