Chosen Family Home Care

Philadelphia Home Care Costs Guide 2026

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:00:07 GMT

How much does home care cost in Philadelphia?

Average Hourly and Monthly Rates

In 2026, most families in Philadelphia can expect to pay between $25 and $35 per hour for non-medical home care. That typically adds up to $4,000 to $6,000 per month depending on how many hours of care you need.

The exact cost depends on your situation, your loved one’s needs, and the level of care required. While pricing can feel overwhelming at first, many families find that home care offers a flexible and comfortable option compared to facility-based care.

Home care in Philadelphia is usually billed hourly, which gives you flexibility to choose the schedule that works best for your family.

Typical hourly rates in 2026:

Companion care: $25 to $30 per hour
Personal care assistance: $27 to $35 per hour
Skilled nursing care: $40 to $75 per hour

Estimated monthly costs based on care needs:

Part-time care (20 hours per week): $2,000 to $3,000
Mid-level care (40 hours per week): $4,000 to $6,000
Full-time care (24/7 support): $15,000+ per month

Many families start with a few hours per week and adjust over time. This flexibility helps you manage both care needs and budget.

Skilled vs Non-Medical Cost Breakdown

Understanding the difference between care types can help you plan more accurately.

Non-Medical Home Care

This is the most common type of home care and includes:

Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming
Meal preparation and light housekeeping
Medication reminders
Companionship and supervision

Non-medical care is typically more affordable and ideal for seniors who want to remain independent with some support.

You can learn more about this type of support on our Personal Care Assistance and Companion Care pages.

Skilled Home Care

Skilled care involves licensed medical professionals such as nurses or therapists. Services may include:

Wound care
Physical or occupational therapy
Medication administration
Chronic condition management

Because of the clinical expertise required, skilled care comes at a higher hourly rate and is often prescribed by a physician.

Cost Influencers in Philadelphia

Home care pricing is not one-size-fits-all. Several factors influence what you will pay:

Location Within the Philadelphia Area

Costs may vary slightly depending on your neighborhood and caregiver availability.

Number of Hours Needed

More hours can increase total cost, but some agencies offer lower hourly rates for longer schedules.

Level of Care Required

Higher needs such as mobility assistance or dementia care may increase pricing due to caregiver training and experience.

Agency vs Independent Caregiver

Working with a licensed agency often includes:

Background-checked caregivers
Scheduling support
Backup coverage
Insurance and compliance

While independent caregivers may charge less, agencies provide added reliability and peace of mind.

How to Budget and Pay for Home Care

Paying for home care is one of the biggest concerns families face. The good news is that there are several options to explore.

Private Pay

Most home care is paid out of pocket using:

Savings
Retirement income
Family contributions

Long-Term Care Insurance

Some policies help cover home care services. Coverage varies, so it is important to review your plan details.

Medicaid Programs

Pennsylvania offers programs that may cover home care for those who qualify. These programs often have income and medical eligibility requirements.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans and their spouses may qualify for programs that help offset the cost of care at home.

Flexible Scheduling

One of the biggest advantages of home care is that you can scale services up or down based on your needs and budget.

If you are unsure where to start, our team can walk you through your options and help you build a plan that works for you.

Home Care vs Nursing Home Costs

When comparing care options, cost is only one piece of the decision.

Average monthly costs in Philadelphia:

Home care (part-time to full-time): $4,000 to $15,000+
Assisted living: $4,500 to $7,500
Nursing home (semi-private room): $10,000+

While nursing homes provide around-the-clock medical supervision, many families prefer home care because it allows their loved one to stay in a familiar environment.

Key benefits of home care:

Personalized one-on-one support
Comfort of staying at home
Flexible scheduling
Greater independence

For many, the emotional and lifestyle benefits make home care a valuable option even when costs are similar.

Get a Clear, Personalized Cost Estimate

Every care situation is different. The best way to understand your costs is to talk through your needs with someone who can guide you.

At Chosen Family Home Care , we take the time to learn about your situation and recommend a plan that fits your goals and your budget.

Explore our Home Care Services or reach out to get started with a personalized care plan.

Caregiver vs Companion Care: What's the Difference?

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 22:17:00 GMT

If you are exploring care options for a loved one, you have likely come across both caregivers and companions. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they serve different roles.

A caregiver provides hands-on support with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility. A companion focuses more on social interaction, light help around the home, and keeping your loved one engaged.

Both options help people stay safe and comfortable at home. The right choice depends on your loved one’s needs, health, and level of independence.

Scope of Services Compared

Understanding what each role includes can make your decision much easier.

Companion Care Services

Companion care is centered around emotional support and everyday help. This type of care is ideal for seniors who are mostly independent but may feel isolated or need light assistance.

Typical companion care tasks include:

Conversation and social interaction
Help with hobbies or activities
Meal preparation
Light housekeeping
Transportation to appointments or errands
Medication reminders

Companions play a key role in reducing loneliness and helping seniors stay mentally and emotionally engaged.

Caregiver Services

Caregivers provide more hands-on help with personal needs and daily living activities. This is often called personal care.

Typical caregiver tasks include:

Bathing and grooming
Dressing assistance
Mobility and transfer support
Toileting and incontinence care
Meal assistance and feeding support
Monitoring changes in health or behavior

Caregivers are trained to support individuals who need a higher level of daily assistance.

Medical vs Non-Medical Support

One of the most important differences in the caregiver vs companion care discussion is the type of support provided.

Companion Care Is Non-Medical

Companions do not provide medical or physical care. Their role is focused on:

Emotional well-being
Social connection
Light household support

They are a great fit for seniors who are safe physically but need more interaction and daily structure.

Caregiver Support Includes Personal Care

Caregivers also provide non-medical personal care , but with a stronger focus on physical assistance.

They can help with:

Personal hygiene
Physical safety
Daily routines that require hands-on support

While caregivers are not nurses, they are trained to assist with personal care needs and can often support clients with conditions like dementia .

Cost Differences

Cost is often a factor when choosing between companion care and caregiver support.

In general:

Companion care tends to cost less because it involves lighter support
Caregiver services may cost more due to the hands-on nature of care

However, the total cost depends on several factors:

Number of hours needed
Level of care required
Frequency of visits
Specialized care needs

Many families start with companion care and transition to caregiver support as needs change over time.

Which One Is Right for Your Family

Choosing between a caregiver and a companion comes down to your loved one’s daily needs.

Companion care may be the right fit if your loved one:

Lives alone and feels isolated
Needs help with errands or meals
Enjoys conversation and activities
Is mostly independent physically

Caregiver support may be better if your loved one:

Needs help with bathing, dressing, or mobility
Has balance or fall risks
Requires regular hands-on assistance
Is living with a chronic condition or memory loss

It is also common to combine both types of care or adjust services over time. Care should evolve as your loved one’s needs change.

Let’s Find the Right Care Together

Choosing care for someone you love is a big decision. You do not have to figure it out alone.

At Chosen Family Home Care , we take the time to understand your situation and guide you toward the right level of support. Whether your loved one needs companionship, personal care, or a mix of both, we are here to help you feel confident in your choice.

Call us today or reach out online to start a conversation about your family’s needs.

Is There CDPAP in Pennsylvania? A 2025 Medicaid Waiver Guide

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:50:00 GMT

Check Your Eligibility

Our team can help streamline the application process and guide you on the steps to take.

Are you interested to see if there is a CDPAP program in Pennsylvania? Perhaps you are moving from a state (such as New York) and you want to know if there is CDPAP or a similar program in Pennsylvania? Read our guide below to find out!

What is CDPAP?

CDPAP is a Medicaid program provides services to chronically ill or physically disabled individuals. They will have a medical need for help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or skilled nursing services. CDPAP services can include any of the services provided by a personal care aide (home attendant), home health aide, or a nurse. Individual recipients have flexibility and freedom in choosing their caregivers under this program. This includes friends and family members who are hired and paid to be caregivers. The consumer or the person acting on the consumer’s behalf (such as the parent of a disabled or chronically ill child) assumes full responsibility for hiring, training, supervising, and – if need be – terminating the employment of persons providing the services.

Is there CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania participates in CDPAP in the state. However, unlike other states (New York), it is generally referred to under different names.

What is CDPAP in Pennsylvania called?

In PA, the CDPAP program is referred to as the Medicaid waiver program. This is a program under the Office of Long Term Living (OLTL). This program is administered as the Community HealthChoices Program (CHC).

Do I have to pay for CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

CDPAP’s Pennsylvania equivalent, which is Community HealthChoices (CH) is 100 percent covered by Medicaid. That means there is no out of pocket cost to the recipient.

Can I select the caregiver of my choice under CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

Yes. A CDPAP (CHC) participant in PA can pick the caregiver of their choice, with a few exceptions.

Can I hire a family member to care for me in CDPAP PA?

Yes, you can hire the caregiver of your choice, whether its a friend, family member, or other designated caregiver. Exceptions to this include a spouse as well as a power of attorney (POA) or legal guardan, for example.

Enrollment Steps

I am moving from New York state (or another state) to Pennsylvania. How can I get onto CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

Individuals coming from any other state will need to start the process just like any other individual. If you are qualified for the Medicaid waiver or CDPAP in your current state and planning on moving, you would be best to follow the step by step guide . If you have any questions about this process, we are here to help. Our direct line is 267.457.4122 and you can call or text for your free assessment today.

Where can I find the CDPAP application in Pennsylvania?

Besides our guide listed above, you can start by filling out your COMPASS application in Pennsylvania . Also, you should call the Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB), also known as Maximus, at 1-877-550-4227. The IEB will help coordinate steps along the way as your application makes it way through CDPAP Pennsylvania.

How do I qualify to be on CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

We list comprehensive eligiblity to be approved for CDPAP in Pennsylvania. That includes both income and financial requirements. It also entails the medical and health requirements necessary to get onto CDPAP Medicaid waiver in Pennsylvania. Please see our guide here titled Get Paid To Care For A Loved One In PA: A Guide . If you have any questions please call or text at 267.457.4122 or contact us online .

What is the financial criteria for Pennsylvania CDPAP?

How much money can I make and still qualify?

The 2025 monthly income limit is $2901 or less for qualification. In addition to looking at how much someone makes per month to qualify for CDPAP, the state of Pennsylvania also looks at ones current assets and resources. That limit to ones assets is $8000 in total.

Is there a CDPAP agency in Philadelphia?

Yes, Chosen Family Home Care is a CDPAP agency in Philadelphia, PA. We accept the Medicaid waiver program through Communit HealthChoices. We accept UPMC, Keystone First, and PA Helath and Wellness. Our Pennsylvania counties served include the following:

CDPAP in Philadelphia County
CDPAP in Bucks County
CDPAP in Chester County
CDPAP in Bucks County
CDPAP in Montgomery County
CDPAP in Berks County, where Reading is located
CDPAP in Lehigh county, where Allentown is located
CDPAP in Northampton County
CDPAP in Dauphin County
CDPAP in Bucks County
CDPAP in Lancaster County

What home care agencies accept CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

Chosen Family Home Care happily accepts CDPAP in Pennsylvania. We are proud to serve our CDPAP clients locally in Pennsylvania. We gladly provide our CDPAP clients and their caregivers with the information they need to successfully enroll into the CDPAP program in Pennsylvania. Once again, this is also known as the Community Health Choices Medicaid waiver. Call or text Chosen Family Home Care today at 267.457.4122 or contact us online to get started!

How much does a family caregiver get paid in Pennsylvania?

Chosen Family Home Care pays $15 per hour (on average, call for details) for CDPAP family caregivers in the Philadelphia area. That makes them the highest paying home care agency in Philadelphia! Plus, Chosen Family Home Care offers a variety of other caregiver benefits and perks .

Are there any caregiver training and general requirements for CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

Requirements are both dictated by state regulations as well as the individual home care agency. For example, at Chosen Family Home Care , the caregiver needs to complete a training program, required paperwork, as well as a negative tuberculosis test before being hired. However, the process is pretty straightforward and simple.

What areas and locations does Chosen Family Home Care serve?

Chosen Family Home Care serves all of the greater Philadelphia area. That includes Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, and Philadelphia county. We also provide services in Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lehigh, and Luzerne counties.

Top Paying Home Care Agencies in Philadelphia: A 2026 Guide

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:27:00 GMT

Get In Touch With Us!

Start Here and send us a message today

Who Qualifies for a PCA in Pennsylvania?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 23:52:04 GMT

PCA Eligibility in Pennsylvania

Medical vs Functional Qualifications

If you are caring for a loved one or need help at home yourself, you may be wondering what qualifies someone for a PCA in Pennsylvania. A PCA, also called a Personal Care Assistant, provides hands-on help with daily activities so people can remain safely in their own homes. Eligibility is based on a mix of medical needs, functional limitations, and program requirements, especially when Medicaid is involved.

In Pennsylvania, PCA services are commonly provided through Medicaid waiver programs, including Community HealthChoices. Some non-Medicaid options exist as well, but the qualification process is different. Below, we break down PCA eligibility in Pennsylvania in clear, practical terms so you know what to expect and what steps to take next.

One of the most common misunderstandings about PCA eligibility is assuming it is only about medical diagnoses. In reality, Pennsylvania focuses more on how a person functions day to day rather than the name of a condition.

Medical qualifications look at diagnoses such as:

Physical disabilities
Chronic illnesses
Cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia
Developmental disabilities
Serious mental health conditions that affect daily functioning

Functional qualifications focus on what a person can and cannot safely do on their own. Someone does not need to be bedridden or severely ill to qualify. If a condition makes everyday tasks difficult, unsafe, or inconsistent, that may be enough.

For example, a person with arthritis may qualify if pain or stiffness prevents them from bathing safely. A person with early dementia may qualify due to memory issues that affect medication management or personal safety.

ADLs and Care Needs Explained

A key part of determining PCA eligibility in Pennsylvania is the ability to perform Activities of Daily Living, often called ADLs. These are basic self-care tasks most people need to do every day.

Common ADLs include:

Bathing and personal hygiene
Dressing
Toileting
Transferring, such as getting in and out of bed or a chair
Mobility inside the home
Eating and meal preparation

If someone needs hands-on help, supervision, or cueing for one or more ADLs, they may qualify for PCA services. The need does not have to be constant throughout the day, but it must be ongoing and related to a health or functional condition.

In Pennsylvania, the level of help needed matters. Occasional reminders may not qualify, but regular assistance or supervision often does. This is especially true for individuals at risk of falls, medication errors, or wandering.

Medicaid and Non-Medicaid Criteria

PCA eligibility in Pennsylvania depends heavily on whether services are funded through Medicaid.

For Medicaid-funded PCA services, a person must:

Be a Pennsylvania resident
Meet Medicaid financial eligibility rules
Require help with ADLs due to a medical or functional condition
Be assessed and approved through a Medicaid waiver program, such as Community HealthChoices

Many people do not realize that family members can sometimes become paid caregivers under these programs. Chosen Family Care helps families understand this option and guides them through the process.

For non-Medicaid PCA services, eligibility is more flexible. There are no income limits, and approval is based primarily on care needs and the ability to pay privately. These services can be useful for people who need help quickly or do not meet Medicaid financial guidelines.

How Assessments Work

To officially determine PCA eligibility in Pennsylvania, an in-home or virtual assessment is required. This assessment is conducted by a state-approved organization, often working with the person’s health plan.

During the assessment, they will ask questions about:

Medical history and diagnoses
Daily routines and challenges
Ability to complete ADLs safely
Cognitive and memory concerns
Home environment and safety risks
Current support from family or friends

Honesty is critical during this process. Many people minimize their struggles out of pride or habit, which can delay approval. It is important to describe what happens on difficult days, not just the good ones.

If approved, the assessment helps determine how many hours of PCA services are authorized each week and what type of support is needed.

Next Steps: Get Help With PCA Eligibility in Pennsylvania

Understanding what qualifies someone for a PCA in Pennsylvania can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already managing health concerns or caregiving responsibilities. The good news is that you do not have to navigate this alone.

At Chosen Family Care , we help individuals and families across Philadelphia understand PCA eligibility, complete assessments, and start care with confidence. We also support families who want to become paid caregivers for their loved ones through Medicaid programs.

If you are unsure whether you or a loved one qualifies, reach out today. Our team will listen, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward safe, respectful care at home.

Call Chosen Family Care today or visit our contact page to get started. Care should feel like family, and that is where we begin.

Get Paid to Care For A Loved One in Pennsylvania: 2026 Update

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:25:00 GMT

Find out if you or your family member qualify

Our team can help streamline the application process and guide you on the steps to take.

Get Paid to Care For A Loved One in Pennsylvania: A 2026 Guide

Learn how Pennsylvania’s innovative Medicaid waiver program under Community HealthChoices (CHC) can lessen the financial burden of family caregiving. Read more to see if you or a family member are eligible to get paid to care for family members. Get a free consultation today. Eligible approved caregivers can earn $15 per hour!

Providing home care assistance to a family member or loved one in Pennsylvania is one of the most rewarding tasks you can do. You have the opportunity to ensure that they receive the best quality care possible. After all, few can provide the same level of home care compassion, support, and love that a family member or loved one can. Plus, it provides the opportunity to spend quality time with your loved one.

Additionally, you won’t have to worry about strangers that may not be as sympathetic, caring, or attentive for your loved one when you become the primary caregiver. While there are many supportive, highly trained, and compassionate caregivers out there, that may not be enough to make your loved one comfortable or at ease like a known caregiver can.

Impact of family caregiving in Pennsylvania

According to a recent report from the CDC titled “Caregiving for family and friends” , the impacts of family caregiving in Pennsylvania are substantial:

Family caregivers in Pennsylvania: Over 21 percent of adults aged 45 years or older reported being a caregiver to a friend or family member
Family caregivers are putting in a lot of hours: One in three caregivers (31.3%) provided 20 or more hours per week of caregiver time. Over half (53.8%) have provided family caregiving time for 2 years or more.
Caregiving for family and loved ones can be emotionally and physically demanding. Over half (53%) of caregivers indicated that a decline in their health negatively impacts their ability to provide care.
Family caregivers have to sacrifice a significant portion of personal savings and spending money, save less for retirement, and take unpaid time off at work.

Because of the effects that family caregiving can have financially on a family, several programs out there can offer financial support to loved ones that act as caregivers.

Family caregivers getting compensation for their support

The most common program that pays loved ones for caregiving is a Medicaid option program known as Medicaid Waivers. These Waivers are also referred to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, 1915(c) Waivers, or even Section 1115 Waivers . Waivers, under broad federal guidelines, allow states to pay for certain support and care services for persons that reside outside of long term care facilities such as nursing homes or assisted living.

In most cases, they pay for personal care and home care services. This is care that provides direct assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, getting dressed, and transferring. It also includes household services offered for older adults or disabled individuals that live in their own homes or the homes of loved ones or family members.

Can you get paid by the state of Pennsylvania to care for a loved one or family member?

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania skyline over the Schuylkill river.

The short answer is yes. A caregiver could be eligible to be paid through several programs and plans. Below, we explore those programs available to seniors and disabled adults in need of home care in Pennsylvania.

Long term care insurance and VA paid family care giving

Eligible family members can get paid through a long-term care insurance policy or with a Veterans Affairs program. If you or a family member have long-term care insurance or VA benefits, contact us here for your free consultation! We can help you determine eligibility get paid for family caregiving.

Caretaking for a loved one through PA Medicaid and Community HealthChoices

The rest of this article we will refer to the PA Medicaid waiver program that provides this opportunity through home- and community-based service (HCBS) providers.

The Pennsylvania waiver is the general term for the 10 support service waivers provided by the state. In this guide, we will refer specifically to the Community HealthChoices waiver , known as CHC. This particular waiver is new and is the combination of three former waiver programs: aging waiver, attendant care/act 150 waiver, and independence waiver.

The reason we want to focus on the Community HealthChoices waiver is because that is by far the most common program that provides home care services in PA to seniors and disabled adults in need.

Community Health Choices (CHC) Medicaid waiver health plans

CHC is a Medicaid managed care program. It exists for individuals that are 21 years of age or older and are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. Plus, these individuals must require a certain level of assistance that we discuss below.

In the state of Pennsylvania, managed care Medicaid is administered by one of four private healthcare insurance companies . These companies are contracted by the state to manage the CHC services provided to program participants**.** These include Amerihealth Caritas (called Keystone First in Philadelphia and the surrounding PA counties), UPMC , and PA Health and Wellness .

Does Pennsylvania allow family members to be caregivers and get paid through Medicaid?

Yes. Every state has different regulations, and some will not allow paid family caregivers through the Medical Assistance program. Luckily, Pennsylvania recognizes the economic and health benefits that can come with having a loved one be a caregiver to a family member or a friend. Advantages include the potential for improved care and support through increased familiarity and comfort that come with a loved one providing care directly.

Does Medicaid waiver and/or Pennsylvania state pay family caregivers directly?

No. An approved family caregiver in PA will be hired by a state-licensed home care agency, such as Chosen Family Home Care . When the family member is hired, they become a regular employee of the company. Then, they will be treated just like every other employee of the organization. They get regular paychecks as well as comprehensive benefits if a home care agency offers them.

Read all about why Chosen Family Home Care is a great place to work. Chosen Family Home Care provides pay and benefits that are unparalleled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Follow Chosen Family Home Care on Facebook and Instagram and never miss an update!

How do I get me or my loved one started so I can be their paid caregiver in PA?

To start, the patient in question will need to qualify for the medicaid waiver program through the Office of Long Term Living ( OLTL ). They administer Medical Assistance programs that provide long-term services and supports to older Pennsylvanians and adults with disabilities. This is the program that provides compensation to care providers, including the home care agencies and caregivers employed by them.

The Chosen Family Home Care enrollment guide is a step by step process helping walk you through the process to sign up. and guide outlines the steps in detail in enrolling with the waiver program.

What is my first step to get started with enrollment?

This guide is your best resource, but your first step is to start with a phone call to the Pennsylvania enrollment broker . They can be reached directly at 1-877-550-4227. The enrollment broker, also known as the PA IEB in Pennsylvania, helps to coordinate and set up all the steps necessary to get your loved one. This will include organizing health assessments with the client in need, coordinating with the local County Assistance Office (CAO) in Pennsylvania, and ensuring that other necessary paperwork is on track.

What does the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker do?

The Independent Enrollment Broker is contracted by the state of Pennsylvania. They are an intermediary that facilitates enrollment and eligibility for CHC. This is for interested individuals that are seeking services under the Community HealthChoices Pennsylvania waiver programs. Referred to as the PA IEB , they can be reached at 877-550-4227 during normal business hours.

What are the other critical steps to help make sure we can get through the enrollment process smoothly?

There are many steps in the enrollment process, but we advise that the other important step to take is to apply on the COMPASS website for these benefits. COMPASS is the website that allows individuals that reside in Pennsylvania to apply for health and human service programs that may be available to them. This includes programs such as Medicaid and also Community HealthChoices which is a division of the Medicaid program. A COMPASS application is a critical step to apply for benefits to allow someone to receive home care services in PA that are provided by a paid family member.

If I am already on Medicaid in Pennsylvania do I still need to apply on COMPASS?

YES. Even though the Community HealthChoices waiver is a part of Medicaid, it is considered separate from standard Medicaid and has some qualification and eligibility differences. Therefore, this step is required for everyone who wants to get covered home care services by a caregiver. This includes home care services provided by family.

How can my family member or friend meet the eligiblity criteria to get caregiving and home care services in PA?

The program participants must meet both financial and functional eligibility requirements to qualify for the services. Our Beginner’s Guide to Using Pennsylvania’s Waiver Program for Home Care provides a detailed and comprehensive overview. It demonstrates how to qualify for the program and what steps to enroll are needed.

Physician certification and functional eligibility

An important part of the functional eligibility process is the physician certification. A physician must certify that the individual in question has a condition that results in a need for long-term services and supports.

The certification is not enough to guarantee enrollment or to guarantee a certain number of hours of support. However, it is an important part of the step which can help individuals qualify for these services. It is also a requirement. You can see what the physician certification looks like here . Download and print this for your physician to fill out.

Having a diagnosed disability is also not enough to be functionally eligible. The disability must result in a person’s inability to perform some activities of daily living.

For example, if someone has a traumatic brain injury, the injury must prevent them from bathing, toileting, transferring, or performing other ADLs to make them eligible.

In addition to the physician certification, a trained assessor will complete the functional eligibility determination.

Financial eligibility

To receive publicly funded services, the individual must meet income and/or asset requirements. The local County Assistance Office (CAO) determines financial eligibility. You can find the current financial eligibility requirements listed in the document here . The participant must complete forms and provide financial documentation to process the application.

What is the income limit to qualify for the Pennsylvania Medicaid Waiver Program under Community HealthChoices (CHC)?

In 2023, $2,742 per month is the income limit to qualify financial to the Pennsylvania Medicaid waiver program, also known as Community HealthChoices.

Program eligibility

Another step is determining which program provides the best fit for the participant based on their medical and functional determinations. The IEB will direct individuals to the programs in which they are deemed eligible.

Enrollment

If an individual is eligible based on their functional capacity, financial situation, and through a relevant program, they are then enrolled into a program.

Choosing a home care provider

Once the participant is approved by the state waiver program, they can then choose a home care agency that allows the employment of family members. Be sure to find an agency that offers comprehensive training and development to ensure that you can provide high-quality care to your loved one. This training allows loved ones to thrive and live as independently as possible. Chosen Family offers many training, development, and mentorship opportunities for caregivers and is proud to employ family caregivers as part of our team.

Does Medicare pay family caregivers to provide home care support?

Medicare does not provide home care services with family caregivers.

Medicare is a government health insurance coverage plan for older adults age 65 and older. Medicare will not pay for long-term care services , like in-home care support and adult day services. In fact, this holds true regardless of whether or not the services are provided by a direct care worker or a family member.

This guide overviews health care costs and discusses in greater detail insurance coverage and payment options for home care services. In some cases, however, caregiving families may receive financial relief. These include respite care .

Another example includes relief for buying certain goods and services. Some programs can sometimes pay for caregiving, usually in limited cases. As a general rule, Medicare cannot be counted on for long term care services such as home care. However, they may provide short term options but only in rare and limited cases. Review your policy and talk to a Medicare specialist for more information.

Can a spouse (husband or wife) be a paid caregiver under the Medicaid CHC waiver in PA?

No. A spouse (husband or wife) cannot provide home care services and be paid for them through the state Medicaid waiver program. Spouses can only provide informal support, i.e. unpaid support.

Can a Power of Attorney (POA) or legally responsible guardian be a paid family caregiver under the Medicaid waiver program in Pennsylvania?

Restrictions do not allow individuals that hold power of attorney (POA) over the recipient of care to be compensated caregivers as well. This also includes legally responsible individuals (such as parents caring for children under the age of 18).

Community HealthChoices is the program that works with Medicaid Waiver for seniors and adults with disabilities to stay in their own homes.

How much does Medicaid pay caregivers?

Medicaid has fixed reimbursement rates that they pay home care agencies for direct care provided. This payment ultimately dictates what compensation that companies can provide caregivers, including family members, to those in need of home care services.

Therefore, a family caregiver’s pay is limited by the reimbursement that home care agencies get. This rate is what Pennsylvania state allows for each hour of home care service as they are managed through Community HealthChoices.

Pay for family caregivers can vary, so it’s best to find the right home care agency.

Because all home care agencies that pay family caregivers through the Medicaid waiver get the same payment, there is a small range that caregivers will find in their hourly pay. As a result, expect caregiver pay in greater Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley to lie between $10 and $14 per hour of care provided. Companies and their benefits packages will vary greatly.

Therefore, it will be important to consider that when evaluating home care providers. Don’t forget to consider additional benefits too. For example, ongoing training opportunities, company culture, and other perks specific to each organization might be a part of a company’s package. Check out our guide to the highest paying home care agencies in Philadelphia right here!

Why is Chosen Family Home Care a good option for family caregivers?

The team at Chosen Family Home Care

Chosen Family Home Care is the top home care agency in and around greater Philadelphia. We offer all caregivers high pay, a sign-on bonus, and tons of benefits. Chosen Family Home Care is also transparent about everything we can provide to our family caregivers. Benefits include:

An average of $15 per hour.
Call for details and restrictions.
Overtime allowed
Weekly pay! Get a paycheck every week
Free CNA (Certified Nurse Aide) Training for eligible caregivers. Chosen Family Home Care is the only agency in Philadelphia that offers free CNA training to eligible caregivers! Caregivers that are qualified to enter the CNA program, complete 800 service hours, and have 6 months or more of service at the company. This is done through our partner CareBridge Academy .
Holiday pay. Earn 1.5 times your regular rate on company designated holidays. The company offers caregivers 7 paid holidays!
401k plan with a 3 percent company match!
Healthcare insurance coverage sponsored by the company. The company will cover at least 75 percent of the plan premium to 100 percent! This depends on the plan selected.
Flexible schedules. This includes finding additional caregivers to help you support your family member or loved one.
Paid time off accruing on day one. Up to 40 hours per year!
Monthly training and support for all family caregivers. You’ll always be confident that you can provide the right care for your loved one with a home care agency that has your back.
A caring and fun culture
A professional and responsive agency.

Read our careers page for more information and how to apply.

Reach out to Chosen Family Home Care today for help getting started and start getting compensated for the care you provide now!

Family caregivers can get compensated to provide hands-on care for their loved ones with the Medicaid Waiver.

You may need assistance walking through the Medicaid and waiver application process, understanding and determining if your loved one needs help, or help switching home care providers. If so, write, text, or give us a call now ! Chosen Family Home Care can provide a comprehensive assessment and review of your situation and that of your loved one. No hassle, no obligation, and it’s free.

Read more of our insights and follow us on Instagram and Facebook . We provide you with free resources and tips to improve the health and quality of life for your loved one and for caregivers.

Resource Center: Download our printable and handy process guide

Step by step Medicaid Waiver Enrollment

How to Know when a Loved One Needs Home Care

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:03:45 GMT

Knowing when a loved one needs home care is one of the hardest decisions families face. You may notice small changes at first. Missed medications. A messy home. Less interest in social activities. Over time, these changes can signal that your loved one needs more support than you can safely provide on your own.

Home care is not about taking away independence. It is about protecting dignity, safety, and quality of life while allowing your loved one to remain in the comfort of home. This guide explains the most common signs that home care may be needed, what to watch for, and how to take the next step with confidence.

Families across Philadelphia face these same questions every day, and you do not have to navigate them alon

Why Families Struggle to Recognize the Need for Home Care

Many seniors and individuals with disabilities work hard to hide their struggles. They may not want to worry their family or admit that daily tasks have become difficult. As a family member, you may also downplay warning signs because change can feel overwhelming.

Some families wait until a crisis occurs, such as a fall or hospitalization. Early home care support can often prevent emergencies and reduce stress for everyone involved.

Recognizing the signs early gives you time to plan, involve your loved one in decisions, and create a care plan that feels supportive rather than rushed.

Physical Signs That Home Care May Be Needed

Frequent Falls or Balance Issues

Falls are one of the biggest safety risks for older adults. If your loved one has fallen, feels unsteady while walking, or relies on furniture for support, this is a serious warning sign.

A home caregiver can assist with walking, transfers, and daily movement while helping reduce fall risks.

Difficulty With Personal Hygiene

Wearing the same clothes, avoiding bathing, or neglecting grooming often means personal care tasks have become physically difficult or uncomfortable.

Home care provides respectful assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming while protecting privacy and dignity.

Unexplained Weight Loss or Poor Nutrition

Skipped meals, expired food, or noticeable weight loss may indicate difficulty cooking or eating consistently.

Caregivers can help with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and ensuring regular, balanced meals.

Cognitive and Memory Related Warning Signs

Forgetting Medications or Appointments

Missed doses or confusion about prescriptions can have serious health consequences.

Home caregivers provide medication reminders and help maintain daily routines.

Increased Confusion or Disorientation

Getting lost in familiar places, repeating questions, or confusion about time or location may indicate cognitive decline.

If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia, specialized support can help. Learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Philadelphia .

Poor Judgment or Unsafe Decisions

Leaving appliances on, opening the door for strangers, or giving away money can signal safety concerns.

Home care adds supervision and guidance while preserving independence.

Emotional and Behavioral Changes to Watch For

Withdrawal From Social Activities

Pulling away from family, friends, or activities may signal depression, loneliness, or mobility challenges.

Companionship is a key part of home care and helps reduce isolation.

Mood Swings or Increased Irritability

Sudden frustration or anger can stem from fear, confusion, or loss of control.

A consistent caregiver offers patience, reassurance, and emotional support.

Household and Daily Living Signs

A Noticeably Messy or Unsafe Home

Cluttered walkways, unpaid bills, or piles of laundry may indicate daily tasks have become overwhelming.

Home care includes light housekeeping and help with everyday responsibilities.

Missed Bills or Financial Confusion

Unopened mail or late payments can point to cognitive or organizational challenges. While caregivers do not manage finances, their presence helps families notice concerns early.

Sometimes the clearest signal that home care is needed is your own exhaustion.

If you feel constantly stressed, overwhelmed, or stretched too thin, you may be carrying more than one person can manage alone.

Respite care gives family caregivers time to rest while ensuring loved ones remain safe.

Caregiver Burnout Is Also a Sign

When Home Care Makes the Biggest Difference

Home care is especially helpful when:

Your loved one wants to remain at home but needs help with daily tasks
Health conditions are becoming harder to manage alone
Family members cannot provide consistent care due to work or distance
Language, culture, or identity plays an important role in care

Care works best when your loved one feels understood, respected, and safe.

Chosen Family Care matches caregivers based on language, culture, and personal preferences to build trust and comfort.

How to Talk to Your Loved One About Home Care

Begin the conversation early and keep it respectful. Focus on safety, comfort, and independence rather than limitations.

Helpful tips:

Listen more than you speak
Involve your loved one in decisions
Present care as added support, not a loss of control
Start small instead of making sudden changes

Resistance is common. Guidance and support can make these conversations easier.

Getting Started With Home Care in Philadelphia

If you are noticing several of these signs, it may be time to explore home care options. Early support can help prevent emergencies and ease stress.

Chosen Family Care proudly serves families across Philadelphia with culturally sensitive, personalized in home care. We also help families understand Medicaid waiver eligibility and Community HealthChoices plans.

You do not have to figure this out alone. If you are unsure whether home care is the right next step, our team is here to help.

Call (267) 214-0461 or visit our contact page to talk through your concerns and explore care options.

Nutrition & Meal Planning for Seniors Receiving Home Care in Philadelphia

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:02:01 GMT

Good nutrition is essential for seniors to stay strong, maintain energy, and support overall well-being. For those receiving home care, a balanced diet can mean the difference between thriving and simply getting by.

Still, many caregivers find meal planning overwhelming, especially when juggling medications, mobility challenges, and busy schedules. The good news is that with thoughtful planning and a few local resources, caregivers in Philadelphia can make healthy eating easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

Why Nutrition Matters for Seniors in Home Care

As we age, appetite and metabolism change. Chronic conditions, medications, and reduced activity levels can affect how seniors process nutrients. Malnutrition is more common than people think, even among those who eat regularly. Proper nutrition supports:

Energy and strength to perform daily tasks safely
Faster healing after illness or surgery
Sharper cognition and better mood
Stronger immunity and resistance to infection

For caregivers, meal planning provides structure and peace of mind. It reduces stress around daily food decisions and helps ensure that seniors are getting what they need to stay healthy.

Step-by-Step Meal Planning Tips for Caregivers

Every family’s situation is unique, but these proven steps can make meal preparation smoother for caregivers and loved ones alike.

1. Start With Communication

Ask your loved one about their favorite meals, family recipes, and comfort foods. Food is personal, and seniors are more likely to eat when they feel heard and involved. If your loved one follows cultural or religious food traditions, incorporate those dishes when possible. It’s not just about nutrition—it’s about connection.

2. Create a Simple Weekly Plan

Structure helps both the caregiver and the senior. Write out a weekly meal calendar on paper or use a magnetic board on the fridge. Plan three meals and one or two snacks each day. For example:

Breakfast: Oatmeal with fruit, eggs and toast, yogurt parfait
Lunch: Vegetable soup, turkey sandwich, mixed greens salad
Dinner: Baked salmon, brown rice, steamed broccoli
Snack: Cheese cubes, fruit cups, peanut butter crackers

Repetition is fine. Consistency helps with grocery shopping and reduces waste.

3. Shop Smart in Philadelphia

Grocery shopping doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Choose stores with delivery or curbside pickup, such as ShopRite From Home , Acme Markets , or Instacart . Many caregivers in Philadelphia use:

PA ACCESS cards to stretch grocery budgets
Philly Food Bucks , which double the value of SNAP benefits at local farmers’ markets
Weavers Way Co-op or Reading Terminal Market for local produce

Keep a pantry stocked with canned beans, whole grains, frozen vegetables, and shelf-stable proteins like tuna or lentils for easy meals.

4. Cook in Batches

Prepare meals in larger portions and freeze individual servings. Label each container with the dish name and date. Soups, casseroles, and stews freeze especially well and make quick, balanced dinners. This saves time and ensures healthy options are always available on busy days.

5. Make Nutrition Simple and Flavorful

Healthy meals don’t need to be complicated. Aim for:

Colorful plates: Include at least three colors from fruits and vegetables
Balanced nutrients: Combine lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats
Lower sodium options: Use herbs, spices, lemon, or vinegar for flavor instead of salt
Hydration: Encourage water, herbal teas, or flavored seltzers instead of sugary drinks

If chewing or swallowing is difficult, try softer foods such as mashed sweet potatoes, scrambled eggs, or smoothies.

6. Support Special Dietary Needs

Seniors often have conditions that affect diet, such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. When preparing meals:

Use unsalted or low-sodium ingredients
Choose whole grains instead of white bread or pasta
Swap fried foods for baked or steamed versions
Limit added sugars and processed snacks

When in doubt, ask the healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health offers nutrition programs and education resources for seniors and caregivers.

7. Keep Mealtimes Social and Enjoyable

Eating together builds companionship and encourages better eating habits. Set the table nicely, add music, or share stories during meals. Even short conversations can improve appetite and lift spirits.

Philadelphia Resources for Senior Nutrition

Phila delphia offers a range of programs designed to help older adults and caregivers access nutritious food affordably and conveniently.

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA)

PCA runs home-delivered meal programs, group meals at senior centers, and nutrition workshops. They also help connect caregivers to dietitians and community resources.

Meals on Wheels Philadelphia

For seniors who cannot cook or shop, Meals on Wheels Philadelphia delivers healthy, ready-to-eat meals directly to their homes. Meals are tailored to seniors’ dietary needs and prepared with care by local volunteers.

SHARE Food Program

The SHARE Food Program provides affordable food boxes and produce bundles across Philadelphia. Caregivers can order online or through local partner sites, making it a great option for busy families.

Community Senior Centers

Neighborhood centers like the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center , West Oak Lane Senior Center , and Star Harbor Senior Center offer congregate meals, cooking classes, and nutrition education. These programs also provide social opportunities that support emotional health.

Local Food Pantries and Markets

Through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) , qualifying seniors can receive vouchers for use at local farmers’ markets. Visit the City of Philadelphia Food Finder to locate nearby markets and pantries.

Encouraging Independence in the Kitchen

Helping seniors participate in meal prep can promote confidence and cognitive engagement. Encourage safe, simple activities like washing produce, mixing ingredients, or setting the table. Adaptive kitchen tools—such as non-slip mats, lightweight pans, or easy-grip utensils—make participation safer for seniors with arthritis or limited mobility.

If the senior uses home care services, ask caregivers to follow the same meal plan you’ve created. Consistency helps avoid confusion and ensures your loved one receives nutritious, familiar meals even when different caregivers assist. Learn more about home care services in Philadelphia .

When to Seek Extra Support

If your loved one is losing weight, skipping meals, or showing little interest in food, consult a healthcare provider. These signs can indicate underlying health issues such as depression, dental pain, or medication side effects. A dietitian or speech therapist can recommend modifications to improve nutrition and safety.

Home care agencies like Chosen Family Home Care can provide additional help with:

Grocery shopping and meal prep
Assistance during mealtimes
Cultural or language-specific meal preferences
Companionship to make eating enjoyable

Our caregivers understand the importance of dignity and cultural sensitivity, creating care plans that support both health and happiness. Explore caregiver support services in Philadelphia .

Care That Feels Like Family

Balanced nutrition helps seniors stay strong, independent, and connected. By combining simple meal-planning habits with Philadelphia’s community resources, caregivers can take the guesswork out of daily meals.

If you need support preparing meals or providing compassionate home care, Chosen Family Home Care is here to help. Our caregivers deliver personalized assistance across Philadelphia that feels like family.

Caregiver Self-Care: Avoiding Burnout While Helping a Loved One

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 15:00:21 GMT

Caring for someone you love is one of the most meaningful things you can do. But even the most devoted caregivers can feel overwhelmed or exhausted at times.

Whether you are a family member helping a loved one or a professional caregiver supporting clients, taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it is essential. When you nurture your own well-being, you are better equipped to offer the compassion, patience, and strength your loved one deserves.

You cannot care for others if you do not care for yourself first.

Understanding Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout happens when the physical, emotional, and mental demands of caring for someone become overwhelming. It goes beyond everyday stress and can lead to feelings of exhaustion, frustration, or hopelessness.

Anyone can experience burnout—family members juggling work and caregiving duties, or professional caregivers who spend long hours supporting others. Over time, constant responsibility without adequate rest can take a serious toll on health and happiness.

Common causes of caregiver burnout include:

Lack of rest or personal time
Feeling unappreciated or unsupported
Emotional strain from watching a loved one’s health decline
Financial pressures
Balancing caregiving with other life responsibilities

Recognizing the warning signs early can help you take action before burnout becomes overwhelming.

Signs You May Be Experiencing Burnout

If you are a caregiver, it is important to pay attention to your body and emotions. Here are some common signs of caregiver burnout:

Feeling tired no matter how much you rest
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Becoming easily irritated or impatient
Withdrawing from friends or family
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite or weight
Frequent headaches, muscle tension, or stomach issues
Feeling helpless, hopeless, or trapped

Burnout can sneak up on you slowly. You might think you are just tired or stressed, but over time, these feelings can deepen. Admitting that you need support is not a weakness—it is a vital step in caring for yourself and your loved one.

Why Caregivers Struggle With Self-Care

Most caregivers are naturally compassionate people who put others first. Unfortunately, this can lead to neglecting their own needs.

Family caregivers often feel guilty about taking breaks. You may worry that stepping away means letting your loved one down.

Professional caregivers may feel pressured to keep working through fatigue or may not have enough workplace support for self-care.

Other common reasons caregivers avoid self-care include:

Believing “no one else can do it as well”
Feeling guilty for taking time off
Having limited resources or respite care options
Forgetting their own needs matter too

Remember, self-care is not selfish. It allows you to continue showing up with love and energy. Without it, burnout can lead to frustration, illness, or even resentment—none of which help you or the person you care for.

Simple Self-Care Strategies for Caregivers

You do not need to overhaul your life to feel better. Small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Here are practical ways to protect your well-being while caring for others.

1. Prioritize Rest and Nutrition

Sleep is your body’s reset button. Aim for 7–8 hours whenever possible, and establish a bedtime routine that helps you unwind. Eat balanced meals throughout the day and stay hydrated. Skipping meals or relying on caffeine can worsen fatigue and mood swings.

2. Set Realistic Expectations

You cannot do everything perfectly—and that’s okay. Focus on what truly matters each day. Let go of guilt for not meeting unrealistic standards.

3. Take Short Breaks

Even 10 minutes of quiet can refresh your mind. Step outside for fresh air, stretch, or listen to your favorite song. Short breaks throughout the day prevent emotional overload.

4. Move Your Body

Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching helps release stress and improve mood. You do not need a gym—small bursts of movement throughout the day add up.

5. Stay Connected

Caregiving can be isolating. Reach out to friends, family, or other caregivers who understand your challenges. Join an online or local support group to share stories and encouragement.

6. Ask for Help

You are not alone. If possible, involve other family members, neighbors, or respite care professionals . For professional caregivers, talk to your supervisor about scheduling or additional support options.

7. Practice Emotional Check-Ins

Take a moment each day to notice how you are feeling. Journaling, prayer, or meditation can help you process emotions and identify when you need extra care.

8. Separate Your Role From Your Identity

Caregiving is an act of love, but it does not define your entire life. Continue pursuing hobbies, friendships, and personal goals that bring you joy.

Self-Care for Professional Caregivers

If you work as a home care aide, nurse, or professional caregiver, your emotional energy is part of your job. To stay resilient, it is important to build habits that protect your mental health.

Tips for professionals:

Take scheduled breaks, even short ones, to reset your energy.
Debrief challenging experiences with a trusted coworker or supervisor.
Use mindfulness or breathing exercises before and after shifts.
Seek continuing education that empowers you to manage stress or compassion fatigue.
Remember that asking for help shows strength, not weakness.

At Chosen Family Home Care, we believe in supporting both our clients and our caregiving team. Every caregiver deserves respect, understanding, and time to care for themselves too. See how we support caregivers .

How Chosen Family Home Care Supports Caregivers

At Chosen Family Home Care, we know caregiving takes heart. That is why we prioritize both client care and caregiver well-being. We help family caregivers find balance and guide them through Pennsylvania’s Medicaid waiver program so they can be paid to care for loved ones. We also provide professional caregivers with training, scheduling flexibility, and a supportive environment where their work is valued.

We encourage every caregiver—professional or family—to take time for themselves. When you care for yourself, you strengthen your ability to care for others. It is not just self-care; it is part of the care plan.

If you want to learn more about managing stress, check out our blog on caregiver burden and stress .

You Deserve Care Too

Caring for others is a gift, but you cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking even a few minutes each day for yourself helps you stay grounded and gives you strength to continue giving.

If you or someone you know is struggling with caregiver burnout in Philadelphia, PA, Chosen Family Home Care is here to help. Our compassionate team understands the challenges caregivers face and provides guidance, respite, and home care services that feel like family.

What to Look for in a Quality Home Care Provider in Philadelphia

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 18:37:36 GMT

Choosing the right home care provider is one of the most important decisions you can make for your loved one. A quality provider ensures safety, dignity, and peace of mind while supporting independence at home.

With so many options in Philadelphia, knowing what to look for helps families feel confident in their choice. Below are the key factors to consider when searching for a home care provider that truly puts your family first.

Licensing, Accreditation, and Oversight

A quality home care agency must meet state licensing requirements. In Pennsylvania, home care providers are regulated by the Department of Health. This means they must comply with specific safety, staffing, and care standards.

In addition to state licensing, some agencies earn national accreditation from organizations like the Joint Commission or CHAP. Accreditation shows that an agency goes above the minimum requirements to meet high standards of care. Before making a decision, ask the agency for proof of their license and any accreditations. Families can also verify a provider’s status through the state’s website.

Choosing a licensed and accredited agency reduces risks and ensures accountability. If a provider cannot show documentation, it may be a red flag to look elsewhere.

Caregiver Hiring, Training, and Screening

The quality of care depends heavily on the caregivers who come into your home. Ask how the agency hires and screens their staff. At a minimum, background checks, reference checks, and criminal history screenings should be performed.

Training is equally important. Caregivers should receive ongoing education in topics like dementia care, fall prevention, personal care, and cultural sensitivity. Specialized training ensures they can handle unique health needs safely.

Another key factor is how caregivers are matched with clients. The best agencies look beyond availability. They consider language, culture, personality, and shared interests to create meaningful connections. Once assigned, caregivers should also receive supervision and performance reviews to maintain high standards of care.

Services Offered and Flexibility

Your family’s needs may change over time. A quality provider should offer a range of services that can grow with your loved one. Typical offerings include:

Personal care assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming
Companionship and social support to prevent loneliness
Mobility support and fall prevention
Medication reminders and monitoring
Light housekeeping and meal preparation
Transportation support for appointments or errands

Flexibility is crucial. Some families need just a few hours of support, while others require 24-hour care. Ask if the agency can scale services up or down as needs shift. In addition, find out if they use technology such as fall detection devices, digital care logs, or remote check-in tools. These features improve safety and communication.

For example, senior care services and Alzheimer’s and dementia care are options that many families in Philadelphia need.

Transparency and Pricing

Cost is always a major consideration. A trustworthy home care provider will be upfront about their pricing. Ask for a written breakdown of services and fees, including what is and is not included. Make sure to clarify:

Hourly rates and minimums
Holiday or weekend rates
Additional charges for specific services
Cancellation policies

If your loved one is covered under Medicaid waivers, veterans’ benefits, or private insurance, confirm that the agency accepts those plans. In Philadelphia, Medicaid waivers such as Community HealthChoices can help cover the cost of care. A reputable agency will help guide families through the enrollment process instead of leaving them to figure it out alone. Chosen Family Home Care proudly works with Community HealthChoices health plans like Keystone First, UPMC, and PA Health & Wellness.

Hidden costs are a red flag. The best providers believe in honest, clear agreements that allow families to budget with confidence.

Communication and Client Rights

Strong communication builds trust. Ask how often you can expect updates about your loved one’s care. Many agencies provide caregiver notes, regular check-ins, or online portals where you can review progress. This transparency helps families stay informed, even if they live far away.

It is also important to know how complaints or concerns are handled. A quality provider should have a clear process for reporting issues and requesting a new caregiver if needed. Ask about their policy for emergencies, missed shifts, or unexpected changes.

Families should also know their rights. This includes the right to be informed about all services, to request caregiver changes, and to have input into the care plan. If an agency seems reluctant to put these guarantees in writing, that is another red flag.

Reputation matters when choosing a home care provider. Look for:

Reviews and testimonials from local families
References that the agency can provide on request
Longevity in the community, showing stability and reliability
Community involvement , such as partnerships with local senior centers or healthcare providers

If possible, schedule a trial visit to see how a caregiver interacts with your loved one. Are they punctual, respectful, and attentive? Do they take the time to engage in conversation or activities? Observing care in action gives families confidence that they are making the right choice.

Red Flags to Watch For

While many agencies provide excellent care, some warning signs indicate a poor fit. Watch out for:

Vague answers about licensing or training
Frequent caregiver changes without explanation
High staff turnover
Lack of clear communication or responsiveness
Hidden fees or confusing contracts

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, explore other options until you find the right provider.

Choosing Care That Feels Like Family

Selecting a home care provider is about more than checking boxes. It is about finding an agency that values dignity, independence, and respect for your loved one. In Philadelphia, where families have many options, taking the time to evaluate credentials, caregivers, services, pricing, and communication makes all the difference.

At Chosen Family Home Care , we know how personal this decision is. That is why we match caregivers based on language, culture, and personality to create real connections. We believe care should feel like family, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Looking for a quality home care provider in Philadelphia?

Let us show you the difference personalized, compassionate care can make.

What Home Care Agencies Pay Their Employees Weekly?

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Check to see if you qualify for $15 per hour and weekly pay

Start here and send us a message today

Interested in working for a home care agency that offers weekly pay to employees?

Look no further than our guide to home care agencies offering weekly pay to caregivers and home health aides in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Plus, get insight on what other ways home care agencies set themselves apart, including with sign on bonuses and with high pay.

Many caregivers and home health aides prioritize home care agencies that offer pay on a weekly basis. That is because no one wants to wait two weeks or more to get their paycheck. Even worse, some home care agencies are inconsistent in how often they offer paychecks to their employees. Some face delays in compensating their caregiving employees. We have seen reports around Philadelphia of caregivers waiting over 4 weeks to get their paychecks.

The best home care agencies understand that this is not acceptable. Plus, they understand that their employees are essential workers and that their jobs are hard. It is crucial to treat staff members as family. They should also value their hard work and contributions to both their clients and to the company as a whole.

What are the employee benefits of weekly payroll?

Talk to just about any hourly worker and they’ll tell you they’re in favor of weekly payroll. This is for good reason! There are a number of ways caregiver employees benefit from a weekly payroll structure in home care agencies, including:

Frequent paychecks for employees. Having a biweekly or monthly payroll schedule can put a financial strain on employees, including caregivers and home health aides. Getting paid cash-in-hand only once or twice a month can be challenging. With weekly paychecks, caregiving employees get a payday every week. Some home care companies don’t pay their employees regularly or face delayed paychecks. This is in violation of the Department of Labor and Industry in Pennsylvania .
Consistency. Receiving a weekly paycheck ensures that caregiving employees can pay their bills regularly as they come in. It makes budgeting easier than with monthly or bi-weekly pay.
Immediate overtime compensation. Caregivers often have varying hours. Weekly payroll ensures overtime is reflected in the next paycheck, not weeks later.

What caregiver and home health aide benefits should I be evaluating besides weekly paycheck schedules?

Weekly paychecks for caregivers are nice, but there is much more that home health aides should be looking at. There are a number of ways caregivers and HHAs can make their professional and personal lives better with a great home health agency. Prioritize any agencies that offer the following:

Great pay

You may have found the best job in the world but if you can’t make ends meet then it’s tough. Average caregiver and home health aide pay is around $12.15/hr . However, top paying agencies can offer much more. Our guide shows that the best in Philadelphia average $15/hr , such as Chosen Family Home Care .

Sign on bonuses for new caregivers

Many home care and home health companies now offer a hiring bonus. Some agencies only pay partially up front or require you to stay a certain time to keep it. Chosen Family Home Care pays this up front with no strings attached.

Ongoing employee training and development

Companies that invest in their employees through training show they are committed to both staff and client success.

A healthy caregiver work/life balance

Great agencies respect caregivers’ time, allowing rest and flexibility.

Paid holiday and time off

Some agencies offer PTO. Chosen Family Home Care provides up to 40 hours starting on day one.

Medical insurance coverage

Ask agencies:

What plans are available and what do they cover?
When am I eligible?
How much will I pay per month?

At Chosen Family Home Care, full-time caregivers (30+ hours) can access plans starting at $0 premium .

Authorized overtime pay

By law, overtime must be paid at 1.5x the hourly rate . Some agencies deny this or underpay. Make sure you only work for those who honor legal overtime.

Opportunities for professional growth

Many caregivers leave due to lack of support. Chosen Family Home Care offers supervision, support, and free CNA training (a $1745 value) through CareBridge Academy for qualifying employees.

Flexible staff schedules

Agencies that offer flexible scheduling show commitment to caregivers’ needs.

Less commuting, more caring

Agencies should match caregivers to clients nearby whenever possible.

Caregiver matching

Pairing caregivers with compatible clients improves satisfaction and outcomes.

Additional caregiver perks

Some agencies provide retirement plans, discounts, or even free meals. Chosen Family Home Care also emphasizes a supportive and fun culture.

Which home care agency offers weekly pay?

Chosen Family Home Care is a leading agency offering weekly pay across Philadelphia and surrounding counties.

What kind of services do these home care agencies provide?

Typical services:

Companionship
Bathing, dressing, grooming
Housekeeping, errands, transportation
Meal prep & planning
Medication reminders
Incontinence care
Ambulation & transfers
Exercise & activity support

What types of workers provide care?

How much does home care cost?

Home care is a major expense . See our guide: How Much Does Home Care Cost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Do I need an agency near my home?

Not always. Many agencies cover multiple counties. Chosen Family Home Care serves Philadelphia plus Reading, Allentown, Harrisburg, and Lancaster.

Things to look for in an agency

Home care agencies near me that offer supportive senior caregivers.

Check for:

Licensed, bonded, insured
State certification
Caregiver background checks
Training & support
Care management
Screening for client-caregiver compatibility

Why work for Chosen Family Home Care?

Perks include:

$15/hr average pay
Weekly pay
Paid vacation
Flexible scheduling
Paid monthly training
Matching clients nearby

Is caregiver training provided?

Yes. Chosen Family Home Care provides training so caregivers succeed, clients are better supported, and everyone benefits.

How can I learn more?

Reach out at 267.457.4122 , contact form , or follow on Facebook and Instagram .

Family Caregiver Pay Rate in Pennsylvania: An Overview

Mon, 26 May 2025 04:29:00 GMT

Are you a caregiver for a senior loved one? Interested in working for a home care agency as a family caregiver? We help you understand what the family caregiver pay rate is in Pennsylvania. Plus, we help you identify home care agencies that hire family caregivers and detail which agency offers the highest pay both in Philadelphia and across the state of Pennsylvania. Read more to find out which agency guarantees its caregivers $15 per hour!

Many family caregivers are hired under different government programs to provide caregiving support for a loved one, such as a disabled adult, child, or senior in the community. We discuss that in detail in our Pennsylvania guide for getting paid to care for a loved one and family members.

In a role as crucial as a family caregiver for loved ones, hired employees should get fair and equitable compensation. This can allow them to take care of themselves or their own families. Because of that, we created this article to help you find the family caregiver pay rate in Philadelphia and around Pennsylvania state.

The best home care agencies understand this and value the work of their caregiver employees. However, pay rates for family caregivers can vary quite a bit. We discuss not just the rate that caregivers get paid to care for loved ones, but also what other benefits might be offered as well.

Who hires family caregivers to care for loved ones?

Businesses that hire family caregivers to pay and compensate family caregivers for their caregiving support are done by home care agencies. Home care registries are the other business that might be approved to hire family caregivers. Chosen Family Home Care is an example of a home care agency that employs paid family caregivers to support loved ones. Plus, they pay $15 an hour!

Are there any employee benefits I should consider besides just the hourly pay rate for caregiving?

Talk to just about any hourly worker and they’ll tell you that there’s more to a job than just a good salary. There are a number of ways that family caregiver can make their quality of life better with a caring organization. Family caregivers should look at home care agencies that offer the following:

Weekly paychecks

Look for employers that offer weekly or biweekly pay to their employees. With weekly paychecks, family caregivers and staff will get a payday each and every week. This means that they have the cash-in-hand they need, when they need it. Reference our guide on home healthcare agencies that offer weekly pay. Plus, some agencies have been known to not pay their employees regularly. This is both unethical and against the law in Pennsylvania. Work with a reputable agency that has a track record of caring for their caregivers and staff members. Chosen Family Home Care is another example of a home care agency providing its staff weekly paychecks.

Holiday Pay

Holiday pay is an important benefit to caregivers that dedicate their holiday days to providing patient care. Caregivers and home health aides should look for home care agencies that hire family caregivers who offer holiday pay. This means that on designated holidays, the home care agency of the family caregiver pays 1.5 times the regular rate. For example, Chosen Family Home Care offers this benefit on major holidays every year. These days include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July (Independence Day), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. As an example, if you are making $15 per hour as a family caregiver at the highest paying home health agency, then on holidays you would earn $21.75 an hour!

Healthcare insurance

Few things are as important as good healthcare insurance. Having a great healthcare plan is very important to family caregivers that are hired as home health aides. Family caregivers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania should be sure to check out agencies that offer a robust health insurance plan. It’s the best way for employees to care for themselves while providing care for others. Not only does Chosen Family Home Care provide a healthcare plan, but they even cover up to 100 percent of the healthcare plan premium .

Employee training and development

Don’t underestimate the importance of paid employee training. Some home care agencies provide regular caregiver development and other opportunities for continuing learning. An employer’s training program will speak volumes about the home care agency. This is because the companies that invest in their employees in this way not only show that they are serious about the care they offer but also that they are invested in their staff. All home care agencies must at least meet minimum training requirements for home care agencies as outlined by Pennsylvania state.

Paid time off and vacations

Family caregivers shouldn’t forget about the importance of paid vacations and time off. When looking at employers, it’s vital to prioritize those with paid time off as a benefit. As an example, Chosen Family Home Care offers up to 5 days paid time off for it’s employees starting on day one of hire. This is a major perk that very few home care agencies offer to their home health aides and caregivers. Although home care agencies and businesses are not required to offer vacation pay in Pennsylvania , look for companies that do offer this benefit.

For paid family caregivers in Philadelphia, the city has its own requirements . For example, employees legally are entitled to one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Caregivers in this case can earn up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year in Philadelphia.

Approved overtime

If you are working as a caregiver, look into home care agencies that authorize and pay overtime to their employees. Some home care agencies do not authorize overtime. This is because employees make a higher hourly pay rate when they work more than 40 hours a week. This pay rate is 50 percent higher than their normal rate. For example, if someone earns $10 an hour, after 40 hours worked in the same week, an employee is entitled to $15 an hour for hours worked in excess of 40.

Worse still, some home care agencies allow employees to work more than 40 hours per week but do not compensate them at the higher rate. This practice is not only unethical, it is also illegal federally as well as in Pennsylvania state . Also, look at overtime laws that just went into effect on October 3, 2020 . Make sure that home healthcare agencies you consider will allow you to work overtime hours, as needed. Plus, make sure that they are paying you the correct overtime caregiver pay amount which is 50 percent higher than your regular pay rate.

Other caregiver perks and benefits

It’s important to consider or to ask about any other perks or benefits that a home care agency may offer. Some examples might include having a retirement plan available, a free occasional lunch, employee discounts, or life insurance. Also, think of the culture a happy and positive workplace can provide for staff. Even if you work in your own home or that of a family member, it’s still an important consideration. Chosen Family Home Care provides many of these perks we have mentioned. The home care agency prides itself on a company culture that is inclusive, supportive, and fun.

What is the average pay rate for family caregivers?

Across the Philadelphia Pennsylvania region (including the tri-state area nearby parts of Delaware and New Jersey), the average annual salary for HHAs and caregivers is $26,120. Reflected as an hourly rate, that comes to $12.56 per hour in compensation. Caregivers make more in Philadelphia than they do in the state of Pennsylvania or in the United States as a whole.

Market research in the region shows that most paid family caregivers earn from $10 per hour to $14 per hour in pay. Therefore, the $12.56 per hour average does seem to generally reflect the pay rate that family caregivers will find locally in Philadelphia. As a result, this is what you can expect to earn as a paid family caregiver in and around Philadelphia.

Across Pennsylvania, pay rates will be slightly lower. This is because pay in Philadelphia is higher than it is across the state. This is common for metropolitan areas to have higher pay rates that more rural areas, including for family caregivers.

Do any home care agencies pay more than the average pay rate?

Yes. Naturally, there is a range in compensation provided to family caregivers. For example, in another study from payscale.com, they list the top paying home healthcare agencies that provide data . After review, you will find that the top paying home care agency averages $12.15 per hour locally. However, some agencies pay significantly higher rates.

This is particularly true with Medicaid waiver patients or those that are getting paid to care for a loved one. However, some Philadelphia home care agencies that pay high have worked to keep their expenses low and also prioritized their caregivers. Really, caregivers and home health aides should be able to find a home health agency that pays at least $13 an hour. This salary guarantee and transparent pay is what makes these home care agencies stand out from the pack.

That’s why Chosen Family Home Care is such a great place to work. They don’t spend money on advertising. The company doesn’t do gimmicks. They just pay their caregivers the most. Not only do they attract and recruit the best caregivers, but this leads to better care. We let our word of mouth do the work for us. Chosen Family Home Care pays its caregivers $15 per hour.

Is Chosen Family Home Care the highest paying home care agency in Philadelphia at $15 an hour?

There is no other home care agency in the entire region that guarantees all of its caregivers an average of $15 per hour. This is true for caregivers on the Medicaid waiver and family caregivers providing care for a loved one as well.

Chosen Family Home Care across Philadelphia provides great pay to family caregivers

Chosen Family Home Care is one of the top paying home healthcare agencies in all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With a presence in Bucks county, Chester county, Delaware county, Montgomery county, and Philadelphia, Chosen Family Home Care has the ability to benefit caregivers and home health aides alike throughout the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. Plus, they serve areas of Reading, Scranton, and Allentown as well.

As we discussed, Chosen Family Home Care can guarantee that each and every caregiver and home health aide with the company will get paid an average of $15 per hour . This is far above the average compensation for caregivers listed ($12.15 per hour) on payscale.com. This is exactly what makes the company the top paying home care agency in Philadelphia. We don’t stop there though. We provide many other benefits as listed below in addition to being a home care agency that pays high for family caregivers.

With Chosen Family Home Care, you can be happy knowing that you are being paid a fair and equitable wage. Plus, the company recognizes the value of its caregivers and thus has secondary benefits like weekly pay, a caring company culture, and investments in employee training and development which lead to a promising career in the healthcare field.

Why Work For Chosen Family Home Care on top of getting $15 an hour?

Does Chosen Family Home Care provide caregiver training?

Yes. In addition to being the top paying home healthcare agency in the region, Chosen Family Home Care has a training department that is dedicated to employee development. We work to make sure that family caregivers for their loved ones have all the right training they need to exdel. By providing the right foundation of training for caregivers, they will not only be better in their jobs, but they will also be more satisfied in their caregiver roles. On top of that, clients will receive better home care and patient satisfaction will improve. It’s a situation in which everyone wins, from caregivers and clients to the organization.

Are there any other caregiver requirements?

Yes. All home care agencies will require that caregivers pass a criminal history background check. Plus, they will need to show proof of a negative tuberculosis test result. These are both state regulations that are a requirement of all caregivers and home health aides. Essentially, you’ll find comparable requirements across companies, including the highest paying home care agencies in Philadelphia. This is due to the state and federal regulations that all agencies fall under.

Chosen Family Home Care helps seniors and disabled adults enjoy their final years in their homes with hands on home care support services. Contact us now to learn more about working at the organization or make the switch to the agency today.

Further considerations for caregivers and home health aides

Career paths

In addition to finding the top paying home healthcare agency, it’s crucial to think of your future as well. Real life experience shows that caregivers and home health aides can take a variety of career paths as they advance in their careers. On one hand, many caregivers are satisfied and stay in this type of work for years at a time. Others may move from one home healthcare agency to another or go from part-time to full- time work. Finally, many caregivers will attain more specialized experience such as working with special needs patients.

Many caregivers work in home healthcare while going to school. For people who move into other related careers, the most typical jobs taken five to ten years after starting work as a caregiver or home health aide include the following:

Please note that these are just several examples and caregivers can take many different paths within their careers! Read this article with an in-depth analysis of caregiver and HHA career pathways.

Job outlook

Demand for home healthcare services is projected to skyrocket as the baby boomer population ages. Home health aides and caregivers are actually some of the fast growing professions in the United States. The bureau of labor statistics projects a 34 percent increase in all home health aide and personal care aide jobs in America through 2028, versus only a 5 percent increase in all professions as a whole. Read more about the job growth here in Pennsylvania, reflecting over 37,000 new jobs for caregivers and home health aides across the state in the coming years. By working at the highest paying home care agencies in Philadelphia, you can help to advance your career even further.

How can I learn more about Chosen Family Home Care or working at the home healthcare agency?

If you want to work for the top paying home care agency or the top paying home healthcare agency in Philadelphia, look no further. Feel free to reach out to us at 267.457.4122. You can call us or text us directly at our home healthcare agency phone number. Also, you can send us a message through our website . Finally, be sure to follow us and connect with us on both Facebook or Instagram .

The post Family Caregiver Pay Rate in Pennsylvania: An Overview appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

For example, the highest paying home care agency in Philadelphia offers a $15 hourly rate average guarantee*. Many home care agencies and home health agencies can only pay their caregivers between $10 and $12 per hour. This is because of the limited ability to be profitable.

Every employee will earn an average of $15 per hour. Even if you have no experience, Chosen Family Home Care will make sure that you not only have the tools to be successful but that you will also be paid an average of $15 per hour.
A sign on bonus of $500! Inquire within to see if you can join the highest paying agency while getting a sign on bonus of $500 payable within 4 weeks of your first day of hire.
A $300 referral bonus. Do you know others that might make great family caregivers? Get rewarded for referring them to the organization. Plus, there’s no limit to the amount of referrals you can bring to the organization.
Holiday pay. Earn 1.5 times your pay rate on major holidays every year!
Healthcare insurance. Get healthcare coverage with a company contribution of up to 40 percent for eligible employees!
Up to 5 paid days off which start accruing on day one. Enjoy valuable time to yourself with paid time off, up to 40 hours per year.
Flexible schedule. We understand you have commitments outside of your job. Whether you work full or part time, Chosen Family Home Care works diligently to accommodate your schedule. This is true even when you’re the caregiver for a loved one. We can utilize our hired caregiving staff to step in when you need a break.
Professional growth. We provide paid training monthly to all caregivers and home health aides.
No Long Commutes. We work to match caregivers with a nearby client as much as possible.
Weekly pay. No waiting around or wondering when you will get paid as a caregiver with a once a week pay schedule.

Ultrasound techs, with an average salary of $77,219 per year
Nurses, including both LPNs ($53,050 per year) and RNs ($68,911 per year)
Medical assistants ($38,660 per year)

What Home Care Agencies Hire Paid Family Caregivers in Pennsylvania?

Fri, 16 May 2025 13:56:00 GMT

What Home Care Agencies Hire Paid Family Caregivers in Pennsylvania?

Caring for a loved one is a profound act of compassion, and in Pennsylvania, certain home care agencies recognize and support this dedication by hiring family members as paid caregivers . This initiative is made possible through Pennsylvania’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs , specifically the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program . These programs aim to provide long-term care services in home and community settings, offering an alternative to institutional care.

Understanding the Medicaid Waiver Program in Pennsylvania

The CHC program is a Medicaid-managed care initiative that serves individuals eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. It is administered by three managed care organizations: UPMC, Keystone First, and PA Health & Wellness. Through this program, eligible individuals can receive various home and community-based services, including personal care, homemaker services, and respite care.

One of the significant benefits of the CHC program is the opportunity for family members and loved ones to become paid caregivers. Even friends of your choosing can be a paid caregiver. However, there are specific eligibility requirements:

Home Care Agencies That Hire Family Caregivers

Several home care agencies in Pennsylvania participate in the CHC program and hire family members as paid caregivers:

1. Chosen Family Home Care

Based in Philadelphia, Chosen Family Home Care is a prominent agency that hires family caregivers under the Medicaid waiver program . They offer:

Chosen Family Home Care is one of the highest paying home care agencies in Philadelphia ! Check out their caregiver perks and benefits for additional offerings . Plus, Chosen Family Home Care is the only agency that offers the chance to get free Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training as a caregiver benefit.

2. Harmony Companion Home Care

Serving various regions in Pennsylvania, Harmony Companion Home Care provides high pay and benefits for family caregivers . They assist in navigating the Medicaid waiver process and offer:

3. Thema Home Care

Thema Home Care offers a Family Caregiver Program that allows family members to become paid caregivers. They provide:

4. Better Care Home Health Services

This agency offers Medicaid waiver services and allows family members to become paid caregivers if they meet specific requirements:

5. Linda’s Care

Serving areas like Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Delaware County, Linda’s Care supports family members in becoming paid caregivers. They offer:

Steps to Become a Paid Family Caregiver

If you’re considering becoming a paid caregiver for your loved one, here are the general steps:

Final Thoughts

Becoming a paid family caregiver in Pennsylvania is a valuable opportunity to support your loved one while receiving compensation for your time and effort. By partnering with agencies like Chosen Family Home Care , Harmony Companion Home Care , Thema Home Care, Better Care Home Health Services , or Linda’s Care, you can navigate the process and provide quality care to your family member.

If you’re interested in learning more or applying to be a family caregiver, feel free to reach out to these agencies for assistance and information.

The post What Home Care Agencies Hire Paid Family Caregivers in Pennsylvania? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Recipient Eligibility : The individual receiving care must be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and meet the criteria set by the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) for enrollment in the CHC program.
Caregiver Eligibility : Family members can become paid caregivers, but spouses, power of attorneys (POA), and legal guardians are not eligible under the current regulations.
Financial Eligibility : Determined by the local County Assistance Office (CAO), financial eligibility requires documentation to demonstrate need.
Background Checks and Training : Caregivers must pass background checks and complete necessary training to ensure they can provide appropriate care .

An average pay rate of $15 per hour.
Opportunities for free Certified Nurse Aide training at CareBridge Academy, up to a $2000 value.
Weekly paychecks with authorized overtime.
Paid time off, vacation days, and a 401k plan.
Comprehensive caregiver training.
A sign-on bonus of up to $750 for eligible caregivers.

Competitive pay rates ranging from $10 to $15 per hour.
A supportive and caring culture for caregivers.
Assistance in completing necessary documentation and training .

Training and hiring of family caregivers.
Liability insurance and payroll management.
Compliance with state and Medicaid requirements, including background checks and tuberculosis testing .

Must be 18 years or older.
Pass background checks.
Complete necessary training on care tasks.
Cannot be a spouse or legal guardian .

Training and supportive resources.
A focus on turning caregiving into a rewarding career.
Assistance in navigating the Medicaid waiver process .

Determine Eligibility: Ensure that both you and your loved one meet the eligibility requirements for the CHC program.
Choose a Home Care Agency: Select an agency that participates in the CHC program and hires family caregivers.
Complete Necessary Documentation : Work with the agency to complete required forms and gather necessary documentation.
Undergo Background Checks and Training : Complete any required background checks and training programs to ensure you can provide appropriate care.
Start Providing Care: Once approved, you can begin providing care and receive compensation for your services.

Can a Caregiver with a Criminal Background Be Hired for Home Care? What Families Need to Know

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:55:00 GMT

When it comes to hiring a caregiver for yourself or a loved one, one of the most important factors is trust. Families want to feel confident that the person entering their home is reliable, compassionate, and safe. Naturally, questions arise about background checks and whether a caregiver with past criminal history can ever be hired.

At Chosen Family Home Care , we believe in transparency, fairness, and second chances. The answer is: Yes, caregivers with background check findings can be hired under certain conditions — but only if the client (or their representative) is fully informed of the caregiver’s history and signs a written waiver acknowledging it.

Background Checks in the Home Care Industry

In Pennsylvania and across the U.S., home care agencies are required to conduct comprehensive background checks on all new hires. This process usually includes:

These checks are essential to ensure agencies are not placing clients in harm’s way. However, many caring and capable people have a history of mistakes — such as minor offenses, non-violent crimes, or incidents that occurred many years ago — that show up on these reports.

Does a Criminal Record Automatically Disqualify a Caregiver?

Not necessarily. At Chosen Family Home Care , we take a case-by-case approach to reviewing background findings. Some offenses are considered prohibitive — meaning, by law, we cannot hire the individual to work in home care at all. These typically involve:

Client Choice and the Waiver Process

If a caregiver applicant has background findings , we will always disclose the findings to the client or their authorized representative. We believe in full transparency, because families deserve to make fully informed decisions about who is providing care in their home.

If the client wishes to move forward with hiring that caregiver despite the findings, the client will be asked to sign a formal waiver. This document confirms:

Why We Believe in Second Chances

At Chosen Family Home Care , we know that mistakes do not define a person’s entire life. Some of the most dedicated, compassionate, and empathetic caregivers are people who have overcome challenges, rebuilt their lives, and are now committed to helping others.

By offering second chances to qualified caregivers with minor or outdated offenses, we help break the cycle of unemployment, stigma, and exclusion. Many of these caregivers bring incredible value to the clients they serve — especially when they have personal experiences that allow them to relate to clients’ struggles with illness, aging, or personal hardship.

Safety and Quality Come First

Of course, safety is our top priority. That’s why not every applicant with background findings will be eligible for consideration. We still apply strict internal guidelines to determine what types of findings might be acceptable (with client consent) versus those that would pose too great a risk.

We also conduct ongoing training, supervision, and performance reviews for all staff — ensuring that every caregiver, regardless of background, meets our high standards of professionalism, compassion, and quality care.

Real-Life Example

To illustrate how this works, consider this real (but anonymized) example:

Maria applied to Chosen Family Home Care to become a caregiver. Her background check revealed a misdemeanor drug possession charge from 15 years ago. Since that time, Maria completed addiction counseling, earned a home health aide certification, and worked for five years at another agency with outstanding references.

When we disclosed Maria’s background to a prospective client, the client appreciated Maria’s honesty and life experience. The client felt Maria’s personal journey made her even more compassionate and relatable — and they signed the waiver to move forward with hiring her. Maria is now one of our most valued team members.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Compassion and Transparency

At Chosen Family Home Care , we believe everyone deserves care — and everyone deserves the chance to provide care if they are truly committed to helping others. By maintaining clear policies, providing full transparency to families, and ensuring ongoing caregiver support and supervision, we are proud to provide both safe and compassionate home care .

If you have questions about our hiring policies, waiver process, or how we screen caregivers, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Chosen Family Home Care . We are here to educate, inform, and help you feel confident in your home care decisions.

The post Can a Caregiver with a Criminal Background Be Hired for Home Care? What Families Need to Know appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Criminal background checks (state and federal)
Child abuse clearances
Verification of work history and references
Other required screenings depending on client populations served

Crimes related to abuse, neglect, or violence against vulnerable populations
Sexual offenses
Certain types of serious fraud or theft directly related to caregiving duties
For less severe offenses — such as minor drug charges, old non-violent offenses, or cases where the individual has demonstrated rehabilitation and years of positive work history — we may consider the candidate for hire. In these situations, the final decision rests with the client or their family.

The client has reviewed and understands the nature of the background findings.
The client consents to hiring this caregiver despite those findings.
The client releases Chosen Family Home Care from liability related to those disclosed findings.
This process ensures that everyone involved — the client, the caregiver, and the agency — understands the situation and has agreed to move forward transparently.

List of Home Care Agencies in Philadelphia: 2026 Update

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 03:00:00 GMT

Inquire Now For Home Care or Caregiving!

Send us a message to apply for home care online by filling out the form below.

Are you in need of a home care agency or caregiving support but don’t know where to begin your search?

Alternatively, maybe you’re overwhelmed or confused by the home care agencies out there and need some direction. We will help you find a list of home care agencies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and caregivers with our search tools and provider search options below.

There are hundreds of home care agencies that provide home care assistance to seniors and disabled adults across greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This guide helps you locate the list of home care agencies that exist across the Philly region.

What kind of services do these home care agencies provide?

Find a home care agency near me today.

All of these home care agencies provide caregiving support and personal care services. Others may offer skilled home care services (in the form of nurses and/or therapists) in addition to non-medical home care services provided by caregivers and home health aides. For example, Chosen Family Home Care and other home care agencies in Philadelphia offer a variety of caregiving support services , including:

Friendly Senior Companionship & Conversation
Bathing, Dressing & Grooming Assistance
Light Housekeeping, Transportation & Errands
Meal prep and Meal Planning for the Elderly
Medication Reminders & Glucose Monitoring
Senior Toileting & Incontinence Care
Ambulation Support & Transfer Assistance
Exercise and Activity Promotion

What types of workers offer caregiver services?

For many seniors, individuals will have caregivers whose main responsibilities are to provide personal care, companionship, and other areas of supportive home care. Some senior home care agency caregivers provided enhanced but limited medical services. This includes home health aides.

Home health aides can help with some medical tasks like performing vital signs and assisting with rehabilitative exercises. A certified nurse aide, or CNA, will have comparable functions. As a general rule, the more advanced a caregiver’s background and capabilities, the more expensive the senior home care provided will be. Examples of caregiving workers include:

How much does home care support cost?

Home care for a loved one can be a major expense for families of seniors and disabled adults. We detail the cost of home care in our associated guide, How Much Does Home Care Cost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? Plus, we help families find ways to maximize the value of home care and keep costs low. At Chosen Family Home Care , we work to help you get the most out of your caregiver support services on any budget.

What about finding a home care agency for paid family caregivers in Pennsylvania?

Some programs, including that of Community Health Choices Medicaid waiver as well as the Veterans Affairs caregiver assistance program allow family caregivers to be hired and paid to care for loved ones. For these caregivers the choice is clear. Only Chosen Family Home Care has the top paying home care agency in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania guarantee.

Chosen Family Home Care offers:

$15 per hour on average. Call for details
Up to $750 sign on bonus
401k plan with 3 percent match.
Health insurance that the company covers up to 100 percent
Weekly pay
7 paid holidays
Paid vacation, up to 40 hours per year.

Do I need to find a home care agency near my home or that of a senior loved one?

Generally no. Because of the remote nature of providing home care, home care agencies may often offer services throughout multiple counties. Many home care agencies that provide home health aides and caregivers around Philadelphia, PA will serve the five county Pennsylvania region: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.

For example, Chosen Family Home Care is based in central Philadelphia but services all of the 5 Philadelphia-area counties. They are geographically very central to offer easy senior home care assistance across the Philadelphia region. Plus, they are on the list of home health companies in Pennsylvania that can and do provide caregiver services statewide.

That being said, you should still confirm with the home care agency that you are considering working with that they have a strong presence of caregivers and home health aides in the region you are based in. This makes it easier to obtain caregiver coverage for a senior or disabled loved one, including for scheduling. Also, in urgent cases, like when a caregiver is sick and cannot report to work, having a presence of caregivers in the region can help make getting emergency or backup caregiver coverage much easier.

Find a list of home care agency providers near me

There are a variety of ways that one could find a list of local home care agencies. We will go through different search options you may encounter online. Pros and cons of each search tool may also be mentioned.

How do you choose a home care agency from a list?

Finding the right home care agency might not be as easy as you think. A quality home care agency, such as Chosen Family Home Care , will work with seniors and family loved ones to assess the needs of both the client and the family.

Through a formal assessment or evaluation, a home care assistance provider can appropriately match a caregiver based on both experience and personality. Generally, the caregiver will be assigned after an initial meeting. The goals are for hired caregivers to help satisfy the medical, emotional, and support needs of the disabled or senior client. Many hired caregivers and home health aides have experience and training to be suited in their roles.

What areas of Philadelphia have home care agencies?

You can find home care agencies across many Philadelphia neighborhoods

Home care agencies in fishtown
Home care agencies in northeast Philadelphia
Home care agencies in south Philadelphia
Home care agencies in west Philadelphia
Home care agencies in center city Philadelphia
Home care agencies in Allegheny
Home care agencies in Nicetown-Tioga
Home care agencies in Kensington
Home care agencies in Port Richmond
Home care agencies in Germantown
Home care agencies in Mount Airy
Home care agencies in Roxborough and Manayunk
Home care agencies in Olney and Oak Lane

Things to look for when hiring a home care agency

There are so many things to consider when hiring a caregiver through a home care agency. However, at least make sure that some of the basics of the home care agency are taken care of.

At a minimum, make sure that the senior care provider:

Is Licensed, Bonded, & Insured
Has a certification to run a home care agency in the state of PA
That they provide thorough training and support for their caregivers
Performs background checks on all home health aides and support staff
Provides care management and adequate supervision of caregivers
Works to screen caregivers for compatibility with families and senior loved ones

Home care agencies near me that offer supportive senior caregivers.

Premier local home care agency whether you are in need of care or you’re a caregiver

Chosen Family Home Care , for example, takes all of the above items very seriously when it comes to being the top home care assistance provider for seniors in greater Philadelphia. In addition to ensuring adequate licensure, background checks, and meeting other state requirements, Chosen Family Home Care works to excel in the other areas referenced.

For example, Chosen Family Home Care works to recruit the best caregivers and home health aides in all of Philadelphia by being the top paying home care agency in the region. There is generally a shortage of qualified home care workers and caregivers in the region. By being the top paying home care agency, we make it easier to staff our caregiver positions. Even more importantly, it allows us to recruit and hire caregivers with experience and compassion to excel in their roles.

Home care agency search tools in Philadelphia and in Pennsylvania

Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all search tool to finding all of the right home care agencies that fit your needs. That being said, we break down different home care assistance providers through several different search tools. The first few options are based on insurance. Then, we list a few other options for searching the right home care agencies that you may find helpful.

Veterans Affairs

There is a caregiver program that the VA provides to eligible recipients. It can provide home care assistance through third party caregivers. Plus, eligible VA programs can even pay family caregivers to provide support to a loved one.

To start your search for home care support, navigate here . Put in your zip code, select “community providers,” and type in “In home supportive care” under the “service type” option. Upon your search, the VA provider tool will return a list of home care agencies based on their distance from your zip code.

List of home care agencies accepting Medicaid waiver

Home care assistance providers by health plan

If you already have a managed care organization health plan through Medicaid waiver, this can be an easier way to search for your provider. The managed care providers through Medicaid waiver are under Community Health Choices. They include UPMC, Keystone First, and PA Health and Wellness.

Keystone First

Main search and landing page for provider searches

Home Care Agencies : Keep in mind that Chosen Family Home Care is also a proud home care partner of Keystone First. Chosen Family Home Care can serve Keystone First participants across Philadelphia, PA. Plus, we hire family caregivers as well that get paid to care for their loved ones.

PA Health and Wellness

Main search and landing page for finding PA Health and Wellness participating providers

Home care services: Click the link to find all of the PA Health and Wellness providers that offer home care for participants. Please note, they refer to it by an alternate name here (in home supportive care), but it means the same thing. Also, as you’ll see, the website doesn’t have the same functionality as Keystone First. Therefore, you cannot click the link directly to provider search results.

UPMC

Main landing page for UPMC CHC waiver provider searches.

Home care services: Click here for home care providers within 20 miles of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If you’re in need of a quality home care provider, Chosen Family Home Care is a provider of personal assistance services both in Philadelphia as well as Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties of Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania Homecare Association search tool

The Pennsylvania Homecare Association is a state trade association. They represent hundreds of organizations that provide support and care to individuals in their own homes. Members of the PHA provide medical care, physical, speech or occupational therapy. Many also provide personal care, such as assistance with activities of daily living like meal preparation and bathing, and end-of-life care for people with terminal illnesses.

The PHA search tool only searches for home care agencies that are a part of the homecare association. That being said, there are many good home care assistance providers that are a part of the organization. Use the PHA provider search tool here.

Google

You may be surprised that google in this case isn’t always the best option. However, when using google.com, we recommend using a search like “home care agencies near me,” or “home care agency (insert zip code).” The variety of results, including paid placements, can be a bit confusing. Among the top 50 search results in Philadelphia on Google for home care agencies near me in Philadelphia , you will find the following home health companies and caregiver agencies. These are in addition to Chosen Family Home Care that are not paid placements and the list is current as of February 8, 2021:

Chosen Family Home Care
Ameribest Home Care
My All American Care
Synergy Home Care
Angels On Call
Prestige Home Care
Visiting Angels
Aurora At Home
Home Care of Philadelphia
Pristine Home Care
Prestige Home Care
Affordable Home Care Agency
Forever Young PA
Center City Home Care
A Team PA
5 Star Home Care
Alliance Agency
Patriot Home Care
Reliance Homecare Agency
Right Aid Home Care Agency
Liberty At Home
America Home Healthcare
Right At Home
Delia Maria Home Care
Home Care Assistance
Blessings4ever
Neighborly Home Care
Home Instead
Complete Homecare PA
Better Home Care

Of all of the home care agencies listed above that are found on google.com when searching “home care agencies near me in Philadelphia,” only Chosen Family Home Care publicly offering $15 an hour in pay* (on average, call for details) for all of its caregivers. That makes Chosen Family Home Care the top paying home care agency in Philadelphia.

For family caregivers, this means a living wage. For those that need a hired third party caregivers, that means that we have the ability to recruit and hire the best caregivers throughout all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ultimately, that means that we can provide better care for our seniors and disabled individuals in need. Find out more of what we offer our high-quality and compassionate caregivers on our Caregiver Jobs, Benefits, & Perks page.

Other search options

Unfortunately, many other search tools you’ll find on the internet are sponsored searches. That means that the list of home care agencies that are featured are displayed because those listings were paid for by the home health and home care agencies. Granted, there is nothing wrong with this, but it is important for those searching to be aware. The list of search options include:

Care pathways
Caring.com
Care.com
Agingpathways.com
Agingcare.com
Retirementliving.com
Seniorcare.com
Angieslist.com

As mentioned, these are potential search tools but we don’t recommend the use of home care agency sponsored search options such as these. Overall, this is because they are only paid placements listed, or they highlight agencies that pay for direct marketing.

Comparing home care agencies and other options

When you are one of the millions of Americans that prefers to reside in their own home , then it may be time to consider a future with a supportive caregiver helping a senior loved one at home. If you’re still not sure about the type of care and home care services you or your loved one might need, a highly skilled and experienced Chosen Family Home Care representative can answer your questions and develop a tailored care plan to best fit your needs. Please call or text Chosen Family Home Care today at 267.457.4122 or send us a message online for more information . Our caring staff is available every day. We look forward to serving you or your family.

More caregiver and resources for home care near me in Philadelphia

Medicare home health services. Click here to compare home health agencies and find home health services coverage here .
Caregiver resources and long term care from the department of Health and Human Services. Another resources is through the ACL .
Caregiver support program which is available at Area Agencies on Aging in and around Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging manages this program .

Can you get paid to be your parents (mother or father) caregiver?

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 10:38:00 GMT

Check your eligibility today!

Our team can help streamline the application process and guide you on the steps to take.

Wondering whether children or grandchildren of senior or disabled parents can be paid caregivers?

Read more to find out how and what options are available. You can be a paid caregiver for your elderly mother or senior father right here in Pennsylvania.

Paid family caregivers can provide services in Pennsylvania’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs. This includes services as a caregiver, personal care aide, or home health aide (HHA). This includes children, like sons and daughters of both ones mother or father that qualify for waiver services. The most common program is under the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver.

Family caregiver statistics

Studies show that more than one in six Americans working a full- or part-time job assist with the care of a disabled or elderly family member or friend. Providing care for a chronically ill, disabled, or senior family member can place a large burden on the caregiver.

The value of this caregiving, known as informal caregiving, was estimated at $450 billion in 2011. This care provided has been shown to come at a substantial personal cost. For example, 37 percent of caregivers reported that they have had to quit their jobs or reduce their work hours to provide care for someone aged 50 or older.

Federal regulations and Medicaid waivers allowing paid family caregivers for mothers/fathers

Federal programs are designed to alleviate this burden and reduce the need for institutional services. As a result, federal regulations allow some family members to serve as paid caregivers under the Home and Community Based waiver programs. Pennsylvania has ten of these waivers. Under these waiver, family members are allowed to be paid for at least some of the services they provide under seven of them.

Which family members are not eligible under the program to be paid for loved ones in PA?

Not all family members are eligible and can be compensated under the waiver programs in Pennsylvania. Federal regulations generally preclude “legally responsible” family members. For example, spouses or the parents of a minor child cannot be paid for the services they provide. The reasoning behind this prohibition is that legally responsible individuals should not be paid for providing care that they would otherwise be obligated to provide.

Although this general prohibition is in effect, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) does let legally responsible individuals, including spouses, to be paid for providing “extraordinary care.” However, this is only if a state requests such provisions in an approved HCBS waiver. A few states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Oregon, allow for such payments.

In Pennsylvania, they allow spouses to be paid for a limited number of extraordinary care services. Examples include home and community habilitation and certain transportation services. While this can be seen in some of its waiver programs, it is not done to the extent of these other states.

What family members are most commonly caregivers under the Medicaid waiver program?

The Department of Human Services collects limited data on the family relationship status of paid caregivers. Data collected among five waiver programs shows that an average of 40 percent of paid caregivers are family members. Of these, 4 percent are siblings and 5 percent are parents. A further 16 percent are adult children of the beneficiary and 15 percent are another relative (but not a spouse).

Can I get paid to care for my elderly mother in Pennsylvania?

The short answer is yes. Read our guide here and see if you qualify! Chosen Family Home Care case managers are standing by to help walk you through the process of qualifying to care for a family member such as your senior aging mother.

Can I get paid to care for my elderly father in Pennsylvania?

Yes, just like an aging mother, the same rules apply if you are looking to care for your father in Pennsylvania.

How much do children and family caregivers get paid to provide home care to their mother or father?

The waiver programs provide fixed reimbursement rates that they pay home care agencies for home care services rendered. The home care agency, in turn, will then hire the family caregiver, including family members, and pay them directly. In almost all cases, the family caregiver is hired as a direct employee of the home health or home care agencies. They will also be paid on an hourly basis, in most cases. Since they are treated as regular employees, they will also be eligible for other benefits offered, such as vacation pay, sick pay, a retirement plan, etc. Caregiver pay is set within a range tied to the reimbursement that the state and managed care plans through Community HealthChoices pay to home care and home health agencies.

Locally, salary surveys show that caregivers are paid, on average, between $10 and $15 per hour of non-medical home care services provided here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These job titles include Personal Care Aides, Home Health Aides, or caregivers.

Chosen Family Home Care caregivers earn $15 an hour!

How do I know if my parent (mother or father) is eligible?

The prospective recipient of care must meet financial requirements of Medicaid waiver programs. They also need to meet clinical eligibility. This means that they need to assessed and have certain healthcare needs or functional deficiencies in place as outlined below. Applicants need to meet both eligibility criteria in order to be considered for the Medicaid waiver program.

Financial eligibility for my mother or father

Your parent or loved one must have limited financial resources to be approved through the Medicaid waiver program. This is because Medicaid is only available for individuals that have relatively low income and/or limited financial resources.

For the state of Pennsylvania, waiver program applicants must have income no greater than 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR).
As of 2020, this means a single individual cannot have income in excess of $2,349 per month.
All sources of income are considered and tabulated. Examples include social security payments, unemployment assistance , disability, pension, alimony, income from working, etc.
The asset limit for a single person is $8,000 after allowances (including savings accounts and investments). In addition, certain exemptions are allowed, such as one’s home that they reside in or intend to return to, and it is valued under $585,000, along with household items, and personal effects.

Clinical eligibility for your parents

Applicants must also meet functional eligibility requirements to qualify for waiver Home and Community Based Services. There is a clinical and healthcare needs component under which applicants are assessed. This means that someone has to be considered “Nursing Facility Clinical Eligible.” Basically, the person applying for care and services under Medicaid waiver require care to the level of assistance of a nursing home.

This is done through the state of Pennsylvania with a formal assessment completed of the applicant. It’s called a Level of Care Determination
The individual must have an illness, injury, disability, or medical condition diagnosed by a physician
The patient’s physician must certify, via signed physician’s certification, that the individual meets this criteria
The level of care must go beyond that of just room and board in a nursing home . Basically, the condition, injury, illness, or condition would require a significant amount of hands on care and support from members of a healthcare team

The following is a list of criteria that the state considers when determining clinical eligibility. This list is not all-inclusive:

The individual has a diagnosis that requires treatment. The individual’s diagnosis and treatment impact his/her physical and/or psychological ability to manage their own care.
The individual’s ability affects managing their care, treatments, and interventions.
If the individual has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease , dementia , traumatic brain injury , or other mental health diagnosis, the Level of Care is based on the degree to which psychological problems are affecting the individual’s functioning and the ability of that individual to maintain himself or herself in their environment.
Deficits in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) alone will not meet the criteria for an individual to be considered NFCE. For example, ADLs include things like bathing, dressing, grooming, and cooking. The individual must have a medical condition that is “currently being treated.” The condition must create a medical need that requires care and services of a healthcare professional.

Next steps if program approval is granted for your mother or father

Once the participant is approved by the state waiver program, they will be assessed to determine what services may be available under the Medicaid waiver. They will then be approved for their own set of services, depending on what their individual needs are. We detail the list of services available here.

Home care services and agencies available for me to care for my mother or father

Because of the nature of their needs, most individuals will qualify for some level of home care services. At this point, the care recipient can then choose a home care agency that allows the employment of eligible friends, family members, or loved ones. It is important to find an agency that is reputable, offers comprehensive training, as well as support to both caregivers and to the recipients of care.

With the right home care agency support, caregivers can make sure they can provide high-quality care to their loved ones. Then, the care recipients can thrive and live as independently as possible, and caregivers have the tools and resources to be successful. Chosen Family offers many training, development, and mentorship opportunities for caregivers and is proud to employ eligible family and friends as caregivers as part of our team.

Are all home care and home health agencies the same?

Home care agencies vary widely between the level of training, support, and pay they provide to their employees and caregivers. While each organization has the same fixed Medicaid waiver payments received, their pay and benefits packages will all be different. As a result, it is important to consider that when evaluating home care providers. Also, it’s vital to consider additional benefits or perks like ongoing training opportunities, company culture, and other perks specific to each organization.

For example, Chosen Family Home Care has a comprehensive package for caregivers and is one of the highest paying local Philadelphia home care agencies. Chosen Family will even match or beat pay from any local home care agency. In addition, company culture is a major focus of the organization along with work-life balance and flexibility. Chosen Family believes that stronger support and pay for caregivers leads to happier clients and ultimately better patient care and health outcomes for the recipients of care. Check out the careers section to learn more.

Do all home care agencies allow me to care for my mother or father?

Not every home care agency accepts family members who are caring for their mother or father. You should call local agencies to see which home care agency accepts children who are paid caregivers for their mother or father. Chosen Family Home Care accepts all Medicaid wavier clients, including those children who are paid caregivers for their mother or father under the Medicaid Waiver.

Do caregivers have to meet the same income or financial requirements as the care recipients?

No. Caregivers just have to meet the same qualifications that any other private caregiver would need to meet. Any selected caregiver would never be screened for income requirements.

How can I start the process of getting me or my loved one set up so I can be paid to care for my mother or father?

Do you still have questions? We can help with additional questions. We can help you walk through the Medicaid and waiver application process, understand and determine if your loved one needs help or if they might qualify, or help in choosing a home care provider. Write, text, or give us a call and we can provide support. There is no hassle, no obligation, and satisfaction guaranteed.

Read more of our insights and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for free resources and tips to improve the health and quality of life for your loved one and for caregiver resources.

What can I do if I still have questions about being paid to care for my family members in Pennsylvania?

Still confused or need further assistance? No problem! Reach out to Chosen Family Home Care today and we will gladly help.

Pennsylvania’s Medicaid Waiver: The Step by Step Enrollment Guide

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 16:16:00 GMT

Check your eligibility today!

Our team can help streamline the application process and guide you on the steps to take.

Our comprehensive guide walks you through registering and enrolling into Pennsylvania’s Medicaid waiver program. The program helps cover home health care and senior personal care, among other things for older adults.

Are you a senior that finds yourself needing a bit more extra assistance in your daily life? Do you find information and the process around Medicaid waivers confusing or lacking? This guide is made to help walk you through the registration process, which can be complicated, confusing, and lengthy.

Resource Center: Download our printable and handy process guide

Step by step Medicaid Waiver Enrollment

What is Pennsylvania’s Medicaid waiver?

A Home and Community-based Services (HCBS) waiver is a Medicaid program that in provides a variety of assistance to keep seniors independent at home. Pennsylvania’s Medicaid waiver services include senior home care services, home care for disabled adults, skills development, respite care for family caregivers, transportation, home modifications, home meal delivery programs, and other services that support the elderly and their family caregivers.

Follow us on social media and never miss an update!

The waiver can help seniors and disabled individuals to receive a variety of services (including home care) that will foster one’s independence at home and keep them out of institutional care (such as nursing homes, for example). Not only can the waiver provide home care services, but it allows family members to take care of the individuals in need while receiving compensation to do so .

What Pennsylvania’s Medicaid waiver program for seniors and adults with disabilities about?

The Pennsylvania waiver is administered by the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program . CHC is a Medicaid managed care program for persons who are 21 years of age or older and are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare or those who require a nursing home level of care. Overall, the waiver program is very relevant to seniors and disabled adults. This is because many seniors and disabled adults are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare and/or require a level of care consistent to that provided by a nursing home.

Previously, the CHC waiver was administered under other waiver names. These include the aging waiver, which includes all qualifying individuals over the age of 60. Others include the independence and attendant care/ACT 150 waiver, which were intended for physically disabled adults between the ages of 18 and 60. Now, all of these waivers have been combined into one and they fall under the Community HealthChoices waiver. They now fall under a healthcare model of managed care.

What is managed care and Community HealthChoices?

Managed care was recently implemented by the state of Pennsylvania. Managed care is basically intended to reduce the cost of providing health care while improving the overall quality of that care. In Philadelphia and the Delaware valley, managed care Medicaid is administered by one of three private companies contracted by the state of Pennsylvania ( Amerihealth Caritas , UPMC , and PA Health and Wellness ). Around Philadelphia, Amerihealth Caritas is referred to as Keystone First . These companies make up the insurance organizations that are a part of the Community HealthChoices waiver.

When a patient qualifies to receive Pennsylvania’s Medicaid waiver services, they will ultimately be responsible for selecting one of the three managed care plans (or be randomly assigned one) that will coordinate and oversee services. There are some differences between the plans so be sure to compare options, but overall they provide a very similar set of services under comparable protocols.

What is the goal of the Pennsylvania waiver program and Community Health Choices?

Family caregivers can get paid to care for loved ones under the program.

The waiver program provides seniors and physically disabled individuals with medical benefits, as well as long-term support services to promote independent living and prevent unnecessary nursing home placements. To sum it up, the waiver program aims to help individuals in need remain safely in their own home (or another home such as that of a family or friend).

Community HealthChoices waiver program is simply the new waiver program put into place by the state of Pennsylvania. Formerly, it fell under three waiver programs: the independence waiver, attendant care waiver, and the aging waiver. Now, they are all under the umbrella of CHC.

Benefits include personal care services, such as assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), like bathing, meal preparation, and medication management.

Does the program only include disabled and senior home care or caregivers?

No. CHC Medicaid waiver includes a variety of services an supports available to program participants.

What other services and supports for seniors are available through the PA Medicaid Community Health Choices waiver?

The program includes a large variety of services that are dedicated to keeping disabled and senior adults living independently in the community or their own homes. Our associated guide goes through every possible service that may be available under the CHC Medicaid waiver program.

However, it is important to understand that eligible participants on the Medicaid waiver will not necessarily qualify for all services listed and available. As part of the assessment process for the PA Medicaid waiver program, participants will be assigned the specific services that they need to remain independent in their homes.

How many different services and home care hours will I get?

As you can imagine, this can vary significantly between individuals. This is because every person’s situation and scenario is unique. Therefore, the CHC waiver program through the health plan (Keystone First, UPMC, or PA Health and Wellness) will provide the appropriate services. One senior could qualify for just caregiver support and service coordination. Another could get a home health aide as well as home delivered meals, a personal emergency response system (PERS), pest eradication, and non-medical transportation provided.

The amount, level, and frequency of services will also vary. For example, one senior adult may have some family support and not have extensive home care needs. They may be assigned 20 hours of home care and caregiver support per week or less.

As another example, a different senior with multiple cognitive and physical impairments could have significantly more hours assigned to them. The program goal of Medicaid waiver is to keep individuals independent in their own homes. However, the health plans work to make sure that plan participants are not dependent either. Therefore, they will work to provide the right mix of services and supports to each individual.

Ongoing review of the health and support of plan participants

Additionally, it could be determined that it is no longer safe for an individual to remain in their own homes. Those participants could be relocated to a nursing home or long term care facility at that point. They will then no longer be enrolled in the CHC Medicaid waiver program.

Keep in mind that the level of services an individual needs can and will likely change over time. An assigned service coordinator to the participant (by the health plan) will regularly review their participants. They will monitor and assess them for changes. Services will be adjusted as appropriate to those individuals.

Am I eligible for Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid waiver?

In order to be eligible for waiver services, one must be 21 years of age or older and a resident of Pennsylvania.

Additionally, one must be both clinically eligible (that is, determined eligible through evaluation of one’s needs from a medical perspective) and financially eligible (have limited income and resources).

Clinical eligibility for Pennsylvania’s Medicaid waiver

Applicants must also require a nursing home level of care or be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. In medical terms and in terms of the program, that means being deemed nursing facility clinically eligible (NFCE).

The process for determining if someone is clinically eligible can be somewhat complex or confusing. Generally, they will follow these guidelines:

The individual has an illness, injury, disability, or medical condition diagnosed by a physician and
As a result of that diagnosed illness, injury, disability or medical condition, the individual requires care and services above the level of room and board, and
A physician certifies that the individual is NFCE, and
The care and services are either Skilled Nursing or Rehabilitation Services (For example, a nursing home) or health-related care and services that may not be as complex as Skilled Nursing or Rehabilitation Services, but which are needed and provided on a regular basis through medical and technical personnel.

Financial eligibility for Medicaid waiver

In order to be eligible for Medicaid, there are income and asset limits. For example, in the state of Pennsylvania, seniors must have income no greater than 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). As of 2024, this means a single elderly individual cannot have income in excess of $2,829 / month.

Plus, the asset limit for a single senior is $8,000 after allowances (including savings accounts and investments). In addition, certain exemptions are allowed, such as one’s home that they reside in or intends to return to, and it is valued under $585,000, along with household items, and personal effects.

Once again, besides financial eligibility, to be eligible for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), an individual must also require a level of care consistent with a nursing home.

What if I make too much money? Is there another way to qualify?

There could be, yes. One option is the ACT 150 program. This is for individuals with a higher income or asset limit and with similar cognitive or physical impairments. Check here for the ACT 150 application . It also provides eligibility information as well on the first page. ACT 150 provides a similar set of services. These are subsidized programs as well but there may be a small c0-pay. It’s also a great option if you qualify for it. Chosen Family Home Care can help you determine if you qualify for Act 150. Please note to apply for ACT 150 you must be denied from Community HealthChoices first.

Strategies to meet Medicaid waiver eligibility

Elder law attorneys can help you strategize and find ways to gain program approval.

Besides ACT 150, people may still find options for qualifying under CHC Medicaid waiver. If you find yourself or your loved one in a position to need care but are over the financial threshold, you could partner with an elder law attorney to discuss strategies to assist you towards qualifying.

There are different considerations, but one popular alternative includes a “spend down” option . This is basically a way to spend one’s income or assets to the point that they eventually fall within the financial criteria of the Medicaid waiver program. Contact us today so we can learn more about your situation and help advise you.

I’ve heard that family members can get paid to care for loved ones under the CHC waiver. Is this true?

Yes, it is. Eligible family caregivers can get compensated to provide home care services under the Community Health Choices (CHC) program. This is true if they are disabled adults or seniors and older adults. Read out complete guide for more here.

How do I sign up and enroll in the Pennsylvania CHC Medicaid waiver program?

Below, we outline the step by step guide to sign up and enroll with the waiver program in detail. Also, be sure to check out our printable handout on the process to download here .

STEP 1

Apply for and get approved for medical assistance through the state of Pennsylvania, also known as Medicaid

If you have already qualified for Medical Assistance, please proceed to step 2.
Go to https://www.compass.state.pa.us/ and register and fill out the registration information for the state of Pennsylvania’s health and human service programs.
Next, after filling out the initial application and information needed, a case worker will be assigned to review your information. This is done through a local County Assistance Office near you .
Timeline: Generally, this process will take up to 30 days in most cases. You can ensure that this process goes smoothly by taking the time to ensure that all information is filled out correctly and accurately.

STEP 2

Call the PA Independent Enrollment Broker (PA IEB) at 1-877-550-4227.

The Independent Enrollment Broker can help you learn more about Home and Community Based Waiver Services for you or your loved one.
Inform the PA IEB you want to apply for waiver services and schedule your first in-home visit.
Then, read the list of papers you need for the first in-home visit.
PA IEB sends a Physician’s Certification Form to your doctor to fill out and send to PA IEB.
Timeline: Normally, between one week and one month. The biggest factors in the timeline include how long it takes for your doctor to respond with the Physician’s Certification Form and also the availability of the PA IEB to schedule and complete your first in-home visit.
Helpful Tip: You may want to remind your doctor to fill out and send the form back to the IEB. The IEB cannot proceed without this information. Also, read this guide on tips for completing the physician certification form. This can be good both for signing doctors as well as participants to be aware.

STEP 3

Schedule and have your first in-home visit.

At your first in-home visit, you talk with a person from PA IEB about your needs and abilities to see if waiver services or other programs meet your needs.
If applicable, complete the Medical Assistance application ( PA 600 ) and other required forms.
Helpful Tip: It is important to complete all forms and to make sure that all required forms are sent to the CAO. Otherwise, there may be delays. If there are any missing forms, The County Assistance Office (CAO) will send a letter to tell you how to send the forms.
Timeline: Usually within 7 to 25 days.

STEP 4

Schedule and complete your second in-home assessment visit.

After your first in-home visit is completed, processed, and approved, the PA IEB sends a request to your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to complete .
Then, the AAA calls you to schedule your second in-home visit.
At this visit, a person from AAA does a Functional Eligibility Determination to find out whether you qualify for waiver services under Community Health Choices based on the care you need.
Basically, this is another assessment to determine your capabilities and support that currently exist.
Once your second in-home visit is completed, the AAA sends the results to PA IEB for review.
Timeline: Usually within 7 to 25 days.

STEP 5

PA IEB reviews your Physician’s Certification Form and Functional Eligibility Determination.

PA IEB needs your Physician’s Certification Form and Functional Eligibility Determination within 86 days of the first in-home visit.
If your doctor has not sent the certification form after your second in-home visit, PA IEB calls your doctor and you.
Once PA IEB has your Physician’s Certification Form and Functional Eligibility Determination, they review both to find if you qualify. If both forms meet program eligibility, PA IEB sends your application to the CAO.
Timeline: Usually within 7 to 21 days.

STEP 6

The CAO reviews your waiver application and makes a decision.

Enrollment into the medicaid waiver can begin with the PA Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB).

The CAO reviews your waiver application to see if you qualify financially.
If anything is missing, the CAO will send a letter to tell you how to send it to them.
Once your application is finalized and complete, the CAO approves or denies it.
The CAO sends a notice to you, to PA IEB, and to your chosen Managed Care Organization/Service Coordination Agency.
You get the decision about whether you qualify within 90 days after PA IEB starts your waiver application.
If you do not get a decision within 90 days, you can ask for a fair hearing .

If your waiver application is approved

pennsylvania’s chc medicaid waiver program

Congratulations! You are enrolled in Home and Community Based Waiver Services

If your waiver application is denied

You are NOT enrolled in Home and Community Based Waiver Services.
However, if you disagree with that decision, you have the right to request an appeal hearing
If you are denied because your income limit is too high, you may qualify for ACT 150! See more details about ACT 150 here.

Choosing a home care agency or home health aide caregiver

You will be notified which services that you qualify for upon your Medicaid waiver CHC program approval. Most, but not all, approved participants will qualify for some level of home care assistance. At that point you are free to select a qualified and approved provider of home care services. See our CHC Community HealthChoices MCO Approved Providers List .

Chosen Family Home Care is a qualified and approved provider of home care services for the three managed care health plans under CHC Medicaid waiver. These include Keystone First, UPMC, and PA Health and Wellness.

Still Confused or Have Questions? Chosen Family Home Care can help. Call us at 267-457-4122 or email us at info@chosenfamilyhomcare.com with any inquiries you may have. Overall, we are glad to help during this process free of charge and without obligation.

What Home Care Agencies Accept PA Health and Wellness Home Care Plan in Philadelphia, PA?

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 20:13:00 GMT

Are you new to Community Health Choices in Philadelphia?

Are you new to Community Health Choices in Philadelphia, PA or a current client looking to find a home care agency provider near you? Is your Philadelphia area Medicaid plan through PA Health and Wellness? Read our guide below to find out which home care agencies and home health aide providers take PA Health and Wellness under Community Health Choices.

There are many home care agencies that are located across the city of Philadelphia here in Pennsylvania. However, not all of them take Medicaid, Community Health Choices, or PA Health and Wellness, which is a managed care organization insurance plan for individuals that are on Medicaid and receive home care services. Besides individuals that have PA Health and Wellness Community Health Choices, other home care agencies and providers might accept private pay, credit cards, or long term care insurance as payment here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Do all home care agencies that take PA Health and Wellness Medicaid plans for home care services hire family caregivers in Philadelphia?

It depends. Some agencies will hire family caregivers under the Medicaid waiver plan with PA Health and Wellness Community HealthChoices. Other agencies will not accept family caregivers as part of PA Health and Wellness for a client.

Does Chosen Family Home Care allow family caregivers to be hired and work under PA Health and Wellness for home care?

Yes, Chosen Family Home Care proudly hires family caregivers to be employed and care for friends, family, or loved ones.

How much does Chosen Family Home Care pay per hour?

Chosen Family Home Care pays $15 per hour for all of its PA Health and Wellness employed caregivers. The company also offers tons of other great benefits. They include weekly pay, time off and vacation, holiday pay, a 401k plan with company match, and a company sign on bonus.

What Home Care Agency Providers Take the PA Health and Wellness Insurance plan in Philadelphia?

Besides Chosen Family Home Care , you can find other agencies that will accept PA Health and Wellness. To find an agency that accepts PA Health and Wellness, use this link. Then, follow these steps below:

Additionally, you can contact PA Health and Wellness Health Plan directly or visit their website to inquire about home care agencies that are in-network for their plan. Additionally, you can contact home care agencies in your area and inquire whether they accept PA Health and Wellness Health Plan. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their accepted insurance plans for home care services in your area.

What is the phone number for PA Health and Wellness?

If you would like to call PA Health and Wellness directly, their phone number is 1-844-626-6813. They can also help participants find a local home care agency provider that accepts their Community Health Choices insurance plan.

What steps do I take if I have questions or want to sign up with Chosen Family Home Care provider?

If you have any additional questions about signing up for home care, enrolling into the Medicaid waiver program, or starting the process of being a family caregiver, call or text at at time to 267.457.4122.

The post What Home Care Agencies Accept PA Health and Wellness Home Care Plan in Philadelphia, PA? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

How to get more home care hours in Pennsylvania: A Guide

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 05:17:00 GMT

The post How to get more home care hours in Pennsylvania: A Guide appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Physician Certification Form in PA: A Guide

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 20:16:00 GMT

Check your eligibility today!

Our team can help streamline the application process and guide you on the steps to take.

A Beginner’s Guide to Using Pennsylvania’s Medicaid Waiver for Home Care

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 03:25:00 GMT

Check your eligibiliy today!

Our team can help streamline the application process and guide you on the steps to take.

How to switch home care agencies in Pennsylvania

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:23:00 GMT

Home care agencies in Philadelphia

Learn about how to switch home care agencies in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania between Community HealthChoices providers through the Medicaid waiver in our newest post.

For seniors and their loved ones on the Medicaid waiver through health plans such as UPMC, Keystone First, Amerihealth Caritas, or PA Health and Wellness, many individuals often wonder how to change home care agencies. There might be a variety of reasons that a senior would change their home care agency, but the process is not always clear.

If an individual is getting private pay home care, the process is usually more direct. That is because they will generally pick an end date to their home care and look for a new provider of services in the meantime. They aren’t stuck in a senior home care agency contract and can get out at any time.

Learn about how to switch home care agencies in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania between Community HealthChoices providers through the Medicaid waiver in our newest post.

For seniors and their loved ones on the Medicaid waiver through health plans such as UPMC, Keystone First, Amerihealth Caritas, or PA Health and Wellness, many individuals often wonder how to change home care agencies. There might be a variety of reasons that a senior would change their home care agency, but the process is not always clear.

If an individual is getting private pay home care, the process is usually more direct. That is because they will generally pick an end date to their home care and look for a new provider of services in the meantime. They aren’t stuck in a senior home care agency contract and can get out at any time.

Home care agencies under PA Medicaid waiver program

Luckily, the same is also true for individuals that receive senior home care services under the Medicaid waiver program. An individual receiving home care services can also switch or change home care agencies at any time, and for any reason. The process will be similar, but slightly different, depending on the health plan.

The main difference will be the addition of one more step that helps facilitate the home care agency change process. This is true across all Medicaid health plans: Keystone First, Amerihealth Caritas, PA Health and Wellness, and UPMC.

Why do participants or their loved ones want to switch home care agencies?

There are a variety of reasons that a senior or their loved ones might want to switch home care support providers. Generally, either they are dissatisfied with their current home care agency or a different home care agency is offering something that their current home care provider can’t or won’t provide. Some of the common reasons that people change their home care agencies under the Medicaid waiver in PA include:

Steps to change home care care agencies under the PA Medicaid waiver program

When a caregiver or a client is ready to make the change to a new agency, they should consider following the process below. As mentioned, the process will be similar across all health plans in Pennsylvania under Medicaid waiver including Amerihealth Caritas, Keystone First, UPMC, and PA Health and Wellness.

Step 1: Find a home care agency

If you’re ready to make a switch, start by making sure you have identified a senior home care provider that you want to switch to. You can begin by checking out our list of home care agencies in Philadelphia as a starting point. If you are searching for other providers in Pennsylvania, you can change or broaden your search through our associated guide as well by updating your zip code or geographic location.

Be sure to prioritize what is most important to you when it comes to your search. Consider looking at all the ways that Chosen Family Home Care is the top home care agency provider in Pennsylvania and in greater Philadelphia for our caregivers. We firmly believe that treating our caregivers like family will lead to better care for our clients.

Finally, make sure that the home care agency you identify can provide services in your geographic region. Plus, you will need to verify that they take your Medicaid waiver insurance plan as well. Each home care agency must contract with the individual health plans like UPMC, Amerihealth Caritas, Keystone First, or PA Health and Wellness in Pennsylvania. Therefore, just because a home care provider is approved to provide caregiver services under Medicaid waiver does not necessarily mean that they work with every health plan.

Step 2: Contact your assigned Service Coordinator to begin the process

Next, the participant or their representative should contact their designated Service Coordinator to help facilitate the process of making the home care agency switch. The Service Coordinator is the point of contact that oversees the different services that a participant receives under the Medicaid waiver. They help to make agency and service changes, oversee a participant over time, and can help advocate for the participant’s care. The Service Coordinator will be the point of contact to make sure the home care agency change happens in a timely manner and that the home care agencies follow proper protocol. Plus, they can help ensure that there is no lapse in caregiving provided when the change occurs.

Step 3: Advise the Service Coordinator that you want to change your home care agency in Pennsylvania

Generally speaking, each of the health plans (PA Health and Wellness, UPMC, Keystone First, and AmeriHealth Caritas) will just need to know what agency you want to switch to and the start date for the switch to occur. The health plan Service Coordinator or plan representative will then reach out to the new agency and confirm the start date of services. They will make sure that the participant has done everything needed to be onboarded to the agency. They will also confirm that a caregiver is ready to go once the switch occurs. This will include if the client already has a caregiver assigned to them and needs to complete the steps to be onboarded as an agency. It also includes if the new home care agency needs to hire and schedule a caregiver to be assigned to the client.

Step 4: Confirm that the Service Coordinator has everything they need

Make sure that the Service Coordinator has coordinated with each senior home care agency to transfer home care services smoothly and without interruption. The Service Coordinator or plan representative will also be in charge of notifying the current home care agency that you will be ending services with them. It is a good idea to personally check with each agency to ensure that they have everything they need and that the provider change happens flawlessly.

Step 5: Begin services with your new home care provider

When you begin your new services, hopefully the process has gone smoothly and you or your caregiver are happier with the newly selected agency. The best home care agencies in Pennsylvania, such as Chosen Family Home Care , will make sure the process is smooth and seamless for the participant changing agencies.

What if I don’t know who my Service Coordinator is?

If you don’t know who your Service Coordinator is, you can call the respective health plan assigned to you in Pennsylvania and they can give you that information. Those phone numbers are listed below as well:

Who can call and authorize my switch in home care services?

Only the participant receiving services or their authorized representative (for example, Power of Attorney) can call and authorize the change in home care agencies. None of the following are able to authorize the change in services:

Therefore, to save time, make sure that the participant or their legal representative makes the switch. Be wary of any home care agency that says they will make the change on your behalf.

Final thoughts on easily switching your home care agency in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania

Participant choice is paramount when it comes to them being able to choose the home care agency or service provider that they want under their Medicaid waiver services. This is true regardless of the service they receive.

If you are not satisfied with your home care agency, consider all that Chosen Family Home Care has to offer. Chosen Family Home Care is both a top choice for caregivers and also clients as well. Proudly accepting the Medicaid waiver across Pennsylvania and in Philadelphia, we are there when you need us and ready to help make the process as painless as possible.

Still have questions about switching home care agencies or what Chosen Family Home Care can offer? Contact us now with any questions you may have.

The post How to switch home care agencies in Pennsylvania appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Will Medicaid Pay For 24 Hour Home Care in PA?

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 18:46:00 GMT

Check your eligibility today!

Our team can help streamline the application process and guide you on the steps to take.

How much does Medicaid Pay For Homecare In PA?

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 21:24:00 GMT

Check Your Eligibility

Our team can help streamline the application process and guide you on the steps to take.

Free Home Health Aide Caregiver Training in Philadelphia, PA

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:45:00 GMT

Did you know that some employers in the state of Pennsylvania will cover the cost of your Home Health Aide certification course ? We give you a step by step guide through how you can get free healthcare training in the state of Pennsylvania . Plus, we share other HHA and family caregiver resources and topics both in Pennsylvania as well as locally to Philadelphia. Find out how to get a Certified Nurse Aide Training program as a benefit of Chosen Family Home Care below!

Home health aides , referred to as HHAs, offer support and medical assistance to seniors, as well as people that are ill or have disabilities. This includes for children as well. Generally, this occurs in a residential setting such as the patient’s home or that of a family loved one. HHAs may work for a home health or home care agency . Some also might work directly for a patient’s family.

To be able to work as a home health aide , a formal training and certification program is a requirement in the state of Pennsylvania. These caregiver and direct care worker roles are crucial positions and they can turn into a great career in the medical field. In this article, we discuss the ways that workers can get home health aide training either for free or after employer reimbursement.

It’s important to consider the career itself working as a home health aide. Therefore, we outline how much home health aides make per hour locally to the city of Philadelphia, across Pennsylvania, and in the United States as a whole. Finally, discuss frequently asked questions about being an HHA. This includes what an HHA does, education requirements, the work environment, and how home health aides may differ from caregivers or personal care aides.

What are the job responsibilities of a home health aide?

A home health aide may perform many of the tasks listed:

Home health aide certification can lead to a great career in the medical field.

Where does an HHA work?

An HHA will often directly work in the client’s home or in another residential setting. Generally, this is accomplished through an agency model, including under the employment of a home health or home care agency . Although, home health aides may be found in other medical settings as well. For example, sometimes HHAs work in adult day care organizations , group homes, day programs, or other residential living or rehabilitative settings.

Many organizations will prioritize hiring certified home health aides over caregivers or personal care aides that do not have a certification. In some cases, they come with higher pay. For example, organizations that hire personal care aides , direct support professionals, or resident aides will often prefer to hire HHAs. This is because the training and certification received by home health aides is crucial to many of the roles and is a great way to support the work that they do.

With some Pennsylvania healthcare employers like home care agencies, a pay differential of at least 4 percent is given to certified home health aides over those that do not have formal certification. This is because of the varying levels of complexity of different individuals that the respective organizations work with. For example, a home health aide is better equipped to deal with clients that have special needs or more intensive medical care requirements. This is because of to their background and added experience with specialized healthcare training . An HHA isn’t just more likely to have higher pay. They are also more likely to get hired in the first place. In particular, this is especially true when the candidate has no prior experience as a direct care worker or caregiver.

Why do I want to be an Home Health Aide?

An HHA can be a stepping stone into the medical field, making it a great career choice.

The benefits of starting, changing, or continuing a career as a caregiver or home health aide include the following:

Are there educational requirements to be an HHA caregiver?

There is no formal education requirement for candidates to have a high school diploma or GED to be hired as an HHA. Also, candidates don’t need a diploma in order to be accepted into an HHA course . Because of this, candidates can train to be home health aide certified while still in high school, for example.

Certain employers may require their caregivers or home health aides to be at least 18 years old. Plus, others may require a GED or high school diploma. However, these are unique to each organization and will vary. Chosen Family Home Care does not have these requirements in place for our caregivers and home health aides.

How much does a home health aide course cost?

We will discuss how the HHA can get their training for free. This can be accomplished with up front program payment so the student pays nothing out of pocket. It also might include the student paying for the full cost of the program, but then getting the cost of the program reimbursed once they are hired in a home health aide role. Some home care agencies may offer the program for free for qualifying caregivers.

The regular cost of the course will usually run between $$750 and $1000 for those that pay for it. This cost should include all associated expenses of the program; things like tuition, textbooks, lab fees, or additional training materials. Program graduates can then achieve an HHA certificate of completion at that point. The certificate is not restricted to just one home healthcare agency or one healthcare setting.

How much does a nurse aide training program cost?

A Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program is like a home health aide progam, but it is more intensive. It also offers more money than being a home health aide. CNAs can also work in more settings such as nursing homes and hospitals! The cost of the program in Philadelphia is $1745. As you’ll see below, Chosen Family Home Care does not offer a home health aide class, but we do offer qualifying caregivers who work for us the chance to take the Certified Nurse Aide training Program for free!!!

Are there any additional requirements of an HHA for training or employment?

HHAs can work with a variety of different individuals and settings, including with children.

An HHA will need to meet several additional requirements in order to be accepted into a home health aide course or to get employed in the healthcare settings that they work in. In Pennsylvania, that means an HHA needs:

Some healthcare settings may have their own additional requirements or prerequisites for employment. These will vary based on the organization, but some may include any of the following:

Can The HHA Certification Course Be Done Online?

Yes, for the most part. For example, the majority of the course (59 out of 75 hours) are under classroom instruction. 16 hours of the course must be done under the supervision and instruction of the nurse, as per federal regulations. Therefore, an organization (school or home care agency ) can offer the majority of the course online or via distance learning, if they want to. However, the 16 hours must be done in person. This can be completed while providing care to a client or in a mock residential training facility.

Getting home health aide certification courses for free near me in Philadelphia

There are a few ways that a caregiver could get home health aide certification for free . We sum up three main ways that this can be accomplished.

Home health aides work to ensure quality of life for their patients.

Employer agreed reimbursement

In this scenario, the caregiver will get hired by the home healthcare agency . The home healthcare agency will sign an agreement with the prospective HHA that says that if they complete the HHA course , they will reimburse them for the cost that the student paid for the course. This is similar to how Certified Nurse Aides and CNAs arrange for free training .

For example, home care agencies in this arrangement generally will pay for half the training cost after a set number of hours worked. Then, they will pay the additional half of the cost after additional time worked. There is one major difference between HHA and CNA reimbursement. That is, in the case of CNAs, there is a federal requirement that dictates how the reimbursement works. Employment at a long term care facility requires that reimbursement for CNAs must occur under regulations. That is not the case with HHA courses. However, some employers offer this in varying formats because of the high demand for caregivers home health aides . Chosen Family Home Care is one employer that does authorize this for qualifying caregivers.

Employer offered home health aide training

There are some employers and home care agencies around Philadelphia that offer their own HHA training certification . We already mentioned that Chosen Family Home Care is one h ome health company that offers this service to some caregivers. This is done at no cost to the employee. Just like the agreement we mention above, this can vary significantly between organizations. However, it is only free under similar conditions discussed above.

While there are stipulations, they are very reasonable for the most part. This is a great option for some caregivers. Chosen Family Home Care offers this as an option to interested candidates. Otherwise, interested caregivers will need to search for a variety of home healthcare agencies that offer this locally. Many home care agency training offerings may be sporadic or infrequent. Therefore, the interested employee may have to ensure that the training fits their schedule.

Questions to ask for employer offered training

Free HHA training can lead to a satisfying healthcare career

Finally, we recommend that the interested HHA verifies a few things with the employer offered the training. The interested employee could ask the following questions below directly:

Any of the above mentioned items could be major roadblocks for caregivers and direct care workers . If not followed properly, then they may not have a valid HHA certification and could have to take the course over again.

What does Chosen Family Home Care offer in training for its caregivers?

Chosen Family Home Care does not offer a 75 hour home health aide certification. However, Chosen Family Home Care does provide free training for caregivers to be eligible to work as a caregiver!

There are certain state requirements necessary for caregivers to be able to work in that role. This includes paid family caregivers who must meet the same criteria to be a caregiver and be paid. Chosen Family Home Care makes sure our caregivers meet all training and qualification requirements, and we offer that at no charge to our caregivers!

Free Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training Program Company Benefit

Also, we are proud to offer an amazing benefit for caregivers that work for us. When you work for the home care agency in Philadelphia, if you work at least 800 hours and 6 months of service as well as other performance criteria, you can take the Certified Nurse Aide training program for free! This program costs $1745 normally. This is an amazing benefit that NO OTHER AGENCY IN PHILADELPHIA OFFERS! The program is done by CareBridge Academy , a proud partner program of Chosen Family Home Care.

How is a Certified Nurse Aide different from a Home Health Aide?

CNAs receive more training and certification than HHAs, including supervised clinical training and passing a state exam. Also, CNAs have more medical training and can perform more complex tasks. Chosen Family Home Care is proud to offer this benefit because we believe in continuing education for our caregivers.

Is being a Certified Nurse Aide better than a Home Health Aide?

It depends on what you mean by “better.” However, CNAs have much higher pay rates than HHAs in the healthcare field. They can also work in a wider variety of settings, including home care, adult day care, hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings.

Free training to be a paid family caregiver at Chosen Family Home Care

When a caregiver is a paid family member with a client, or if a potential caregiver comes to the agency with a client, they can be eligible to receive the training needed to be a caregiver for free!

Employer-provided healthcare course for free when bringing a client to the company. This course is what is needed to be a caregiver in Pennsylvania.

Another way that caregivers can get their home health aide training covered in full is when they bring a client to the home care agency . Most commonly, in these cases they are family members that care for loved ones. They get paid under the Pennsylvania Medicaid waiver to provide the caregiving for their family or loved one in need. They may also be compensated caregivers under certain Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. This article outlines how one can get paid to care for loved ones in Pennsylvania . The training provided in this case is not home health aide training, but is actually much better! That training is a 100 hour program to be training as a Certified Nursing Assistant . Call for details as to how you can get this class for free.

This is a great obligation as it is a no cost way to get the training to be a certified nursing assistant . Similar to the above, make sure you ask the right questions to ensure that the healthcare training program meets the requirements of the home health aide or certified nurse aide certification to be valid. Once again, Chosen Family Home Care can make arrangements to provide this for family caregivers under the Medicaid waiver should they be interested. Our partner program that provides the Certified Nurse Aide training course is licensed and registered by the Department of Education in Pennsylvania. The school that provides this training is CareBridge Academy .

Healthcare Training with Chosen Family Home Care

Chosen Family Home Care will work with employees and caregivers to provide free HHA certification and training.

Chosen Family Home Care can help make sure you meeting and pass all training requirements of being a caregiver in Pennsylvania. This is a great option for family caregivers or other individuals who are on Medicaid and need to get their caregiver the right training needed to be a successful caregiver.

In addition, although the company does not offer a home health aide training program, our biggest benefit is that we offer a Certified Nurse Aide training progam for free when you work at the company for at least 6 months and meet other critieria! That’s an amazing benefit because the school charges $1745 for the program through CareBridge Academy.

Please reach out to us today and we can share training resources and upcoming classes. Plus, we can anaswer any other questions you may have. Call or email us now!

The post Free Home Health Aide Caregiver Training in Philadelphia, PA appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

What Home Care Agencies Take UPMC In Pennsylvania?

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 17:30:00 GMT

Are you new to Community Health Choices in Philadelphia?

Are you new to Community Health Choices in Philadelphia, PA or a current client looking to find a home care agency near you? Is your Philadelphia area Medicaid plan through UPMC? Read our guide below to find out which home care agencies and home health aide agencies take UPMC under Community Health Choices. This post is also help if you are looking for a home care agency provider for UPMC anywhere in Pennsylvania.

There are many home care agencies that are located across the city of Philadelphia here in Pennsylvania. However, not all of them take Medicaid, Community Health Choices, or UPMC, which is a managed care organization insurance plan for individuals that are on Medicaid and receive home care services. Besides individuals that have UPMC Community HealthChoices, other home care agencies might accept private pay, credit cards, or long term care insurance as payment here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Do all home care agencies that take UPMC Medicaid Community HealthChoices plans for home care services hire family caregivers here in Philadelphia?

It depends. Some agencies will hire family caregivers under the Medicaid waiver plan with UPMC Community HealthChoices. Other agencies will not accept family caregivers as part of UPMC for a client.

Does Chosen Family Home Care allow family caregivers to be hired and work under UPMC for home care?

Yes, Chosen Family Home Care proudly hires family caregivers to be employed and care for friends, family, or loved ones.

How much does Chosen Family Home Care pay per hour?

Chosen Family Home Care pays $15 per hour for its UPMC employed caregivers in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Additionally locations outside of Philadelphia and the surrounding companies may provide a different pay rate. The company also offers tons of other great benefits. They include weekly pay, time off and vacation, holiday pay, a major medical healthcare plan that the company covers up to 100 percent of, a 401k plan with company match. Additionally, you may qualify for up to a $500 company sign on bonus!

What Other Home Care Agencies Take the UPMC Insurance plan in Philadelphia?

Besides Chosen Family Home Care, you can find other agencies that will accept UPMC. To find an agency that accepts UPMC, use this link. Then, follow these steps below:

What steps do I take if I have questions or want to sign up with Chosen Family Home Care?

If you have any additional questions about signing up for home care, enrolling into the Medicaid waiver program, or starting the process of being a family caregiver, call or text 267.457.4122 or reach out to us on our contact page online .

The post What Home Care Agencies Take UPMC In Pennsylvania? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Home Healthcare Provider List- Keystone First Community HealthChoices CHC

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 16:10:00 GMT

Are you looking for a printable and accessible list of home healthcare providers?

Are you looking for a printable and accessible list of home healthcare providers that accept the Community HealthChoices Medicaid waiver in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? We created a comprehensive list for you below.

The below listing are all of the home healthcare agencies that accept the Medicaid Waiver program through Keystone First in Pennsylvania. Updated as of March 5, 2024, the below 57 providers are contracted home healthcare providers that accept Keystone First insurance and are located within a 25 mile radius of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The list below was prepared for you by Chosen Family Home Care . Chosen Family Home Care Philadelphia’s premier provider of non-medical home care services in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We serve the counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia. Contact us today for more information or questions about home care and follow us on Instagram and Facebook !

*Chosen Family Home Care is in no way affiliated with Keystone First. Chosen Family Home Care provides this list with publicly available information directly from the Keystone First list of current providers. For further information regarding Keystone First providers, please contact them directly .

Chosen Family Home Care

448 N. 10th St., Suite 400

Philadelphia, PA 19123

Phone: 267-457-4122

Fax: 215-201-4870

365 HEALTH SERVICES LLC ACT HOME HEALTH SERVICES INC AVEANNA HEALTHCARE
301 E CITY AVE STE 300, BALA 1121 S 11TH ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 1400 N PROVIDENCE RD STE 300,
CYNWYD, PA, 19004 19147 MEDIA, PA, 19063
Phone: (610) 632-6550 Phone: (215) 389-1800 Phone: (215) 887-4009
Fax: (215) 389-1899 Fax: (215) 887-4246

ACT HOME HEALTH SERVICES INC AVEANNA HEALTHCARE

1121 S 11TH ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 1400 N PROVIDENCE RD STE 300,
19147 MEDIA, PA, 19063
Phone: (215) 389-1800 Phone: (215) 887-4009
Fax: (215) 389-1899 Fax: (215) 887-4246

ABRAMSON HOME CARE

261 OLD YORK RD STE 630,
JENKINTOWN, PA, 19046
Phone: (215) 371-1804

APEX HUMAN SERVICES LLC

204 MACDADE BLVD, LANSDOWNE,
PA, 19050
Phone: (484) 469-3787
Fax: (484) 466-2687

AVEANNA HEALTHCARE

1400 N PROVIDENCE RD STE 300,
MEDIA, PA, 19063
Phone: (215) 887-4009
Fax: (215) 887-4246

BACI HOME HEALTH CARE LLC

715 TWINING RD STE 203, DRESHER,
PA, 19025
Phone: (215) 367-5611
Fax: (267) 460-8903

BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE INC

2133 ARCH ST FL 4, PHILADELPHIA,
PA, 19103
Phone: (215) 988-9006

BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE INC

1023 E BALTIMORE PIKE STE 303,
MEDIA, PA, 19063
Phone: (610) 891-1636

BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE INC

3409 WEST CHESTER PIKE STE 102,
NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA, 19073
Phone: (610) 353-5000

BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE INC

1020 N DELAWARE AVE STE 301,
PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19125
Phone: (215) 413-0600
Fax: (215) 413-0722

BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE INC

7600 CENTRAL AVE 3RD FL,
PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19111
Phone: (800) 305-3000
Fax: (973) 909-0028

BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE INC

600 REED RD STE 203, BROOMALL,
PA, 19008
Phone: (610) 648-9200

BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE INC

1777 SENTRY PKWY W STE 203,
BLUE BELL, PA, 19422
Phone: (215) 721-7800
Fax: (215) 721-6699

BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE INC

630 FITZWATERTOWN RD STE B1 B2
AND B3, WILLOW GROVE, PA, 19090
Phone: (215) 657-3900

BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE INC

1528 WALNUT ST STE 1210,
PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19102
Phone: (215) 413-5000

BETTER HOME CARE LLC

1046 BUSTLETON PIKE 1ST FL,
FEASTERVILLE TREVO, PA, 19053
Phone: (267) 988-8978
Fax: (267) 988-8979

CITADEL HOME CARE LLC

8601 STENTON AVE, WYNDMOOR,
PA, 19038
Phone: (215) 233-6231
Fax: (215) 233-6273

CROZER KEYSTONE HOME HEALTH

200 W SPROUL RD, SPRINGFIELD, PA,
19064
Phone: (610) 595-6430
Fax: (610) 595-6688

DEER MEADOWS HOME HEALTH

AND SUPPORT SERVICES LLC
8301 ROOSEVELT BLVD,
PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19152
Phone: (215) 624-6038
Fax: (215) 624-6258

DIVINE HEALTH CARE SERVICES INC

6800 CASTOR AVE STE B,
PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19149
Phone: (215) 745-8492
Fax: (215) 745-8482

DYNAMIC HOME HEALTH CARE

550 STATE RD, BENSALEM, PA, 19020
Phone: (215) 244-4466
Fax: (215) 244-4477

EINSTEIN MONTGOMERY HOME HEALTH

1330 POWELL ST STE 100,
NORRISTOWN, PA, 19401
Phone: (610) 272-1080
Fax: (610) 270-0556

EXPERT HOME CARE INC

1200 BUSTLETON PIKE STE 14,
FEASTERVILLE TREVOS, PA, 19053
Phone: (215) 364-0340
Fax: (215) 364-3918

FIDELITY HOME HEALTH LLC

83 BUSTLETON PIKE UNIT C, FSTRVL
TRVOSE, PA, 19053
Phone: (215) 710-0515
Fax: (215) 710-0258

GOLDEN HEALTH SERVICES INC

2100 SCATTERGOOD ST,
PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19124
Phone: (215) 289-9005
Fax: (215) 289-9024

HOME HEALTH SPECIALISTS

349 W STATE ST, MEDIA, PA, 19063
Phone: (610) 566-2700
Fax: (610) 892-9032

HOMEMAKER SERVICE OF THE METROPOLITAN AREA INC

444 N 3RD ST STE 202,
PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19123

JEFFERSON HEALTH HOME CARE AND HOSPICE

2510 MARYLAND RD STE 250,
WILLOW GROVE, PA, 19090
Phone: (215) 481-5800

KEYSTONE CARE LLC

8765 STENTON AVE, GLENSIDE, PA,
19038
Phone: (215) 836-2440
Fax: (215) 836-3470

LINCOLN HEALTHCARE LLC

MAIN LINE HEALTH HOMECARE AND HOSPICE

240 RADNOR CHESTER RD, RADNOR,
PA, 19087
Phone: (888) 533-3999

MARS CARE

739 N 24TH ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA,
19130
Phone: (215) 232-4357
Fax: (215) 232-3678

MAXIM HEALTHCARE SERVICES INC

1 BELMONT AVE STE 800, BALA
CYNWYD, PA, 19004
Phone: (610) 617-0366

MAXIM HEALTHCARE SERVICES INC

9815 ROOSEVELT BLVD,
PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19114
Phone: (215) 613-9216
Fax: (855) 236-4892

MERCY HOME HEALTH

1001 BALTIMORE PIKE STE 301,
SPRINGFIELD, PA, 19064
Phone: (610) 690-2551
Fax: (610) 689-0257

MILLENIUM HOME HEALTH CARE INC

1101 SUSSEX BLVD, BROOMALL, PA,
19008
Phone: (610) 543-4126
Fax: (610) 543-7952

NEW LIFE HOME HEALTHCARE AGENCY

2655 PHILMONT AVE STE 101,
HUNTINGDON VALLEY, PA, 19006
Phone: (215) 947-8220

PENN HOME HEALTH CARE LLC

405 AVENUE OF THE STATES,
CHESTER, PA, 19013
Phone: (484) 483-9413
Fax: (484) 766-3192

PENN HOME PALLIATIVE CARE

1 PRESIDENTIAL BLVD, BALA
CYNWYD, PA, 19004
Phone: (610) 617-2400

PENN HOME PALLIATIVE CARE

150 MONUMENT RD FL 3, BALA
CYNWYD, PA, 19004
Phone: (610) 617-2400

PENN MEDICINE HOME HEALTH

150 MONUMENT RD STE 300, BALA
CYNWYD, PA, 19004
Phone: (610) 747-3400
Fax: (610) 668-1293

PHILADELPHIA HOME HEALTH SERVICES LLC

261 OLD YORK RD STE 604A,
JENKINTOWN, PA, 19046
Phone: (215) 886-6885

PREFERRED HOME HEALTH AND NURSING SERVICES

130 PRESIDENTIAL BLVD STE 200,
BALA CYNWYD, PA, 19004
Phone: (610) 667-0600
Fax: (610) 667-0677

PREFERRED HOME HEALTH AND NURSING SERVICES INC

3331 STREET RD STE 440,
BENSALEM, PA, 19020
Phone: (267) 704-5100
Fax: (267) 704-5107

PRESTIGE HOME CARE AGENCY

10890 BUSTLETON AVE STE 211,
PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19116
Phone: (215) 677-3299
Fax: (215) 677-9811

RAPHA HOME HEALTHCARE INC

9892 BUSTLETON AVE STE 308,
PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19115
Phone: (215) 332-0100
Fax: (215) 332-0200

RELIANT HOME HEALTH AGENCY INC

1401 MACDADE BLVD, FOLSOM, PA,
19033
Phone: (610) 534-1414
Fax: (610) 534-1433

VNA OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA

3300 HENRY AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA,
19129
Phone: (215) 473-0772

The post Home Healthcare Provider List- Keystone First Community HealthChoices CHC appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Home Care Agencies Near Me Hiring: Philadelphia

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:41:00 GMT

Are you a caregiver or home health aide looking to work for a home care agency ? Trying to find an agency hiring near you? We give you the scoop on agencies hiring in Philadelphia and help you find the only home care agency paying $15 per hour in Philadelphia! Read on for more details.

Home Care Agencies Hiring Near Me In Philadelphia Search Tools

In your job search, you may have come across a variety of job search websites. But how do you know which is best? And what is the best way of tailoring my search to find jobs and organizations that fit my needs best? We discuss the top online job search tools for prospective caregivers to use in greater Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania.

What’s the best way to see if the home care agency near you is hiring?

More often than not, they will have job postings on Indeed . The same agencies may also list any job postings available on their own website.

Why is Indeed one of the best caregiver job search tools for home care agencies hiring in Philadelphia?

Indeed is one of the best job search tools simply because it is by far the largest. Think about, for example, where you go to do a search today. Almost all individuals now use Google to do their searches. Indeed is the Google of job searches , therefore, it is the overwhelming choice for not only caregivers and home health aides but also for home health and home care agencies in Philadelphia hiring .

What should I look for in home care agencies that are hiring near me?

Home care workers and caregivers are in high demand. Therefore, caregivers and home health aides looking for jobs have the upper hand when it comes to looking for work. What that means is that caregivers in Philadelphia should find home care agencies hiring that offer the total package: good pay, comprehensive benefits, a great work culture, and/or other perks. For example, companies such as Chosen Family Home Care offer a huge array of benefits as well as pay $15 an hour for positions! You can check out all of those perks and benefits here.

What home care agency pays the most in Philadelphia?

Chosen Family Home Care is the highest paying home care agency in Philadelphia . With a $15 starting rate, Chosen Family Home Care pays far more than the average caregiver and home health aide pay rate in Philadelphia, which is currently around $13 per hour.

Is Chosen Family Home Care hiring caregivers in Philadelphia?

Chosen Family Home Care is always hiring qualified and caring caregivers in Philadelphia .

How can I apply for a job at Chosen Family Home Care agency in Philadelphia?

Applying at the agency is easy. Just click on this link and you can complete the application in under 5 minutes.

The post Home Care Agencies Near Me Hiring: Philadelphia appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Best Home Care Agencies in Philadelphia: A Guide

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 19:51:00 GMT

Are you interested in finding the best home care agency in Philadelphia, PA and surrounding areas? We help you find the best home care agency for you or your loved one in need right here in our comprehensive guide to the best home care agencies in Philly including the best home care agencies near me.

What makes a home care agency the best?

There are a variety of things that make a home care the “best.” Defining what makes a home care agency the best really depends on if you’re the caregiver or home health aide trying to find the best agency or if you are a client trying to find the best agency. Often time, what is best for a caregiver is also best for the client as we will explain below.

Best home care agencies for clients

What makes a home care agency “the best”?

What makes a home care agency the best home care agency may be a matter of opinion, but the following factors tend to be the top factors to consider when choosing the best Philadelphia home care agency .

Client safety

For always best home care agencies , client safety holds top priority. The best home care staff should make you feel comfortable with your needs and the way you want the work to be done. The best home health care services should guarantee safety from any harm or abuse. Medicines should be given at the proper time and stored correctly. Good agencies will maintain equipment clean and well maintained.

Excellent Caregiving Skills

An agency is esteemed and can only be considered one of the “best” if their staff is well trained and professional. A Philadelphia home care agency that gives proper training to their staff is more reliable than the agencies who hire people to work based on the certificates they have.

Regular Health Checks and Client Assessments

The best home care agencies in Philadelphia touch base regularly with their clients. They communicate with the clients, caregivers, and family members to make sure they are aware of the care the client is receiving and can monitor and follow any health changes that the clients may be going through. By doing this, the best home care agencies in Philadelphia make sure to provide the right support for the clients as their needs change.

On-time Communication Services

The best home care agencies in Philadelphia that communicate with you are the ones that really care for you. The best agency should keep a daily record of the visits and take care of your requirements. They should be available 24/7 to answer any questions, comments, or concerns that a home care client has or their loved ones.

Disease-Specific Care to the clients

All elderly patients do not suffer from the same kind of disease or have the same needs. Thus, the treatment and support of different conditions or afflictions is not the same. The best home care in Philadelphia should provide a comprehensive array of services to help meet a client’s daily needs. Therefore, a home care agency with the solution, training, and knowledge to take on a variety of conditions and cases is not only more reliable but will also provide more effective care. Philadelphia home care agencies with diversified services to take care of patients with different types of diseases have a greater chance to gain trust and provide better care and services.

Flexible Schedules That Cater to Client’s Needs & Preferences

Good home care services provide a flexible schedule that suits your family’s needs and time. As the need changes, the schedule might also be modified. They might give you extra time depending upon your health and family condition without charging extra money. Such home care has dedicated workers who are always ready to serve their patients with the best solutions.

Solving Client Grievances/Complaints

An agency should understand your concerns and provide a legitimate solution. They may be related to the behavior of the caregiver or not receiving a visit for a long time. You can rely on the home health care services that solve your problem and make sure that they give no chance to complain at all. While providing Philadelphia home care solutions, listening to the grievance, concerns, and feedback of each client closely can lead to helping them in every way possible.

Overall Conduct of Caregivers

Home care should provide caregivers that are friendly, approachable, and caring. The Philadelphia home care staff should know your likes and dislikes. They should be caring, compassionate and concerned about your health. They should treat you with dignity and respect. It will help in maintaining a strong and friendly bond between the caregiver and the client.

Availability of Caregivers and Back-Up Coverage

The best home care agencies in Philadelphia provides services 24 hours a day. This includes shift coverage for days, nights, weekdays, weekends, holidays, etc. A client may need assistance at any point in time. Also, situations may come up which lead to coverage needs any time day or night. The best home care agencies in Philadelphia ensure that the staff is always available for the client’s well-being and thus, they are the sole caretakers of all the clients.

Proper Caregiver Screening Process

The best home care Philly agencies should do a background check and a thorough evaluation of all caregivers and staff. The caregivers should be honest and happy with their work. It should provide the best services to gain the trust of the people to rank their home care services #1. The home health aides/caregivers are classified in terms of their number of years of experience, nature of handling as well as their specialization in treating specific problems. Not only this, they will be interviewed to find out the traits of their personality and if they are fit to properly handle unexpected situations.

What is the best home care agency in Philadelphia for clients?

Chosen Family Home Care is the best home care agency . What makes Chosen Family Home Care the always best home care agency in Philadephia ? There are several things that Chosen Family Home Care agency simply just does better.

Caregivers. We have the best, most comprehensive pay and benefits packages for our caregivers and home health aides in Philadelphia. Wanna see how? Just look below at the best home care agencies for caregivers section and you’ll see why.

Customer Service and Support. We offer our clients regular support, communication, and professionalism. This leads to better client and patient outcomes, as well as a high level of customer service.

Training. Chosen Family Home Care has partnered up with CareBridge Academy to offer ALL of our eligible caregivers and home health aides free Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training after 6 months with the organization. We also offer ongoing and regular staff and caregiver trainings which aid in the support both our clients as well as caregivers need to be successful. What that means for our clients is that our caregivers are the best trained home health aides around and that leads to better care for the clients.

Professionalism. We are just going to come out and say it, Chosen Family Home Care is the most professional home care agency in Philadelphia . There are a lot of agencies out there in Philadelphia providing home care services. Unfortunately, many of these agencies are substandard and do not offer what agencies like Chosen Family Home Care have to offer. Professional agencies are not only more reputable, but they also attract more professional caregivers and employees. This helps give our clients peace of mind that they will always get the care and support they need while also dealing with professional caregivers and staff with integrity and pride every day.

Available staff. Many home care agencies do not have a sufficient volume of caregivers. This is due to a worker shortage for home health aides . Many home care agencies have to turn away cases because they don’t have staff to cover them. Even worse, many do not have adequate coverage or backup caregivers available when a caregiver calls out of their shift. However, Chosen Family Home Care has a large pool of caregivers to choose from. How is this possible? Because Chosen Family Home Care partners with CareBridge Academy , the largest CNA school in Philadelphia. That means that Chosen Family Home Care has a regular pool of highly trained and qualified home health aides in Philadelphia to help meet the needs of the client.

How do I get started with Chosen Family Home Care as a client, family member, or care professional?

You can start with Chosen Family Home Care today. If you have any questions you can call or text us at 267.457.4122 at any time. You can also fill out our online inquiry here. We are here to serve you as your needs fit.

What is the best home care agency in Philadelphia for caregivers and home health aides?

While the best caregiver for clients is a bit more subjective, the best Philly home care agencies for caregivers has a clear winner: Chosen Family Home Care . We detail here what makes Chosen Family Home Care the best when it comes to pay and benefits, and we willl explain below additional reasons which help land Chosen Family Home Care in the number one spot for caregivers in Philadelphia.

How do I get started with Chosen Family Home Care as a caregiver?

You can start with Chosen Family Home Care by applying today to work at Philadelphia’s best home care agency .

Have questions or want to know more? Call or text us at 267.457.4122 at any time. You can also fill out our online inquiry here.

The post Best Home Care Agencies in Philadelphia: A Guide appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Licensed Home Care Agency Near Me in Philadelphia: A Guide

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 17:56:00 GMT

Are you a resident of the Philadelphia area or suburban counties and looking for a licensed home care agency nearby? Read on to learn how to find a licensed homecare agency near me today! That includes local agencies that serve Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware counties such as Chosen Family Home Care .

Across Philadelphia, there are hundreds of home care agencies that provide home care assistance to seniors and disabled adults across greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, it is important to find home care agencies in Philly that are licensed. This guide helps you locate the list of home care agencies that exist across the Philly region who are in fact licensed.

Who licenses home care agencies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Home care agencies are licensed in the state of Pennsylvania by the PA Department of Health . Home care agencies in Philadelphia that are licensed by the state of PA are done initially and then must be renewed each and every year by the licensed and registered home care agency .

Who registers home care agencies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Home care agencies that are registered in Philadelphia are just another word for saying that the agency is licensed. However, if you are wondering about a home care registry, then those are also registered by the department of health in PA.

Is a home care license different from a home care accreditation?

Yes, a home care license, such as one obtained by Chosen Family Home Care , is different than a home care accreditation in Philadlephia . For example, Licensure is provided by a governmental authority (in this case the PA Department of Health) and includes some critieria that the homecare agency must reach to get the license. Accreditation is how facilities show their level of quality and commitment to being the best at what they do. For example, accreditations in home care might be done by one of the three accrediting bodies listed here. Those include the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc ., the Community Health Accreditation Program , and the Joint Commission.

Does a home care license mean that the home care agency is a good agency?

Not necessarily. A license does allow the home care agency to operate legally in the state of PA as a home care company . But it does not mean that the agency is a quality agency in Philadelphia. Chosen Family Home Care backs up their home care license by its committment to quality. This can be seen in our reviews as well as our accreditations.

Should I check and make sure that an agency I want to work with is licensed?

Definitely. A home care agency should not be operating without a PA state license. However, some agencies have been found to be operating without a license. Chosen Family Home Care , for example, is licensed, bonded, insured, and accredited in Pennsylvania as a home care agency .

Where can I search to see if my home care agency is licensed?

You can look up an agency’s home care licensing as well as any surveys at this website . Just go ahead and select “ home care ” for type of facility you are looking for. You can look up home care agencies in Philadelphia by the city, county, or with other search criteria.

What is the best licensed home care agency in Philadelphia?

Chosen Family Home Care is the best home care agency in Philadelphia . Don’t take our word for you, you can check out all of our reviews and client testimonials on Google. You can contact Chosen Family Home Care by text at 267.457.4122 or call at anytime. Also, you can contact us online or email us at info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com

Is Chosen Family Home Care a licensed home care agency that serves all of greater Philadelphia?

Chosen Family Home Care serves Chester, Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania.

The post Licensed Home Care Agency Near Me in Philadelphia: A Guide appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: A Guide For Seniors At Home

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 16:01:00 GMT

In this guide, we outline the basics of who the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is and the wonderful resources and what they do for older adults and seniors in Philadelphia, PA. This guide is brought to you by Chosen Family Home Care , a proud partner of seniors and older adults in need of home care in Philadelphia.

What is PCA (Philadelphia Corporation for Aging)?

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is the Philadelphia Area Agency on Aging, also known as an AAA. An Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a public nonprofit agency designated by a state to address the needs and concerns of all older persons at the regional and local levels.

For example, the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging only works in the Philadelphia region. Seniors and older adults that live in other Philadelphia counties include Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks county will need to contact their own Area Agency on Aging in those areas.

AAAs are primarily responsible for a geographic area, also known as a planning and service area (PSA), that is either a city, a single county, or a multi-county district. AAAs may be categorized as a county, city, regional planning council or council of governments, private, or nonprofit.

AAAs coordinate and offer services that help older adults remain in their homes, if that is their preference, aided by services such as home-delivered meals, homemaker assistance, and whatever else it may take to make independent living a viable option. By making a range of supports available, AAAs make it possible for older individuals to choose the services and living arrangements that suit them best.

How many seniors live in Philadelphia?

In total, there are 276,000 Philadelphia residents aged 60 years and older. This represents 19% of the total population of the city of Philadelphia. Among the senior and older adults population, 36% are aged 75 years and older, and 8% are age 85 and older. Both locally and nationwide, the aging population is growing.

What is the phone number for PCA (Philadelphia Corporation for Aging)?

The phone number for Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is (215) 765-9040.

What is the email address for PCA (Philadelphia Corporation for Aging)?

The email address for PCA is info@pcacares.org

What is the fax number for PCA (Philadelphia Corporation for Aging)?

The fax number for Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is 215-765-9066. You can fax any correspondence you need to for the PCA at 215-765-9066.

What services does PCA provide?

The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging offers some wonderful services for seniors and older adults in the Philadelphia, PA area.

What assistance is available for seniors at home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

The two primary sources of assistance for seniors and older adults in Philadelphia include the OLTL waiver program, also know as Community HealthChoices. Chosen Family Home Care works with this waiver program for older adults and seniors in Philadelphia. In addition, PCA offers many other services for seniors and older adults including legal services, senior centers, and community events and advocacy for the city’s elder population.

What is the PCA waiver program for senior home care services?

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is not under the waiver program. However, PCA does have a program that helps individuals get home care in the community for those in need. That program is called the OPTIONS program. You can find more about the state’s OPTIONS program here .

What is the PCA OPTIONS program?

If you are interested in the OPTIONS program in Philadelphia through the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, you can check it out here at PCA . Chosen Family Home Care is also here to help you find out more about the OPTIONS progam and other programs that may be a fit for seniors in Philadelphia including the Community HealthChoices waiver. Call or text us at 267.457.4122 for a free guide and information today or contact us here.

How can I learn more about the CHC waiver for home care services?

Chosen Family Home Care provides a variety of free resources to help you navigate free or discounted programs for home care services. These are home care services for seniors and older adults in Philadlephia, Pennsylvania. Read below for some great guides on how to get started with Medicaid waiver programs for home based services for seniors.

How do I sign up for Community HealthChoices waiver for home care services under medicaid waiver?

You can call, text or email Chosen Family Home Care at 267.457.4122 to get started today. If you prefer to email, the email address for Community HealthChoices waiver for seniors in Philadlephia is info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com. Finally, you can fill out our contact form as well to get your information guide on free home care services for seniors in Philadelphia today.

What home care agencies take the OPTIONS program?

You can contact PCA for a list of home care agencies that take the OPTIONS program. Chosen Family Home Care accepts the OPTIONS program through Philadelphia Corporation for Aging also!

Does PCA take referrals?

Yes, you can reach PCA at the email, phone number, or fax listed for PCA as noted above in this article. You can also contact Chosen Family Home Care at 267.457.4122 for more information about Philadelphia Corporation for Aging or to help you get started or answer any questions you may have.

The post Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: A Guide For Seniors At Home appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Home Care Agencies Near Me In North Philadelphia & North Broad Street

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 00:45:00 GMT

Want to find out which home care agencies are located in or serve seniors and clients in North Philadelphia? Read below to find the best home care agency in North Philadelphia, including the neighborhoods of Nicetown, Tioga, Olney, West Oak Lane, Allegheny/Strawberry Mansion, and others plus North Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore home health care. You will also find home care agencies around Temple University and Einstein hospital.

There are a variety of home care agencies that provide home care assistance to older adults as well as the disabled across greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This guide helps you locate the list of home care agencies that exist in North Philadelphia, including each of the surrounding home care agencies that serve North Philly neighborhoods. That way you can find caregivers and home health aides available right near where you live in North Philadelphia, including in Kensington and on Broad Stree in North Philly.

What services do home care agencies in North Philadelphia provide?

Traditional home care agencies and home health aide agencies are non-medical providers of care and provide companionship, personal care services, personal assistance services (PAS), and help with daily activities. For example, Chosen Family Home Care and other home care agencies in North Philadelphia offer a variety of caregiving support services, including:

A view of the Philadelphia skyline from N. Bancroft St. in the Glendale neighborhood of North Philadelphia.

What neighborhoods are located in North Philadelphia?

North Philadelphia home care agencies might be located in the following neighborhoods

What Zip Codes are in North Philly when searching home care agencies?

There are fifteen ZIP codes for North Philadelphia: 19120, 19121, 19122, 19123, 19125, 19126, 19130, 19132, 19133, 19134, 19137, 19138, 19140, 19141, and 19150.

What home care agencies are near me in North Philadelphia Pennsylvania?

Home care agencies in and around North Philadelphia include home care agencies and home health aides that are based in or near the Philadelphia zip codes of 19120, 19121, 19122, 19123, 19125, 19126, 19130, 19132, 19133, 19134, 19137, 19138, 19140, 19141, and 19150.

To find local home care agencies that have caregivers near me, you can simple go to google.com and look up “ home care agencies near me in zip code (insert zip code here)” if you are searching in the North Philly region. For example, you could search up “ home care agencies near me in zip code 19140” when searching for North Philly/Hunting Park home care agencies or search “ home care agencies near me in zip code 19141” when searching in Ogontz Philadelphia for home health aides. For example, Chosen Family Home Care is a local home care agency providing home health aides and caregivers across all of these neighborhoods. Chosen Family Home Care is also based right in North Philadelphia.

What home care agencies in North Philadelphia accept my Community HealthChoices medicaid plan?

If you need to find out if a home care agency takes your Community HealthChoices insurance plan, it is best to do a search on the Medicaid insurance plan under CHC that you are enrolled with. For example, if you are with Keystone First health plan you can find a home care agency that takes Keystone First by searching here . Click our links for PA Health and Wellness home care agency searches as well as finding home health aide agencies with UPMC .

What is the best home care agency near North Philly?

The best home care agency in North Philly is Chosen Family Home Care . Based right in Spring Garden, they are not only the top agency based on their service and support for clients, but also for caregivers. This includes home care agencies in zip codes 19121 (Brewerytown, Sharswood, Cecil B. Moore), home care agencies in 19124 (Juniata, Frankford), home health aide agencies in 19138, home health aides in 19121, HHAs in 19126, caregivers in 19130, family caregivers in 19132, or best home care agencies in 19134.

Chosen Family Home Care caregivers and home health aides earn an average of $15 per hour. Plus, they have a wide array of benefits that include health insurance, holiday pay, 401k with company, and vacation time. If you are searching for home care agencies near North Philadelphia , look no further. Plus, if you’re new to services or switch agencies with a client (family member receiving care or not), you may be eligible for a $500 sign on bonus paid within several weeks of starting. Contact or text 267.457.4122 for more details.

What home care agencies in North Philadelphia hire family members to be caregivers for family and loved ones?

Chosen Family Home Care proudly hires family members and loved ones to be caregivers. We not only are the highest paying agency in North Philly at $15 per hour average pay, but we also offer a great selection of benefits, training opportunities, and a professional and supportive leadership and administrative team. Chosen Family Home Care is based right in North Philadelphia in Spring Garden zip code 19123.

What home care agencies near North Philadelphia take the Medicaid waiver and Community HealthChoices?

Chosen Family Home Care also accepts the Medicaid waiver as well as Community HealthChoices . This is the health plan under Medicaid which pays for long term services including home care to eligible individuals. This includes the managed care organizations and health plans under Community HealthChoices such as Keystone First, PA Health and Wellness, and UPMC.

How do I get started with Chosen Family Home Care in North Philadelphia?

You can contact us via text or phone call at 267.457.4122 to get started. You can also email us at info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com or use our contact feature and we will make the process smooth and fast to get started.

The post Home Care Agencies Near Me In North Philadelphia & North Broad Street appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Home Care Agency Near Me In Germantown Philadelphia 19144 19138: A Guide

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 16:05:00 GMT

Want to find out about home care agencies located near the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania (19144 and 19138)? Read below to find the best home care agency in Germantown , Philadelphia.

There are many home care agencies that provide home care assistance to seniors and disabled adults across greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This guide helps you locate the list of home care agencies that exist in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia . That way you can find caregivers and home health aides available right where you live.

What services do home care agencies in Germantown provide?

Traditional home care agencies are non-medical providers of care and provide companionship, personal care services , and help with daily activities. For example, Chosen Family Home Care and other home care agencies in Germantown offer a variety of caregiving support services, including:

What home care agencies are near me in Germantown, Philadelphia Pennsylvania?

Home Care Agencies in Germantown 19144

Home care agencies near Germantown include home care agencies and home health aides that are based in or near the Philadelphia neighborhoods of Germantown , East Germantown Mount Airy, East Falls, as well as other local neighborhoods.

To find local home care agencies that have caregivers near me , you can simple go to google.com and look up “ home care agencies near me in zip code 19144” if you are searching in the Germantown neighborhood . Alternatively, you could search up “ home care agencies near me in zip code 19119” when searching in Mount Airy or search “home care agencies near me in zip code 19138” when searching in other parts of Germantown Philadelphia for home health aide agencies . For example, Chosen Family Home Care is a local home care agency providing home health aides and caregivers across all of these neighborhoods.

What is the best home care agency near Germantown, Philadelphia?

The best home care agency near Germantown in Philly is Chosen Family Home Care . They are not only the top agency based on their service and support for clients, but also for caregivers.

Chosen Family Home Care caregivers and home health aides earn an average of $15 per hour. Plus, they have a wide array of benefits that include health insurance, holiday pay, and vacation time. If you are searching for home care agencies near Germantown, look no further. Contact us by calling or texting 267.457.4122 or email us at info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com.

What home care agencies near Germantown hire family members to be caregivers for family and loved ones?

Chosen Family Home Care proudly hires family members and loved ones to be caregivers. We not only are the highest paying agency in Germantown 19144 and 19138 at $15 per hour average pay, but we also offer a great selection of benefits, training opportunities, and a professional and supportive leadership and administrative team. Check out all of our perks right here.

What home care agencies near Germantown take the Medicaid waiver and Community HealthChoices?

Chosen Family Home Care also accepts the Medicaid waiver as well as Community HealthChoices . This is the health plan under Medicaid which pays for long term services including home care to eligible individuals. This includes the managed care organizations and health plans under Community HealthChoices such as Keystone First, PA Health and Wellness, and UPMC.

How do I get started with Chosen Family Home Care?

You can contact us via text or phone call at 267.457.4122 to get started. You can also email us at info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com and we will make the process smooth and fast to get started.

The post Home Care Agency Near Me In Germantown Philadelphia 19144 19138: A Guide appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

What Home Care Agencies Pay Overtime To Caregivers?

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 14:19:00 GMT

Are you in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and looking to see if any home care agencies pay overtime? Read our guide below to find out what home care agencies pay overtime.

Who governs overtime pay in Pennsylvania?

Overtime pay is governed by regulations under the Department of Labor at the federal level . The state of Pennsylvania also has guidance on this a t the following link.

What happens if a home care agency does not pay overtime if I work over 40 hours a week?

The home care agency should be reported to the proper authorities. Links below are included below. Employees can receive back pay and unpaid wages, including caregivers and home health aides, for unpaid hours that should have been paid at overtime rates!

Are there consequences to home care agencies that do not pay overtime?

Yes, not paying overtime (time and a half) wages to caregivers is a direct violation of federal and Pennsylvania state labor laws. By failing to pay overtime, these agencies can face fines and back pay to all caregivers and home health aides that were not paid properly. You can find recent examples of this with home care agencies in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and around the state at these links .

How can I submit a complaint about home care agencies that did not properly pay me overtime?

There are several ways to do this. If it is in the city of Philadelphia, you can submit a wage theft complaint form at the following link . This can also be done at the state of Pennsylvania level. The forms as well as instructions to submit a wage complaint, including for unpaid caregiver overtime in Pennsylvania can be done so here.

Are there any instances in which a home health aide does not need to be paid overtime?

Yes, but only if a caregiver does not work for a home care agency. You can see at this article examples of this, which relates to an issue in which Bayada home care did not pay overtime wages and the case reached the supreme court. A main example in Pennsylvania would be if and when a person is employed direct as a service worker by an individual in a home. This does not include any time when an agency such as a Philadelphia home care agency employs caregivers.

Do home care agencies allow overtime for caregivers?

It depends on the situation. Some agencies will allow caregivers overtime only with prior approval and emergency situations. Many home care agencies have clients and caregivers that have a regular schedule that exceeds 40 hours per week. For example, a person receiving care for 56 hours per week may have only one caregiver or home health aide that they would like working for them. Often, these caregivers are family members or friends that are employed under the Medicaid waiver program and are with Community Health Choices insurance plans such as Keystone First or PA Health and Wellness. Some agencies will allow these caregivers to received overtime such as Chosen Family Home Care. Others will not allow this under any circumstances.

What Home Care Agencies Pay Overtime to Caregivers?

Hopefully, in emergency situations, all home care agencies will pay overtime or when an agency is short staffed.

For clients that receive home care hours through Community Health Choices or the Medicaid Waiver program, some agencies will allow clients with regularly scheduled hours that exceed 40 hours per week and only one caregiver to get overtime.

Chosen Family Home Care is Philadelphia’s top provider that allows and authorizes caregivers to receive in excess of 40 hours per week to get overtime paid and compensated. They have a unique and innovative model that can accommodate for clients in Philadelphia that receive over 40 hours per week. The agency is the best and highest paying agency in Philadelphia for caregivers for the following reasons:

Check out the Chosen Family Home Care careers page or contact the organization today to get started. You can even text us at 267.457.4122.

The post What Home Care Agencies Pay Overtime To Caregivers? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Home Care Agencies Near Me In West Philadelphia

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 17:30:00 GMT

Want to find out which home care agencies are located in or serve seniors and clients in West Philly? Read below to find the best home care agency in West Philadelphia, including the neighborhoods of Cobbs Creek, Spruce Hill, University City, and beyond.

There are a variety of home care agencies that provide home care assistance to older adults as well as the disabled across greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This guide helps you locate the list of home care agencies that exist in West Philadelphia, including each of the surrounding home care agencies that serve West Philly neighborhoods. That way you can find caregivers and home health aides available right near where you live in West Philadelphia, including in University City and Wynnefield in West Philly.

What services do home care agencies in West Philadelphia provide?

Traditional home care agencies and home health aide agencies are non-medical providers of care and provide companionship, personal care services, personal assistance services (PAS), and help with daily activities. For example, Chosen Family Home Care and other home care agencies in West Philadelphia offer a variety of caregiving support services, including:

What Zip Codes are in West Philly when searching home care agencies?

There are several zip codes that make up Northeast Philly, including:

19131- Wynnefield
19151- Overbrook
19139- Haddington
19104- University City
19145- Girard Estates
19143- Kingsessing
19142- Elmwood
19153

What home care agencies are near me in West Philadelphia Pennsylvania?

Home care agencies in and around West Philadelphia include home care agencies and home health aides that are based in or near the Philadelphia zip codes of 19131, 19151, 19139, 19104, 19145, 19143, 19142, and 19153.

To find local home care agencies that have caregivers near me, you can simple go to google.com and look up “ home care agencies near me in zip code (insert zip code here)” if you are searching in the West Philly region. For example, you could search up “ home care agencies near me in zip code 19104” when searching in University City home care agencies or search “ home care agencies near me in zip code 19145” when searching in Girard Estates Philadelphia for home health aides. For example, Chosen Family Home Care is a local home care agency providing home health aides and caregivers across all of these neighborhoods.

What home care agencies in West Philadelphia accept my Community HealthChoices medicaid plan?

What is the best home care agency near West Philly?

The best home care agency in West Philly is Chosen Family Home Care . They are not only the top agency based on their service and support for clients, but also for caregivers. This includes home care agencies in zip codes 19131, home care agencies in 19151, home health aide agencies in 19139, home health aides in 19104, HHAs in 19145, caregivers in 19143, family caregivers in 19142, or best home care agencies in 19153.

Chosen Family Home Care caregivers and home health aides earn an average of $15 per hour. Plus, they have a wide array of benefits that include health insurance, holiday pay, 401k with company, and vacation time. If you are searching for home care agencies near West Philadelphia , look no further. Plus, if you’re new to services or switch agencies with a client (family member receiving care or not), you may be eligible for a $500 sign on bonus paid within several weeks of starting. Contact 267.457.4122 for more details.

What home care agencies near West Philadelphia hire family members to be caregivers for family and loved ones?

Chosen Family Home Care proudly hires family members and loved ones to be caregivers. We not only are the highest paying agency in West Philly at $15 per hour average pay, but we also offer a great selection of benefits, training opportunities, and a professional and supportive leadership and administrative team.

What home care agencies near West Philadelphia take the Medicaid waiver and Community HealthChoices?

How do I get started with Chosen Family Home Care in West Philadelphia?

The post Home Care Agencies Near Me In West Philadelphia appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Northeast Philadelphia Home Care Agencies / Home Health Aide Caregivers Guide

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 17:11:00 GMT

Home care agency in Northeast Philadelphia.

Want to find out about home care agencies located near Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? Read below to find the best home care agency in Northeast Philadelphia, including the neighborhoods of Bustleton, Fox Chase, Pennypack Park, Rawnhurst, and Somertown.

There are a variety of home care agencies that provide home care assistance to seniors and disabled adults across greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This guide helps you locate the list of home care agencies that exist in Northeast Philadelphia, including each of the surrounding Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods. That way you can find caregivers and home health aides available right where you live in the Northeast, including the Near Northeast and Far Northeast of Philadelphia.

What services do home care agencies in Northeast Philadelphia provide?

Traditional home care agencies are non-medical providers of care and provide companionship, personal care services, and help with daily activities. For example, Chosen Family Home Care and other home care agencies in Northeast Philadelphia offer a variety of caregiving support services, including:

What Zip Codes are in Northeast Philly when searching home care agencies?

There are several zip codes that make up Northeast Philly, including:

19111 – Fox Chase/Burlhome

19115 – Bustleton

19116 – Somerton

19152 – Rhawnhurt/Bells Corner/Pennypack

19114 – Northeast/Torresdale

19149 – Mayfair

19154 – Parkwood

19136 – Holmesburg

What home care agencies are near me in Northeast Philadelphia Pennsylvania?

Home care agencies near Northeast Philadelphia include home care agencies and home health aides that are based in or near the Philadelphia neighborhoods of Fox Chase/Burlhome, Bustleton, Somerton, Rhawnhurt/Bells Corner/Pennypack, Northeast/Torresdale, Mayfair, Parkwood, Holmesburg, plus other local neighborhoods.

To find local home care agencies that have caregivers near me, you can simple go to google.com and look up “home care agencies near me in zip code (insert zip code here)” if you are searching in the Northeast neighborhood. Alternatively, you could search up “home care agencies near me in zip code 19111” when searching in Fox Chase or search “home care agencies near me in zip code 19115” when searching in Bustleton. For example, Chosen Family Home Care is a local home care agency providing home health aides and caregivers across all of these neighborhoods.

What is the best home care agency near Northeast Philadelphia?

The best home care agency near Northeast Philly is Chosen Family Home Care. They are not only the top agency based on their service and support for clients, but also for caregivers. This includes home care agencies in zip codes 19111, home care agencies in 19115, home health aide agencies in 19116, home health aides in 19152, HHAs in 19114, caregivers in 19149, family caregivers in 19154, or best home care agencies in 19136.

Chosen Family Home Care caregivers and home health aides earn an average of $15 per hour. Plus, they have a wide array of benefits that include health insurance, holiday pay, 401k with company, and vacation time. If you are searching for home care agencies near Northeast Philadelphia, look no further. Plus, if you’re new to services or switch agencies with a client (family member receiving care or not), you may be eligible for a $450 sign on bonus paid within 2 weeks. Contact 267.457.4122 for more details.

What home care agencies near Northeast Philadelphia hire family members to be caregivers for family and loved ones?

Chosen Family Home Care proudly hires family members and loved ones to be caregivers. We not only are the highest paying agency in NE Philly at $15 per hour average pay, but we also offer a great selection of benefits, training opportunities, and a professional and supportive leadership and administrative team.

What home care agencies near Northeast Philadelphia take the Medicaid waiver and Community HealthChoices?

Chosen Family Home Care also accepts the Medicaid waiver as well as Community HealthChoices. This is the health plan under Medicaid which pays for long term services including home care to eligible individuals. This includes the managed care organizations and health plans under Community HealthChoices such as Keystone First, PA Health and Wellness, and UPMC.

How do I get started with Chosen Family Home Care?

You can contact us via text or phone call at 267.457.4122 to get started. You can also email us at info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com and we will make the process smooth and fast to get started.

The post Northeast Philadelphia Home Care Agencies / Home Health Aide Caregivers Guide appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Home Care Agencies Near Me In Fishtown, Philadelphia 19125

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 14:14:00 GMT

Want to find out about home care agencies located near the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania (19125)? Read below to find the best home care agency in Fishtown , Philadelphia.

There are many home care agencies that provide home care assistance to seniors and disabled adults across greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This guide helps you locate the list of home care agencies that exist in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia . That way you can find caregivers and home health aides available right where you live.

What services do home care agencies in Fishtown provide?

Traditional home care agencies are non-medical providers of care and provide companionship, personal care services , and help with daily activities. For example, Chosen Family Home Care and other home care agencies in Fishtown offer a variety of caregiving support services, including:

What home care agencies are near me in Fishtown, Philadelphia Pennsylvania?

Home care agencies near Fishtown include home care agencies and home health aides that are based in or near the Philadelphia neighborhoods of Fishtown , Northern Liberties, Kensington, as well as other local neighborhoods.

To find local home care agencies that have caregivers near me, you can simple go to google.com and look up “home care agencies near me in zip code 19125” if you are searching in the Fishtown neighborhood. Alternatively, you could search up “home care agencies near me in zip code 19122” when searching in Kensington or search “home care agencies near me in zip code 19123” when searching in Northern Liberties. For example, Chosen Family Home Care is a local home care agency providing home health aides and caregivers across all of these neighborhoods.

What is the best home care agency near Fishtown, Philadelphia?

The best home care agency near Fishtown in Philly is Chosen Family Home Care . They are not only the top agency based on their service and support for clients, but also for caregivers.

Chosen Family Home Care caregivers and home health aides earn an average of $15 per hour . Plus, they have a wide array of benefits that include health insurance, holiday pay, and vacation time. If you are searching for home care agencies near Fishtown, look no further.

What home care agencies near Fishtown hire family members to be caregivers for family and loved ones?

Chosen Family Home Care proudly hires family members and loved ones to be caregivers. We not only are the highest paying agency in Fishtown at $15 per hour average pay, but we also offer a great selection of benefits, training opportunities, and a professional and supportive leadership and administrative team.

What home care agencies near Fishtown take the Medicaid waiver and Community HealthChoices?

How do I get started with Chosen Family Home Care?

You can contact us via text or phone call at 267.457.4122 to get started. You can also email us at info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com and we will make the process smooth and fast to get started.

The post Home Care Agencies Near Me In Fishtown, Philadelphia 19125 appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

What Home Care Agencies Don’t Require COVID Vaccines or Testing?

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 02:04:00 GMT

Are you a current caregiver or home health aide looking for a home health agency that does not require COVID vaccines or COVID testing ? We tell you about options for caregivers that want to find a home care agency that doesn’t require the COVID vaccine or regular testing in our newest post.

New regulations coming out by the Biden administration mandate healthcare companies, including home health aides, home care agencies, and home health agencies to require their employees and caregivers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. These regulations are expected to take effect on January 1, 2022. As a result, many caregivers that cannot or will not get vaccinated for whatever reason are wondering if there are other employment options out there.

Does the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine rule include all home care agencies and home health companies?

Many home care agencies are required to comply with the federal government orders that all healthcare workers must be vaccinated by January 1, 2022. This includes all home care agencies and caregivers that receive federal funding (IE, Medicare and Medicaid). However, there is one important exception to this. Home care agencies that employ less than 100 total employees (including caregivers, home health aides, direct care workers, and office staff) do not fall under the mandate. For example, Chosen Family Home Care does not have over 100 employees to they would be a company that is not required to comply with the vaccine mandate that all workers by fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022.

Who is responsible for enforcing the regulations that home care agency workers must get vaccinated by January 1?

The ruling is being put into place and enforced by Occupational Safety and Health Administration under the Labor Department, and applies to businesses with 100 or more employees.

However, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services also has its own requirements. All home health agencies must ensure that every staff member is vaccinated by January 4, 2022, regardless of their size.

Will my current home care agency fall under these regulations?

Perhaps. It is recommended that you ask your current home care agency or h ome health agency if they fall under these regulations and/or their current or future policy on COVID-19 vaccine requirements for caregivers. As you will see below, there is no exception available for family caregivers. The only way a caregiver can continue without being vaccinated is under a qualifying medical condition or a religious exemption.

Does that mean everyone working at a home care agency must be fully vaccinated per CMS rules?

Not necessarily. A home care agency , for example Chosen Family Home Care , is different from a home health agency per state and federal regulations . A home health agency provides skilled nursing services to members in the community, normally at their homes.

Are paid family caregivers required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 under the rules and regulations?

Yes, there is no exception for family caregivers under the new Biden policy that has come out which mandates that all employees must be fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022. The only way a paid family caregiver could continue to provide care to a family member and get paid under the Medicaid waiver is under the following scenario:

Chosen Family Home Care is a home care agency in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania that has fewer than 100 employees, is a home care agency , and has a policy that allows caregivers to be unvaccinated (assuming that their client and/or family member agrees to it). Therefore, Chosen Family Home Care is proud to employ family caregivers and home health aides, regardless of vaccination status .

What is Chosen Family Home Care’s policy on COVID vaccinations for its home health aides and caregivers?

Chosen Family Home Care does not and will not require all of its caregivers to be fully vaccinated against COVID. Chosen Family Home Care also is not required to ensure that all of its caregivers are vaccinated against COVID either. This is because the agency has fewer than 100 employees. Therefore, Chosen Family Home Care does not fall under the federal OSHA mandate that requires all caregivers and home health aides to be fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022.

Chosen Family Home Care is also classified as a home care agency and not a home health agency . While this term is often used interchangeably, it has very specific differences under state and federal regulations. Home care agencies provide caregivers that offer non-medical home care services such as personal care, assistance with activities of daily living, light housekeeping, meal preparation, etc. Home health agencies provide skilled care services such as nursing care, and often ALSO provide non-medical care services. Because of this classification, a home health agency would have to require all of its staff to be vaccinated, even those that work in non-medical and personal care such as its caregivers and home health aides.

Does Chosen Family Home Care support its caregivers getting vaccinated?

Absolutely. Chosen Family Home Care takes the health and wellness of all of our home health aides , family caregivers, and home care clients very seriously. Chosen Family Home Care has invested heavily in staff education on the COVID vaccine, prevention measures, and other training tools to help ensure the safety of all of our team members and clients.

However, Chosen Family Home Care has made the decision to not mandate that all of its caregivers get COVID vaccinated. This is because the agency believes that health matters are very personal and individuals are encouraged to make medical decisions on their own terms. As previously mentioned, our team of educators and nurses will continue to educate staff members on the importance of being COVID vaccinated to ensure both their own safety and the safety and well-being of our home care clients . In addition, to providing staff education to overcome vaccine hesitancy, Chosen Family Home Care is dedicated to encouraging that its staff members can be vaccinated by providing resources on vaccine testing sites, paid time off to receive the vaccine, as well as cash bonuses that encourage our caregivers and home health aides to be fully vaccinated.

What if a home care client wants a caregiver to be fully vaccinated at Chosen Family Home Care?

Once again, Chosen Family Home Care takes caregiver and client safety extremely seriously. Our management team has a roster of all staff members and their vaccination status which is updated on a daily basis. The organization goes to great lengths to ensure that clients who only want vaccinated caregivers and home health aides are always paired with a caregiver that is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Wil Chosen Family Home Care employ paid family caregivers and home health aides that are unvaccinated against COVID-19?

Yes, as previously discussed, Chosen Family Home Care proudly employs family caregivers, even if they are unvaccinated. Chosen Family Home Care has many procedures and processes in place to both minimize risk and promote the health and wellbeing of all staff members and clients

Does Chosen Family Home Care require regular testing of its unvaccinated caregivers?

Yes, as we previously discussed, Chosen Family Home Care takes the care of its employees and clients very seriously. As a result, all unvaccinated caregivers are subject to regular testing.

However, there is an important exception to this . Chosen Family Home Care does not require regular COVID testing in scenarios that both the home care paid family caregiver AND the client sign an agreement and waive this testing requirement.

In practice, this usually applies to paid family caregivers that do not want to be COVID vaccinated. Therefore, while we do require regular testing for unvaccinated caregivers, there is the ability for caregivers and their clients to opt-out of this testing requirement.

I am a caregiver (family or otherwise) and I would like to switch agencies to work with Chosen Family Home care. What is the process?

If you and your family member want to change agencies, the process is easy! You can call or text 267.457.4122 to get started right away. You could be a part of the Chosen Family Home Care team in as little as a few days.

Why would I want to work for Chosen Family Home Care?

There are so many reasons to work for Chosen Family Home Care ! Our industry leading pay guarantees all caregivers an average of $14 an hour. Add in weekly pay, great benefits, a highly professional work environment, and even the potential for free certified nurse aide training ! See our careers page for more details.

The post What Home Care Agencies Don’t Require COVID Vaccines or Testing? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

What Home Care Agencies Accept Medicaid?

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 01:53:00 GMT

Are you looking for a home care agency in Philadelphia that accepts Medicaid? We have comprehensive information on local Philadelphia, PA home care agencies that take Medicaid right here. This includes home health aide agencies that accept Community Health Choices, Keystone First, PA Health and Wellness, and UPMC.

There are many home care agencies that are located across the state of Pennsylvania. Right here in Philadelphia, a variety of agencies are available and open that take Medicaid. That is in addition to other home care agencies who might accept private pay, credit cards, or long term care insurance as payment here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Do Medicaid Home Care Agencies Charge Fees?

The cost of home health aide and caregiver programs in Philadelphia vary from one individual to the next, depending on what you have for insurance and what one’s plan covers. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, some or all of the cost of services from home health aide in Philadelphia caregiver services should be covered. If one is under a Medicaid waiver program, also known as Community Health Choices, you will be assigned a health plan such as Keystone First, PA Health and Wellness, or UPMC in the state of Pennsylvania. For those individuals, the cost of home care should be covered in full by the health plan in question.

Can a family member get hired and paid to care for a loved one?

Yes, the Medicaid waiver program does allow family caregivers in many situations to be cared for loved ones. Some family relationships include:

-A sibling (brother/sister) can get paid to care for another sibling (brother/sister)
-A parent (mother/father) can get paid to care for an adult child (18 or older)under Medicaid waiver
-A girlfriend/boyfriend can get paid to care for their girlfriend/boyfriend
-A child (son/daughter) can get paid to care for their parent (mother/father)
-A grandchild can get paid to care for their grandparents
-A family member can get paid to care for other family members including cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives

Family relationships that are specifically excluded from being paid to care for family members under the Medicaid program include
-A spouse cannot get paid to care for their spouse. For example, a husband cannot get paid to care for their wife, and a wife cannot get paid to care for their husband.

As you can see, in most cases, family members can get paid to care for their relatives or friends in a variety of circumstances. This is a great benefit of the Medicaid waiver program.
I am not currently on Medicaid or Medicaid Waiver, how do I start the process of getting approved for Medicaid?

For those not on Medicaid, we have a comprehensive guide that helps clients, caregivers, and their loved ones so they can try and qualify for Medicaid Waiver services. You can find that guide here. We are also glad to help assist you! You can email or call us at 267.457.4122.

Where Can I Find a Home Care Agency Near Me or a Home Health Aide Agency Near me?

One of the best ways to find a reputable home care agency or home health aide agency near me is by asking for recommendations from trusted community sources. Another option is to seek guidance, recommendations, or advice from your local Agency on Aging or through your local state Medicaid office. For example, the local Philadelphia Agency on Aging is PCA.

Please remember that if you are looking for home health care or home care through Medicare or Medicaid, make sure that you find a home health aide caregiver company in Philadelphia that accepts either or both insurances. In particular, if you are assigned to the Community Health Choices waiver under Keystone First, PA Health and Wellness, or UPMC, make sure that your agency is approved and contracted with the health plan in question.

Chosen Family Home Care is located right in central Philadelphia, so a caregiver or home health aide is never too far away.

What Home Care Agencies Near Me Accept Medicaid?

We make finding home health aides near me that take Medicaid easy. As we mentioned, Medicaid clients in Philadelphia are a part of Community Health Choices. This is the program that manages the Medicaid waiver program in Philadelphia.

Chosen Family Home Care is a 5 star rated and certified agency located in Philadelphia, PA. We not only are the best agency in the 5 county Philadelphia region, but we are also the highest paying agency. We offer our caregivers, including family caregivers, top home health aide pay at $15 per hour on average.

I have Community Health Choices. What Home Care Agencies Near Me Accept Community Health Choices Medicaid Waiver?

Community HealthChoices is the program under which Medicaid pays for home health aides and caregivers. This also includes paid family caregivers that care for their family. Under Community Health Choices, an individual will be assigned to one of three health plans. These are also called managed care organizations. In Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, those fall under three plans. In Philadelphia, PA, those three managed care plans under Community Health Choices include the following: PA Health and Wellness, UPMC, and Keystone First Community Health Choices. Keystone First Community Health Choices is called AmeriHealth Caritas outside of the Philadelphia, PA region.

What Home Care Agencies Near Me Accept Keystone First Community Health Choices Medicaid Waiver?

To find out which home health aide agencies take Keystone First Community Health Choices, the best place to look is the Keystone First provider search website. To find a home care agency, simply click on “Places by type” and then type in “home care agency.”

Fortunately, Chosen Family Home Care is a preferred provider of Keystone First Community Health Choices for home care agencies. We serve clients and family caregivers across all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the surrounding counties.

What Home Care Agencies Near Me Accept PA Health and Wellness Medicaid Waiver?

To find out which home health aide agencies take PA Health and Wellness Community Health Choices, the best place to look is the PA Health and Wellness provider search. To find a home care agency, start by putting in your location.

Then, select the current year. The network is then selected. In this case, the network is “PA LTSS.” Click to proceed, and then click on “Long term services and support.”

Finally, select “Home and community based services” and then select “In home supportive care” and then click “Search.”

Once again, Chosen Family Home Care is a preferred provider at PA Health and Wellness. Make your search easy by choosing the best home care agency in Philadelphia. Call us at 267.457.4122 to get started or make the switch to our agency today.

Why is Chosen Family Home Care the right home health aide agency for me in Philadelphia?

Chosen Family Home Care is a home health aide agency based in central Philadelphia that provides home health aides to local seniors or disabled adults in need. Chosen Family Home Care serves the following counties both in and outside of Philadelphia: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and of course Philadelphia county. Chosen Family Home Care accepts all major Medicaid health plans in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, including UPMC, Keystone First, and PA Health and Wellness.

Is Chosen Family Home Care A Philadelphia Home Care Agency That Pays High?

Yes, Chosen Family Home Care is the only home care agency in all of Philadelphia county that provides a $15 an hour average for all of its caregivers. Not to mention that, the Philadelphia home care agency that accepts Medicaid (Chosen Family Home Care) offers a variety of other benefits:

-Weekly pay
-Paid vacation and time off
-401k
-Healthcare coverage options
-Allowed overtime
-Free CNA training for eligible caregivers!

Does Chosen Family Home Care offer caregiver training or home health aide training?

Yes. Chosen Family Home Care does offer free and paid caregiver training for home health aides. In fact, some of our caregivers even qualify for free CNA training to be nursing assistants! This is done through our partner program at Care Bridge Academy .

How can I get started by either starting home health aide services with Chosen Family Home Care or by switching agencies to them?

It’s easy! Get started right away by just calling or texting Chosen Family Home Care at 267.457.4122 or emailing us at info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com.

The post What Home Care Agencies Accept Medicaid? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Private Caregivers Near Me: Help Find Independent Caregivers Here

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:07:00 GMT

Do you need help finding a private caregiver ? We offer the most comprehensive guide to help you recruit and hire private caregivers . Plus, we show you alternate ways that you can help get caregivers, including the pros and cons of using a home care agency . Finally, greater Philadelphia and Pennsylvania state resources are discussed and presented.

Many families and their senior loved ones that are ready to search for and hire caregivers must evaluate and consider the pros and cons of different options. Often, individuals will use the services of a home care agency or home health company to oversee and manage the caregiving process in full. Alternatively, some disabled adults or seniors in need of a caregiver will hire their own private caregivers .

Each has very distinct pros and cons. By hiring private caregivers , families will ultimately find the lowest cost option available. They will save, on a per hour basis, around 30 to 40 percent over the cost of a home care agency service. However, they will need to factor in additional costs like taxes, payroll, worker’s compensation, and/or insurance.

A home care agency , above all else, provides a huge convenience to the caregiver process. In addition to including all of associated expenses and liabilities mentioned, there will be other factors that make the process easier and more straightforward. Home care agencies like Chosen Family Home Care will help recruit and properly screen all caregivers, including background checks and employment history. Plus, they can deal with caregiver and personnel issues that might come up and need to be addressed through proper supervision. Finally, if a caregiver is sick or unavailable, they can arrange or will have in place backup services to make sure that there are no service interruptions.

In any case, we help you determine what is the right course of action. We discuss the option of hiring your own private caregiver or home health aide as a family. Plus, we present the option of using a home care agency . Finally, we discuss a third approach of hiring home care workers privately with business support in different capacities such as hiring, supervising, training, and tax and payroll compliance. This approach can support the independence and cost savings of hiring your own caregivers with the added advantage of personalized caregiver and family support where it is needed.

Steps to finding and using private caregivers

Some families may decide that the cost benefits of hiring private caregivers outweighs the use of a h ome care agency . There are several options and processes of options for finding, recruiting, and hiring private caregivers in the state of Pennsylvania as well as Philadelphia. We discuss those below.

Finding and hiring a private caregiver

If you already know which schedule you want and are prepared to seek out and hire a caregiver , you can go to a job posting website such as Indeed and create a profile as an employer .

You could use the job description example that we created and modify it for a job posting to be used in your quest to search for hiring a caregiver . We recommend having your job description reviewed and written in advance. This can help to determine what the needs and expectations of a caregiver are in advance.

Indeed.com is by far the most popular search tool for jobs, but other options include Craigslist, Monster, and LinkedIn. Our hiring guide for caregivers provides good insight to where caregivers and home health aides go to search for and find employment.

Determining a pay rate to pay your caregiver or home health aide

See our guide to how much caregivers mak e as a starting point in thinking about what to pay a caregiver .

There is one caveat to this information. This is what individuals get paid as an average from established home care agencies . These agencies may be able to offer things that individuals cannot, like paid vacation, medical and dental insurance, and other benefits like a retirement plan. Because of this, private families will generally need to offer a higher starting pay rate than the average listed.

Other articles you may be interested in:

In addition, if you are looking for caregivers part time or offering inconsistent hours, you may also need to offer a higher starting salary to attract qualified caregivers .

Finally, c aregivers and home health aides are some of the fastest growing jobs in America . Plus, many companies are already facing a shortage of caregivers. This could make it difficult for families and seniors that are looking to hire caregivers and should keep this in mind when considering hiring caregivers independently.

Selecting and hiring a caregiver

Next you will need to find a caregiver to hire. Whether you hire from a job board or from a referral, your process should be the same.

If reviewing resumes, make sure to start by ensuring that they meet whatever qualifications you have set out initially, like a previous home health aide or CNA certification , high school diploma, or required level of experience. Be sure to look at the resume not just for grammatical errors, but consider short or inconsistent work histories as well as gaps in employment. While these certainly shouldn’t disqualify a caregiver, it would be beneficial to ask caregivers about them.

We recommend starting with a brief phone screen with potential candidates before proceeding with an in person interview. This can help make sure you are both on the same page as far as pay, job expectations, and that you are both on the same page with what you can offer to each other. While a phone screen can bring a variety of topics and comprehensiveness, consider at least the following:

Move on with a face to face interview either in person or virtually via programs like Skype and Zoom . Have a set of questions ready such as the ones listed here. If possible, have the interested candidates meet with the person or persons they will ultimately be caring for. This can help determine if there is a personality fit as well as a fit based on experience and qualifications.

Don’t skip or skimp on the caregiver background check

A background check will usually incorporate some or all of the following:

Not all of the above may be necessary, but in any case we strongly recommend being as thorough as possible. Remember, these individuals will be spending a large portion of time in one’s home or residence and are often working with vulnerable populations like seniors, children, or the disabled. Chosen Family Home Care does comprehensive background checks as well as monthly screenings for all of its caregivers, for example.

Have a caregiver or home health aide work or employment contract in place

When you have found a caregiver or home health aide to hire, you will need a job or employment contract signed and put into place. This agreement should be written and documented while including the following:

The caregiver contract is vital and an important way to protect individuals as the employer in the event that issues or concerns come up. For live-in caregivers, we found an excellent contract here that can be used or edited to your liking. Another example of an independent caregiver contract agreement can be found here . Make sure two copies are signed with one party each getting a copy (the hiring employer and the caregiver).

Legal and other considerations

Be sure to follow the following steps to ensure that you are set up on the right foot:

Employer Identification Number

Complete your Employer Identification Number (EIN). You may also see this referred to as the FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number). The EIN or FEIN is a nine-digit identification number one obtains from the IRS. You will need this number to file both the IRS as well as other tax forms for the employee. Many employers are often required to list their EIN as a part of other forms and documents. That’s why it’s a good idea to do this step first.

State employer withholding

Register with the state of Pennsylvania employer withholding. If you are looking for a different state, just google search your state name and “employer withholding”. Note that not all states have employee taxes.

Workers Compensation Insurance

Worker’s compensation insurance is a must for hiring any employee or independent contract. Worker’s compensation insurance offers protection for both the employer and employee if an injury occurs. This type of insurance can help cover medical bills or lost wages as a result of an injury. In most states, including Pennsylvania, this is a requirement.

In Pennsylvania, with only one employee, the only way you can get worker’s compensation is through the State Workers Insurance Fund (SWIF). Worker’s compensation insurance can be expensive. This link can help you understand costs. The rate for all employees can be found here . For example, most independent caregivers will likely be classified as 0943 Home Care Services . This has a premium of $5.77 per $100 in salary and a minimum premium of $1726. So, for example, if you hire a caregiver who earns $35,000 per year, the premium will be $2019.50 (calculated at 35,000 x 0.0577). If you hire a caregiver who earns $20,000 per year, the premium will be $1726, which is the minimum amount to be charged. This is because the premium would be $1154, but this amount is less than the minimum premium amount of $1726. Therefore, a caregiver or home health aide premium amount in this case will be the $1726 minimum.

Complete and file the USCIS I-9 form

This form, as found here, is a document which checks an employee’s immigration status and employment eligibility. This is done to ensure that one is eligible for employment in the U.S. In other words, it confirms that they are a U.S. Citizen or a legal alien. It is a required form and it must be completed prior to or on the employee’s first day of work. Plus, it also must be kept and stored in the employee’s files.

Employee fills out the state W-4

This form is simply the Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate . It is put into place by the IRS. The W-4 dictates how much federal income tax should be withheld from an employee’s paycheck. A W-4 must be completed and submitted prior to the first pay period.. Note, household employees, such as private caregivers , are not required to have federal income tax withheld from their paychecks. However, they may do so if they wish. To assist one in determining how much federal income tax they would like deducted, click here.

Report the newly hired caregiver to the state of record

You can report the caregiver or home health aide to the state of Pennsylvania here. Each state may have its own distinct requirements.

Continued employer responsibilities of hired caregivers and home health aides

There are many other responsibilities that the employer will need to consider when they hire their own private caregiver . We could go into great detail about them, but be sure to consider the following as continued commitments. Among them include some of these responsibilities:

Balancing the cost savings of hiring caregivers privately versus other options

Are you looking for a caregiver ? We can offer not just one but two innovative options to help fit your budget when it comes to hiring a caregiver .

Home care agency services

As we discussed earlier, one of the options is to hire the services of a home care agency, such as Chosen Family Home Care . Based in Philadelphia, Chosen Family Home Care is licensed and can offer c aregiver and home health aide services across the state of Pennsylvania.

Home care services can be a major expense, as we discuss in our guide on the cost of home care services in the state of Pennsylvania .

However, Chosen Family Home Care is the only home health provider in the state of Pennsylvania that publishes their rates online . We make our rates visible because we are not only committed to being transparent but also we deliver on our commitment of being the lowest cost and most affordable home care service provider in the entire state of Pennsylvania. Our rates start at only $20 an hour!

Because our rates are so low, it makes the need to hire caregivers privately less compelling. However, we do offer another great service for families that want to hire family caregivers for seniors and disabled loved ones.

Support and consulting services to for independently hired caregivers

Chosen Family Home Care offers so much more than home care agency services . We utilize our expertise to help families that have caregiver needs in a variety of other ways. These services are specifically designed for families and individuals that hire caregivers independently and privately as we discussed in this article.

We can provide a wide array of services that are specifically intended to help you reap the benefits and cost savings of hiring caregivers privately while offering you a tailored and personalized plan based on helping you meet your needs as a family employer. These services can include a variety of support options. Some tailored ways we can assist you to hire or ensure compliance include one or more of the following:

A one stop shop for your home care or caregiver needs

As you can see, Chosen Family Home Care offers a variety of services that can help you with caregiver support. From comprehensive home care agency services to independently tailored support for privately hired caregivers and compliance service, we can meet whatever your needs are.

Contact us now and get started with your free consultation, or with any questions at all you may have . One of our team members can help you determine what can best fit your needs and budget, or the needs of the individual that requires care and support.

The post Private Caregivers Near Me: Help Find Independent Caregivers Here appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

PA IEB Phone Number and Contact Info for Maximus

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 04:01:00 GMT

Looking for the phone number and contact information for the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) or Maximus? Find it right here in our newest post as well as other PA Medicaid waiver and home care resources.

Who is the PA Independent Enrollment Broker?

The PA IEB, or Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker is contracted by the state of Pennsylvania. They are an intermediary that facilitates enrollment and eligibility for CHC. This is for interested individuals that are seeking services under the Community Health Choices Pennsylvania waiver programs. The PA IEB is managed and run by Maximus, a private company hired by the state of Pennsylvania.

Does the PA IEB oversee the process of getting set up for Medicaid waiver services in Pennsylvania?

Yes. They will facilitate much of the process. Apart from applying for Medicaid through Compass, an individual should call and consult with the PA IEB to begin the steps to apply for services and set the process in motion.

Other Medicaid waiver articles you might like:

Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker Contact Information

What is the phone number for the PA IEB?

The Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker’s phone number is 1-877-550-4227.

Does the PA IEB have a fax number? What is the PA Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) fax number?

Yes. If you need to fax information to the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker, you can fax them at 1-888-349-0264. This can be done if you have application information to send into Maximus, for example

Can I email the PA IEB? If so, what is the Independent Enrollment Broker’s email contact information?

Yes. You can email any information to the PA IEB at paieb@maximus.com . For example, if you have your completed application, this can be emailed to the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker at paieb@maximus.com .

What other Medicaid waiver resources are available?

You can find a variety of resources, like help getting set up for Medicaid waiver , to choosing the right home care provider , and comparing CHC health plans like Keystone First, UPMC, and PA Health and Wellness. Chosen Family Home Care is a home care services provider and home care agency that can help you with any questions along the way. You can contact us with any questions about the process or if you need help selecting a home care agency.

The Chosen Family Home Care Difference

Chosen Family Home Care is a caring and supportive provider of home care services for seniors and disabled adults across Pennsylvania and throughout the greater Philadelphia area. We can help you get set up with the right mix of services and supports to keep you independent at home. Plus, we can hire family caregivers or find a qualified and compassionate caregiver to meet your needs. We are the top paying home care agency in Philadelphia and we also offer many other benefits .

Family caregivers benefit by getting the best pay possible, and senior and disabled care recipients get peace of mind by knowing that we can recruit and hire the best caregivers across the state of Pennsylvania. Reach out to us now to select us as your home care agency provider today.

The post PA IEB Phone Number and Contact Info for Maximus appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Recibir pago como cuidadador familiar en Pensilvania

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 17:41:00 GMT

Conozca cómo el innovador programa de Medicaid waiver de Pensilvania puede reducir la carga financiera del cuidado familiar. Lea más para ver cómo algunos miembros de la familia pueden ser elegibles para ser compensados por ofrecer apoyo práctico a sus seres queridos, además de obtener una consulta gratuita hoy.

Ofrecer asistencia para el cuidado de un familiar o ser querido es una de las cosas más gratificantes que puede realizar. Tiene la oportunidad de asegurarse de que reciban la mejor atención de calidad posible. Después de todo, pocos pueden ofrecer el mismo nivel de compasión, apoyo y amor que un miembro de la familia o un ser querido. Además, brinda la oportunidad de pasar tiempo de calidad con su ser querido.

Además, no tendrá que preocuparse por extraños que puedan no ser tan comprensivos, cariñosos y atentos con su ser querido cuando se convierta en el cuidador principal. Si bien hay muchos cuidadores comprensivos, altamente capacitados y compasivos, es posible que eso no sea suficiente para que su ser querido se sienta cómodo o relajado como lo puede hacer un cuidador conocido.

Impacto del cuidado familiar

Según un informe reciente de la AARP, el cuidado familiar afecta los gastos de bolsillo en Estados Unidos de varias maneras:

Debido a los efectos que el cuidado familiar puede tener económicamente en una familia, varios programas pueden ofrecer apoyo financiero a los seres queridos que actúan como cuidadores.

Los cuidadores familiares reciben una compensación por su apoyo

El programa más común que paga a los seres queridos por la prestación de cuidados es un programa de opción de Medicaid conocido como Medicaid Waivers. Estas waivers también se refieren a waivers de Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), 1915 (c) waivers o incluso section 1115 waivers. Los waivers, bajo amplias pautas federales, permiten que los estados paguen por ciertos servicios de apoyo y atención para las personas que residen fuera de las instalaciones de atención a largo plazo, como hogares de ancianos o vida asistida.

En la mayoría de los casos, pagan el cuidado personal (que es un cuidado que brinda asistencia directa con las actividades de la vida diaria, como bañarse, vestirse y trasladarse) más los servicios domésticos que se ofrecen a los adultos mayores o personas discapacitadas que viven en sus propios hogares hogares de seres queridos o familiares.

¿El estado de Pensilvania le puede pagar por cuidar a un ser querido o familiar?

La respuesta corta es sí. Un cuidador podría ser elegible para recibir pagos a través de varios programas y planes.

Seguro de cuidado a largo plazo y cuidado familiar pagado por VA

Los miembros de la familia elegibles pueden recibir pagos a través de una póliza de seguro de atención a largo plazo o con un programa de Veterans Affairs. Si usted o un miembro de su familia tiene seguro de cuidado a largo plazo (long term care insurance) o beneficios de VA, ¡contáctenos aquí para una consulta gratuita! Podemos ayudarlo a determinar la elegibilidad para que le paguen por el cuidado familiar.

Cuidar a un ser querido a través de PA Medicaid y Community HealthChoices

En el resto de este artículo, nos referiremos al programa de Medicaid waiver de PA que brinda esta oportunidad a través de proveedores de servicios basados en el hogar y la comunidad (HCBS).

La waiver de Pensilvania es el término general para las 10 waivers de servicios de apoyo proporcionadas por el estado . En esta guía, nos referiremos específicamente a la waiver de Community HealthChoices , conocida como CHC. Esta waiver en particular es nueva y es la combinación de tres programas de waivers anteriores: aging waiver, attendant care waiver/ Act 150 y independence waiver.

Planes de salud de Medicaid waiver Community HealthChoices (CHC)

CHC es un programa de atención administrada de Medicaid. Existe para las personas que tengan 21 años de edad o más y que son elegibles para ambos Medicaid y Medicare. Además, estas personas deben requerir un cierto nivel de asistencia que discutimos a continuación.

En el estado de Pensilvania, Medicaid de atención administrada es administrado por una de las tres compañías de seguros de salud privadas . Estas empresas son contratadas por el estado para administrar los servicios de CHC que se brindan a los participantes del programa. Estos incluyen Amerihealth Caritas (llamada Keystone First en Filadelfia), UPMC y PA Health and Wellness .

¿Pennsylvania permite que los miembros de la familia sean cuidadores y se les pague renumeración a través de Medicaid?

Si. Cada estado tiene regulaciones diferentes y algunos no permitirán que los cuidadores familiares pagados a través del programa de Medical Assistance . Afortunadamente, Pensilvania reconoce los beneficios económicos y para la salud que pueden derivarse de que un ser querido cuide a un miembro de la familia. Las ventajas incluyen el potencial para mejorar la atención y el apoyo a través de una mayor familiaridad y comodidad que vienen con un ser querido que brinda atención directamente.

¿El Medicaid waiver y / o el estado de Pensilvania paga directamente a los cuidadores familiares?

No. Un cuidador familiar aprobado es contratado por una agencia de atención domiciliaria, como Chosen Family Home Care . Cuando se contrata al familiar, se convierte en empleado habitual de la empresa. Luego, serán tratados como cualquier otro empleado de la organización y recibirán cheques de pago regulares, además de beneficios si una agencia de atención domiciliaria los ofrece. Lea todo sobre por qué Chosen Family Home Care es un excelente lugar para trabajar .

¡Siga a Chosen Family Home Care en Facebook e Instagram y no se pierda una actualización!

¿Cómo puedo comenzar con mi ser querido o yo?

Para comenzar, el paciente en cuestión deberá calificar para el programa de Medicaid waiver a través de la Office of Long Term Living ( OLTL ). Administran programas de Medical Assistance que brindan servicios y apoyos a largo plazo a personas mayores de Pensilvania y adultos con discapacidades. Este es el programa que proporciona compensación a los proveedores de atención, incluidas las agencias de atención domiciliaria y los cuidadores empleados por ellos.

La guía de inscripción de Chosen Family Home Care es un proceso paso a paso que lo guía a través del proceso de inscripción. La guía describe los pasos en detalle para inscribirse en el programa de waiver.

Esta guía es su mejor recurso, pero su primer paso es comenzar con una llamada telefónica al agente de inscripción de Pensilvania (PA Independent Enrollment Broker).

¿Qué hace el Agente de inscripción independiente de Pensilvania?

El Agente de inscripción independiente es contratado por el estado de Pensilvania. Son un intermediario que facilita la inscripción y la elegibilidad para CHC. Esto es para personas interesadas que buscan servicios bajo los programas de waiver de Community HealthChoices Pennsylvania. Conocido como PA IEB , puede comunicarse con ellos al 877-550-4227 durante el horario comercial normal.

Cumplir con los criterios de elegibilidad para miembros de la familia que lo necesiten

Los participantes del programa deben cumplir con los requisitos de elegibilidad tanto financieros como funcionales para calificar para los servicios. Nuestra Guía para principiantes sobre el uso del programa de waiver de Pennsylvania para el cuidado en el hogar proporciona una descripción general detallada y completa. Demuestra cómo calificar para el programa y qué pasos son necesarios para inscribirse.

Certificación médica y elegibilidad funcional

Una parte importante del proceso de elegibilidad funcional es la certificación del médico. Un médico debe certificar que el individuo en cuestión tiene una condición que resulta en la necesidad de servicios y apoyos a largo plazo.

La certificación no es suficiente para garantizar la inscripción o para garantizar una determinada cantidad de horas de soporte. Sin embargo, es una parte importante del paso que puede ayudar a las personas a calificar para estos servicios. También es un requisito. Puede ver cómo se ve la certificación del médico aquí.

Tener una discapacidad diagnosticada tampoco es suficiente para ser funcionalmente elegible. La discapacidad debe resultar en la incapacidad de la persona para realizar algunas actividades de la vida diaria.

Por ejemplo, si alguien tiene una lesión cerebral traumática, la lesión debe evitar que se bañe, vaya al baño, se transfiera o realice otras ADL para que sea elegible.

Además de la certificación del médico, un asesor capacitado completará la determinación de elegibilidad funcional.

Elegibilidad financiera

Para recibir servicios financiados con fondos públicos, la persona debe cumplir con los requisitos de ingresos y / o activos. El County Assistance Office (CAO) local determina la elegibilidad financiera. Puede encontrar los requisitos de elegibilidad financiera actuales enumerados en el documento aquí . El participante debe completar formularios y proporcionar documentación financiera para procesar la solicitud.

Elegibilidad del programa

Otro paso es determinar qué programa se adapta mejor al participante en función de sus determinaciones médicas y funcionales. El IEB dirigirá a las personas a los programas en los que se consideren elegibles.

Inscripción

Si una persona es elegible en función de su capacidad funcional, situación financiera y a través de un programa relevante, entonces se inscribe en un programa.

Elegir un proveedor de atención domiciliaria (Home care agency)

Una vez que el programa de waiver estatal aprueba al participante, puede elegir una agencia de atención domiciliaria que permita el empleo de miembros de la familia. Asegúrese de encontrar una agencia que ofrezca capacitación y desarrollo integral para garantizar que pueda brindar atención de alta calidad a su ser querido. Esta formación permite a los seres queridos prosperar y vivir de la forma más independiente posible. Chosen Family ofrece muchas oportunidades de capacitación, desarrollo y tutoría para los cuidadores y se enorgullece de emplear a los cuidadores familiares como parte de nuestro equipo.

¿Medicare paga a los cuidadores familiares para que brinden apoyo de atención domiciliaria?

Medicare es un plan de cobertura de seguro médico del gobierno para adultos mayores de 65 años o más. Medicare no pagará los servicios de atención a largo plazo , como el apoyo para la atención en el hogar y los servicios diurnos para adultos. De hecho, esto es cierto independientemente de si los servicios son proporcionados por un trabajador de atención directa o un miembro de la familia.

Esta guía describe los costos de atención médica y analiza en mayor detalle la cobertura del seguro y las opciones de pago para los servicios de atención domiciliaria. En algunos casos, sin embargo, las familias que brindan cuidados pueden recibir ayuda económica. Estos incluyen cuidados de relevo.

Otro ejemplo incluye el alivio por comprar ciertos bienes y servicios. A veces, algunos programas pueden pagar por el cuidado, generalmente en casos limitados. Como regla general, no se puede contar con Medicare para los servicios de atención a largo plazo, como la atención domiciliaria. Sin embargo, pueden proporcionar opciones a corto plazo, pero solo en casos raros y limitados. Revise su póliza y hable con un especialista de Medicare para obtener más información.

¿Existen restricciones sobre qué miembros de la familia u otras personas pueden y no pueden proporcionar servicios de atención domiciliaria?

Sí, existen restricciones. Específicamente, un cónyuge (esposo o esposa) o tutor legal no puede brindar servicios de atención domiciliaria y recibir pagos a través del programa estatal de Medicaid waiver. Los cónyuges solo pueden proporcionar apoyo informal, es decir, apoyo no remunerado. Además, las restricciones no permiten que las personas que tienen un poder notarial (Power of Attorney, o POA) sobre el destinatario de la atención sean también cuidadores compensados.

¿Cuánto paga Medicaid a los cuidadores?

Medicaid tiene tarifas de reembolso fijas que pagan a las agencias de atención domiciliaria por la atención directa brindada. En última instancia, este pago dicta la compensación que las empresas pueden proporcionar a los cuidadores, incluidos los miembros de la familia, a quienes necesitan servicios de atención domiciliaria.

Por lo tanto, el pago de un cuidador familiar está limitado por el reembolso que reciben las agencias de atención domiciliaria. Esta tarifa es la que permite el estado de Pensilvania por cada hora de servicio de atención domiciliaria que se administra a través de Community HealthChoices.

Debido a que todas las agencias de atención domiciliaria que pagan a los cuidadores familiares a través de el Medicaid waiver reciben el mismo pago, existe un pequeño rango que los cuidadores encontrarán en su pago por hora. Como resultado, se espera que el pago de los cuidadores en el área metropolitana de Filadelfia y el valle de Delaware se sitúe entre $ 10 y $ 14 por hora de atención brindada. Las empresas y sus paquetes de beneficios variarán enormemente.

Por lo tanto, será importante tenerlo en cuenta al evaluar a los proveedores de atención domiciliaria . No olvide considerar también los beneficios adicionales. Por ejemplo, las oportunidades de formación continua, la cultura de la empresa y otras ventajas específicas de cada organización pueden ser parte del paquete de una empresa. ¡Consulte nuestra guía de las agencias de atención domiciliaria mejor pagadas en Filadelfia aquí mismo!

¿Por qué Chosen Family Home Care es una buena opción para los cuidadores familiares?

Chosen Family Home Care es la principal agencia de atención domiciliaria en Filadelfia y sus alrededores. Ofrecemos a todos los cuidadores un salario alto, un bono de inicio de sesión y toneladas de beneficios. Chosen Family Home Care también es transparente sobre todo lo que podemos proporcionar a nuestros cuidadores familiares. Beneficios incluidos:

Lea nuestra página de carreras para obtener más información y cómo postularse.

Comuníquese con Chosen Family Home Care hoy para obtener ayuda para comenzar

Es posible que necesite ayuda para recorrer el proceso de solicitud de waiver y de Medicaid, comprender y determinar si su ser querido necesita ayuda o ayuda para cambiar de proveedor de atención domiciliaria. Si es así, escríbanos, envíenos un mensaje de texto o llámenos ahora . Chosen Family Home Care puede proporcionar una evaluación y revisión integrales de su situación y la de su ser querido. Sin complicaciones, sin obligaciones y es gratis.

Lea más de nuestras ideas y síganos en Instagram y Facebook . Le proporcionamos recursos y consejos gratuitos para mejorar la salud y la calidad de vida de su ser querido y de los cuidadores.

The post Recibir pago como cuidadador familiar en Pensilvania appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

What is the lowest cost & most affordable home care provider in Pennsylvania?

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 19:12:00 GMT

Are you looking for great home care or respite care support without paying expensive home care fees? We outline the cheapest and most affordable home care agency across Pennsylvania and in the greater Philadelphia area in our newest post. Plus, we give a full and transparent breakdown of home care costs.

There is huge demand for home care services . Seniors are a growing population, and with that comes an increasing need for senior support in the home. Several barriers exist that make home care access challenging though.

Insurance coverage for home care and respite

Limited options exist for home care senior support coverage . In fact, most home care services are paid for through private pay (or private duty) care. That means that the full cost of home care services are paid out of pocket. Find our guide to private pay home care here.

Otherwise, much of home care support comes from individuals that qualify for Medicaid waiver services as well those on long term care insurance. We detail the Medicaid waiver program in Pennsylvania as well as the for individuals seeking or that already have long term care insurance .

Paying out of pocket for senior home care

Since a large majority of home health services are ultimately paid for privately, cost is a major consideration for families and loved ones that want to get started with caregiver support.

We break down the average cost of home care assistance in greater Philadelphia as well as across Pennsylvania below. For greater detail and more information, please reference our full guide “How much does home care cost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?”

In greater Philadelphia, home care costs average $24 per hour, according to retirementliving.com. Philadelphia has higher rates than the average Pennsylvania state cost. Across Pennsylvania, you’ll find a home care cost average of $22.63 per hour. Pennsylvania as a state ranks just above the national average of $22 per hour for home care costs . Below, we show a graph comparing home care costs .

Balancing benefits of senior home care with costs

Home care support for seniors can provide huge benefits to the care recipients. Check out our top 8 benefits of caregiver support for seniors guide for all the details. However, just like with anything in life, affordability is a major factor. For example, if a family struggles to afford home care services , then the benefits don’t matter. That being said, many families and seniors find that the enhanced quality of life and independence that comes with home health support are worth the investment. Plus, home care may end up saving families in the long run. This is accomplished by the ability to keep the elderly out of nursing homes , which is a huge expense that often far exceeds caregiver support at home. Also, since home care can generally keep seniors safer, they may find cost benefits saved through fewer medical expenses. Examples might include by preventing a senior from falls or by monitoring them for their safety and proactively preventing incidents that could cause harm.

Affordable low cost home care and respite care services across the state of Pennsylvania

There are very few home care agencies that will publish their home care rates online . However, Chosen Family Home Care aims to be transparent and upfront with all of their home care fees charged.

Chosen Family Home Care is the cheapest and most affordable home care provider both in Philadelphia and across the state of Pennsylvania . In fact, we match our statement with a price match guarantee. We will beat any local competitor on home care prices, and we will never sacrifice quality of care or service to our clients as a result.

You’ll find our full home care price list at the bottom of this post. Our rates start at only $20 per hour!

How can a home care agency provide the lowest and most affordable caregiver fees without cutting corners?

It’s easier than you may think to be the most competitive provider of senior home care providers while still providing excellent care. A few of the answers may surprise you.

Why does Chosen Family Home Care aim to be the lowest cost provider of home care services?

It’s simple. We recognize that home care services offer huge benefits to all of our clients. We also recognize the economic realities that our senior clients or their loved ones must face to be able to afford home care support . As a result, we work hard to keep our service costs low and cheaper than our home care competitors to maximize the number of individuals that can afford our home care services . Plus, it can allow families to get support for longer periods of time to maximize the greatest amount of support possible.

What if I still can’t afford home care services for me or my loved one?

There may still be options. One of the most common is through the Pennsylvania state Medicaid waiver . Low income seniors may be able to qualify through certain criteria. If an older adult qualifies and is approved for home care services , then the costs will be covered in full by the state of Pennsylvania.

A note on the price list of caregiver services below

A perk of home care is that it is very flexible and can be personalized to each individual and family’s unique circumstances. Please reach out to Chosen Family Home Care for more information on the services and support available to you or a senior loved one. We can help you create a tailored approach that keeps your budget and care needs in mind.

Chosen Family Home Care price list across Pennsylvania

Daily caregiver shift fees for all counties in Pennsylvania outside of greater Philadelphia (4 hour shift minimum and 20 hours per week total minimum).*

Weekdays $20 per hour
Weekends $22 per hour

Daily caregiver shift fees for greater Philadelphia (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties). Minimum of 4 hour shifts and 20 hours per week total.*

Weekdays $21 per hour
Weekends $23 per hour

*Cost of senior caregivers for 4 hour shifts but less than 20 hours per week will have a $1.50 per hour surcharge to the rates listed above.

Short shift/short hours rate: Daily caregiver shift fees for all counties in Pennsylvania outside of greater Philadelphia (less than 4 caregiver hours per day). Philadelphia counties have a $1 per hour surcharge

Weekdays $28 per hour
Weekends $34 per hour

24 hour per day live-in care

Individuals $250 per day
Couples $310 per day

The post What is the lowest cost & most affordable home care provider in Pennsylvania? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Home Modifications for Seniors in Philadelphia on Any Budget

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 17:34:00 GMT

Wondering how home modifications can benefit your senior loved one at home? Read more to learn about home modifications small and large on any budget. These can improve safety, accessibility, and provide peace of mind for family members and their loved ones.

Consider this do-it-yourself checklist that evaluations and offers home modifications. It can keep senior and elder loved ones safe in their home. There are plenty of potential hazards in a home. These can make an older adult’s life more challenging and put them at a higher risk of injury. Home modifications can help create a safer and more accessible home environment As an added bonus, you won’t always need to break the bank.

Consider the payoff

Home modifications can pay dividends over time.

Even for home modifications that do lead to significant cost, they may pay off in other ways. For example, an effective home modification or modifications may allow seniors to live in their homes longer. It could prevent or delay, for example, the need for a senior to move into an assisted living or senior housing facility over a period of time.

It may also reduce the need and hours for some caregiving services . This includes through home care agencies like Chosen Family Home Care or through caregiving provided by a loved one. Finally, families may determine that the safety and peace of mind of a home modification is worth the investment of time and money.

What are home modifications?

Home modifications include home improvement and home repair. They are additions or adjustments done inside the home. Home modifications can work to keep a senior or disabled person with limited mobility safe in their movement around the home. They also aid in keeping the home accessible. Home modifications aren’t just about safety. They directly impact convenience and comfort in home as well.

These adjustments can be a part of any budget, from several dollars to thousands of dollars in major renovations. Luckily, much can be done for seniors and elders at home at low cost. Improvements can be made independently or through a contractor. Regardless of the method, elders will be better equipped to age in place.

Understanding the best home modifications

Talk to your elder loved ones about what their concerns are. Watch as they perform activities and see what their challenges are. This could be important as some elders may hesitate to share what their obstacles may be. Learn from that when implementing a home modifications priority guide. Home modifications are great as they support independent living at home while helping make the environment safer and accessible.

DIY Home Modification Checklist On a Budget

Throughout the Home

Main Living Spaces

Hallways

Kitchen

Bathrooms

Bedrooms

Other Changes for Added Safety and Convenience

More Intensive Renovation Options

Some modifications typically require the skills of a contractor or construction company. With added scope and labor comes added cost. A certified contractor can make renovations like these if needed:

Paying for home modifications

If you don’t have the budget for some of these renovations. In Pennsylvania, the Medicaid waiver program will pay for qualifying individuals that need home modifications through Community HealthChoices . Understand the waiver program including eligibility and qualifications through our post here .

The role of home care agencies

A supportive home care agency and its caregivers like Chosen Family will monitor your loved one and determine what areas of opportunity there might be in adding home modifications. Chosen Family can assess the entirety of the home through its free home safety checklist and review.

They also offer recommendations on specific actions to improve the life of your loved one at home both through home modifications and by incorporating other resources. The best part is, an effective home modifications plan may also reduce the needs of formal home care or even the time requirement of unpaid family caregivers . This will save families money in the long run while facilitating the elder’s ability to age in place.

The post Home Modifications for Seniors in Philadelphia on Any Budget appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Chosen Family Home Care’s Non-Discrimination Policy for Home Care Clients And Staff

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 03:08:00 GMT

Chosen Family Home Care is committed to providing quality, compassionate care to those in need in a manner that does not unlawfully discriminate against people on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy) age, sexual orientation (including gender identity and expression), marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

Chosen Family Home Care prohibits retaliation against any person because he or she opposed or complained about discrimination in good faith, assisted in good faith in the investigation of a discrimination complaint, or participated in a discrimination charge or other proceeding under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination law. Chosen Family complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in healthcare . This policy applies to all terms and conditions of home care services including, but not limited to, in-home care , intake assessments and/or case manager visits.

Chosen Family Home Care applies the same non-discrimination standards to all of its employees. In addition, reasonable accommodation is to be provided for handicapped employees.

Any participant who believes they have been discriminated against may file a complaint of discrimination with any of the following:

The post Chosen Family Home Care’s Non-Discrimination Policy for Home Care Clients And Staff appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Home care agencies that pay employees referral bonuses

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 18:48:00 GMT

Would you like to find a home care agency that offers great employee referral bonuses? Look no further than our guide to home care agencies offering referral bonuses to current caregivers and home health aides in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Plus, get insight on what other ways home care agencies set themselves apart, including with sign on bonuses, high pay, or weekly compensation.

Finding and recruiting caregiver candidates is one of the most difficult challenges recruiters at home care agencies face. The best home care agencies recognize that they don’t have to go about it alone. They have an entire team of caregivers who know great candidates within their personal and professional networks they can help access. The best home care agencies know that it takes is a little encouragement and incentive to get caregiver referrals to their agency.

That’s where caregiver referral bonuses come in. We discuss exactly what a referral bonus is, why companies use them, and outline the home care agencies that pay their employees for valuable caregiver referrals.

What is a caregiver employee referral bonus?

A referral bonus is when a company, like a home care agency, pays a current employee money or perks for recruiting a new employee to the organization. This is known as an employee referral bonus. This is popular across many organizations because it can be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming to find and recruit great employees and job candidates. In particular, this is true for recruiting and hiring caregivers such as homemakers, personal care aides, home health aides, and direct care workers. This is because caregivers are in high demand and the demand continues to increase as Americans get older. Home care agencies like it because it can help to fill positions quicker and with lower costs, even after paying the referral fees.

Home care agencies approach employee and caregiver referral bonuses in different ways. Therefore, they may offer bonuses at different points in the hiring or recruiting stage. As an example, some may choose to give a smaller bonus for a candidate who interviews, and larger payments when a referred candidate is hired. Generally, these larger payments are usually given for newly hired caregivers that stay with the company for a certain period of time. This is generally for between 30 days and six months after hire. Some organizations will even reward both the new hire and the referrer.

Types of Caregiver Employee Referral Bonuses

Cash payments and incentives are the most common type of referral bonus offered by home care agencies. However, they aren’t the only way to reward caregiver referrals. Other bonuses might include:

As you can see, caregiver bonuses can vary by each home care agency that provides them. The best home care agencies will pay any caregiver bonuses consistently, regularly, and as per their own protocol.

What entails a referral bonus?

What each home care agency considers as a referral bonus may vary. However, they tend to follow similar criteria:

Caregivers and employees that are referred to the agency must stay with the company for an established period of time

To prevent abuse of the system, many home care agencies create their caregiver and employee referral bonuses to reward qualified applicants who get hired and stay with the company for at least one month. Some home health companies may offer larger bonuses to those who stay on longer. Plus, some home care assistance companies might even break up paid bonuses when different milestones are reached. For example, one bonus could be paid upon caregiver hire and then again after 45 days of employment.

Caregiver employees that are referred must be permanently hired positions at the home care agency

If a home care agency hires temporary or seasonal caregivers, they will most likely not offer this bonus. Caregivers usually must be permanent positions to be eligible for bonus payout.

The caregiver referred should be new to the agency

Under different employee referral structures, caregivers that refer employees to be promoted to a new position won’t be eligible for a referral bonus. Other examples include rehiring former caregivers and those individuals that have already applied for a position usually aren’t eligible, either.

Staff in HR or recruiting aren’t eligible for caregiver bonus referrals

Generally speaking, executives, human resources workers, or other individuals who may influence or take part in any of the recruitment process or hiring decisions won’t be eligible for a referral bonus.

What home care agencies pay employees and caregivers referral bonuses?

Chosen Family Home Care pays their staff members referral bonuses of $300 for every qualified referral.

The employee making the referral will get $100 when the referred caregiver completes their first day. They will then get an additional $100 after the referred caregiver completes 30 days of employment, and then another $100 after 60 days of employment. That totals $300 for the referring employee.

Reasons for caregivers to work at Chosen Family Home Care

There are many reasons that we feel we are the best home care agency to work for throughout all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as the surrounding areas. We also service Reading, Allentown, Bethlehem, and Scranton areas of Pennsylvania.

How to guide for Chosen Family Home Care employee referrals

How do I make a caregiver referral ?

You can make a referral as a currently employed caregiver or employee of Chosen Family Home Care. For inquiries, contact 267.457.4122 or email info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com .

Why would I want to make a caregiver referral?

Filling vacant, hard-to-fill caregiver positions is essential in helping Chosen Family Home Care serve its mission and Philadelphia area residents in need. Your referrals play a vital role in our ability to provide top quality home care in our communities. To assist in fulfilling our Mission, Chosen Family Home Care will offer a $300 referral bonus to qualified caregivers who successfully refer candidates for employment in eligible positions. We welcome and encourage our caregivers to refer their colleagues for any and all available positions. If the referred candidate is hired into an eligible position, you will receive your referral bonus based on the timetable mentioned above.

Who can make a referral?

All Chosen Family Home Care caregivers are encouraged to refer colleagues regardless of their employment status.

The following individuals are excluded from receiving referral bonus awards:

Who is not eligible to be referred?

How well do I have to know the person who is being referred?

To submit a referral, Chosen Family Home Care caregivers need to provide a first name, last name, valid email and phone number. You are highly encouraged to also provide a current resume for the person whom you are referring.

How do I know if my caregiver referral was accepted?

Please watch for a confirmation email in your Chosen Family Home Care inbox.

If my referral results in a hire, will I be paid a bonus?

All externally open positions are eligible for caregivers to submit referrals. The max referral bonus amount is $300. Referrals must meet all criteria mentioned here.

How long before I can receive payment?

Once your referred candidate completes their first day of employment in a bonus eligible position, your $100 payment will be added with your next paycheck. An additional $100 will be paid out after the referred caregiver completes their first 30 days and then subsequent 30 days. That totals $300 if the candidate stays for a minimum of 60 days of employment.

How do I receive the payment?

Referral bonus payments will be processed during weekly payroll and will be visible as a line item on paystubs after the referred candidate completed each successful benchmark (one day, 30 day, and 60 days of employment).

Is there a limit to how many referrals I can make?

There is no limit to the number of referrals you can submit.

Can another caregiver submit my same referral?

The referral program prevents duplicate submissions and will be assigned to the caregiver who provides the referral through the system first.

Will the caregiver bonus be taxed?

Your bonus will be subject to applicable taxes.

Can I refer a current caregiver?

We encourage you to share openings with your colleagues, but current caregivers are not eligible to be referred.

What if I make a referral and leave Chosen Family Home Care?

Referral bonus payments will be processed with the weekly payroll. A caregiver who is no longer employed by Chosen Family Home Care at the time of referral bonus payout will be ineligible for the bonus payment. The referred candidate is still eligible to be hired.

What if my caregiver referral is not selected?

The reasons a referral does not result in a hire remain strictly confidential.

Are there any other bonuses I may be eligible for?

The Chosen Family Home Care difference

Chosen Family Home Care is a provider of senior caregiving support for a variety of individuals in need across Philadelphia. In addition, we also serve Reading, Allentown, Bethlehem, and Scranton, PA. Please feel free to contact us for more information or check out our careers page .

The post Home care agencies that pay employees referral bonuses appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Caregiver Job Description Example for Home Care: A Guide

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 03:48:00 GMT

Learn about the job description for caregivers in home care agencies and in home health . We discuss the job duties and work responsibilities for caregivers as well. Be sure to consider the caregiver job descrption listed below when crafting your own resume. Whether you are a job candidate, employee, or employer, feel free to use our job description below word for word! Plus, caregiver jobs are discussed, including the best home care agencies hiring caregivers around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

What is an employee job description?

Employee job descriptions are written statements, generally created and distributed by the employer. They generally detail the duties, responsibilities, necessary qualifications, and reporting relationships of a particular job. They are, or should be, based on objective information obtained through job analysis. It includes an understanding of the skills and competencies required to complete tasks of the position. It might discuss the needs of the organization to produce work.

What are the purposes of a job description?

There are many reasons for organizations and their employees to have an effective job description in place. Here are just some of the main uses of a job description:

What is unique about the job description for caregivers?

The caregiver job description will often be standardized, or similar, across many employers. This is because this position has fixed training requirements as well as a set scope of work responsibilities in which they work. However, a caregiver may still see a variance in these job descriptions as they look at different HHA jobs.

Generally, the largest differences they will find will be in the work setting of the caregiver. For example, a caregiver working in a residential facility may be different from that of providing care to a single individual in one’s home. As mentioned, caregivers(along with many other healthcare positions) have limitations on the work and tasks they complete. Therefore, a caregiver may also find a job description that lists what a caregiver CANNOT do as well as what they are allowed to do.

I am looking at open caregiver positions or considering a career as a caregiver. Are the job openings I see online the same thing as what the job description looks like?

Possibly. The caregiver job opening may be nothing more than a copy and pasted version of the job description itself. However, some job openings may offer much more limited information, or it may be crafted to be much different than the position’s job description.

Both a job description for a caregiver and a job posting will have similar aims. Ideally, they will list the qualifications necessary for the role, including education and training required. They will also list the job duties and responsibilities of the caregiver position, although the job description itself may offer more detail. The caregiver job posting will usually offer more information on the company itself, as it will most likely be a first company introduction to an initial caregiver applicant. As you can see, while they have some similar functions, their aims will vary as one (the job posting) is tailored to job applicants that are considering applying. The other (job description) is aimed at employees that are hired by the organization. Plus, the job description is usually signed by the employee and sometimes the employer as well upon hire.

If you are a prospective candidate for a caregiver position, the best practice is to request the caregiver job description from Human Resources or the hiring manager so you can have full clarity on the Home Health Aide role at that specific company. Plus, it will show to the organization that you are serious about meeting the commitment of the position.

What is a sample caregiver job description?

The caregiver job description will likely vary from healthcare employer to employer. However, we offer a sample job description for caregivers to view below near the end of this article. This is great for both prospective caregivers to view as well as employers considering a caregiver job description of their own. Please note that this job description is written from the perspective of a home care agency or home healthcare agency. At the end of the article we have a complete caregiver job description for your review. Feel free to copy and paste the job description below or print it for your own reference!

If I have caregiving experience, what should I include on my caregiver resume?

For caregivers that have prior caregiving experience , you definitely have a leg up on the competition. If you are trying to craft a resume but don’t know how to start, definitely include many of the tasks that you find in a caregiver job description . That is, of course, assuming you’ve done the activities listed. A job description is a good place to look for ideas on what to add to a caregiving resume because many of the tasks you’ll find listed on the job description are likely job tasks and duties that you have done in your caregiving work experience. Therefore, be sure to highlight your caregiver experience on your resume when applying for jobs.

Caregiver Resources and Training

Who falls under the caregiver classification?

A caregiver is a relatively general term. Within the category of caregiving, there are other roles that will fall in them. For example, caregivers are also known as direct care workers. They are the employees that provide hands on care in a variety of environments. In this article, we mostly refer to caregivers working one-on-one with a client in the client’s home or a residential setting.

When evaluating caregiver roles, you may find numerous job titles that fall under the broad term of “caregiver.” The specific job requirements may or may not be the same across them. Some job titles that are the same or related to a caregiver are:

Do I need to be trained or certified to be a caregiver?

Caregivers do not generally need an advance certification. However, the exception to this is if a home care agency specifically needs a home health aide or a certified nurse aide . These individuals can act as caregivers, but will have some more medical-focused tasks that they are able to complete.

Caregivers will naturally need some training, especially if they don’t have experience. Employers will generally offer this training to caregivers that come to work for them. This is true as well for Chosen Family Home Care . The state of Pennsylvania requires some training for all caregivers. In addition to that, employers will often provide the training both through lecture, reading, and hands-on application. This is generally true for caregivers, homemakers, and personal care aides .

To get a home health aide (HHA) certification , an interested home health aide candidate must complete an HHA training course . Chosen Family Home Care actually offers some of its caregivers this training for free! Training requirements are shaped by federal regulations. These HHA training and certification programs may be offered by community colleges, private schools or employers ( home care agencies such as Chosen Family Home Care ) in the medical field.

If a home care agency required a CNA, that training can be obtained as well from either community colleges, private schools, or employers. However, generally the only employers that offer CNA training are nursing homes and long term care facilities.

What does a home health aide learn in the certification course?

A home health aide student will learn a lot of important skills necessary for success over the course of the home health aide training program . At Chosen Family Home Care , the home health aide training program includes the following building blocks of the Home Health Aide HHA training . These core competencies include:

HHA training programs must meet federal regulations. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that means that a home health aide training course must be at least 75 total hours in length. In most cases, that means it can be completed in just two weeks. However, each employer or program is different. 16 of the total hours offered in the HHA course must be hands-on clinical or lab practice. This is done under the direct supervision of the nurse instructor.

The training program offered by Chosen Family Home Car e gives a good example as to how a home health aide has advanced skills as compared to a caregiver or personal care aide . For example, the first 40 hours of the program is built around the foundations of caregiving. This includes the skills needed for success of all caregivers and personal care aides . The next 35 hours is built around more specific health-related tasks that a home health aide will do. These health-focused tasks are what makes the home health aide more advanced.

What about the CNA courses that caregivers take?

CNA courses are even more advanced as compared to that of an HHA. The nurse aide training program is regulated in the state of Pennsylvania . CNA courses are more intensive than HHA courses . Most courses in PA that are approved by the state are around 120 clock hours. A portion of this is hands-on training in a clinical environment. In these cases, they are done in a long term care setting and nursing home.

As CNAs are direct care workers , many CNAs also work as caregivers. In addition to working in long term care facilities, they often work for home care agencies, home health agencies, and hospitals too. CNAs have more flexibility in their work setting as compared to HHAs. A list of state approved programs in Pennsylvania can be found here .

CNAs are in high demand in general, and also as caregivers for home care agencies and home based settings. This is because they have the foundations of being a caregiver while also having the training to work in advanced ways and with special needs or complex clients.

Considering Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area employers of caregivers

Caregivers can work in a variety of settings. However, the majority will understandably be found working one-on-one with clients in their home. As a result, most caregivers work directly for home care agencies and home health agencies . Consider working at the best home care agency in all of Philadelphia

Chosen Family Home Care is the best place to work for caregivers

When it comes to finding a career as a caregiver, you’ll find a wide variety of work settings and home care agencies . Surely, if you’re looking for a job as a caregiver, you will prioritize home care agencies that offer the following: a great place to work, career advancement opportunities, a caring, supportive, and fun culture, and good pay and benefits. Chosen Family Home Care combines many, if not all, of the top perks that make a home care agency a great place to work. We don’t just want to be a great place to work. Chosen Family Home Care aims to be the best home care agency employer of caregivers in all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Benefits of working as a Philadelphia caregiver for Chosen Family Home Care

Are you interested to learn more? Whether you are a family caregiver or an experienced CNA, we are always looking for the best caregivers in all of Philadelphia. Check out our careers page to learn more and apply . Also, reach out to us directly and speak to us if you have any questions or want to learn more about what we can offer you.

Caregiver Job Description Sample and Example Below

JOB DESCRIPTION

Caregiver

JOB SUMMARY:

Join our team as a personal caregiver . You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives when they need hands-on support. We pride ourselves on offering a person-centered caregiving experience. You will have the opportunity to use your skills to provide premier support and care to your assigned clients. As a caregiver, you will create solid relationships as you provide care for your clients in a variety of ways. This includes assisting with personal care needs such as with personal hygiene, promoting physical activity, and completing light housekeeping tasks. team of your assigned clients. You’ll coordinate and work alongside physicians, nurses, physiotherapists and other health care providers to ensure that the needs of the patient are provided.

CAREGIVER QUALIFICATIONS:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties of a caregiver may include, but are not limited to the following:

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Works indoors in the Chosen Family Home Care office and in client homes. May work outdoors as needed and requested to assist with patient activity and care. Will travel to/from client homes.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

Supervised by and reports to: Case Coordinator

RISK EXPOSURE:

High risk

LIFTING REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to perform the following tasks if necessary:

I have read the above job description and fully understand the conditions set forth therein, and if employed as a caregiver, I will perform these duties to the best of my knowledge and ability.

_____________ ________________________________

Date Signature

The post Caregiver Job Description Example for Home Care: A Guide appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Caregiver Jobs in Philadelphia: A Guide

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:50:00 GMT

Are you looking for a job as a caregiver ? We show you all the central resources for finding caregiver jobs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania along with links straight to employers hiring now! Plus, we share with you the best home care agencies hiring now. This includes home care companies with the highest pay as well as weekly paychecks and signing bonuses.

Caregiver Jobs Near Me in Philadelphia Search Tools

In your job search, you may have come across a variety of job search websites . But how do you know which is best? And what is the best way of tailoring my search to find jobs and organizations that fit my needs best? We discuss the top online job search tools for prospective caregivers to use in greater Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. Plus, we’ve provided one click links that take you straight to the most recent caregiver postings right here in the Philadelphia area . Finally, we demonstrate how to filter your search results to best fit the job applicant’s needs.

We also discuss why being an caregiver is such a great career option. With exploding demand for caregivers , personal care aides , and home health aides in and around Philadelphia, it’s a great chance to start getting experience in the medical field. Plus, the opportunities for experience and career growth are nearly endless.

Depending on what type of caregiving role you take, you may need some training or a certification. For example, Home Health Aides or CNAs must be certified. We discuss the some options that a Home Health Aide can get trained and certified in the field as well. Plus, we also show you how quick and easy it can be to attain your certification as an HHA.

Indeed.com

Indeed is still one of the best job resources out there, and for good reason. The site collects and gathers job listings all in one place. It pulls open positions from thousands of websites, including job boards, staffing firms, associations, and company career pages.

We’ve made it easy for you to find caregiver jobs in and around Philadelphia with one click. By clicking here , you will automatically be displayed caregiver job postings within the last 15 days and within a 15 mile radius of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Try these clicks for some similar roles:

Want to expand your job search to roles posted at any time? Click here for all job postings for caregivers.

Finally, change any other parameters of the search with one click as well. Make adjustments easily by clicking on this link . By doing so, you can change the following fields to meet your needs:

Craigslist.org

Craigslist is waning as a job and career search tool, but it still does have value. With one click here , we show you all available job postings for caregivers right here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania right on the Craigslist website.

Monster.com

Monster has been around for many years, and it’s easy to see why. Similar to Indeed, it’s another great job search tool. Once again, we provide you with a link straight to Monster’s website showing you all the open job positions for caregivers right here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . After your initial search, click on the filter for advanced options. They include search radius, nearby cities, date posted, company, and job status.

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network on the internet. Think of it like Facebook but for people in the business world. You can use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to be successful in your career.

A complete LinkedIn profile can help you connect with opportunities by showcasing your unique professional story through experience, skills, and education. We recommend that everyone create a LinkedIn profile showcasing your background and experience. Many employers will do a web search of potential candidates. As a result, a professional LinkedIn profile shows off the best side of a job applicant.

On top of that, LinkedIn also excels as a job searching tool . Click here to find all the recent job posts for caregivers in and near the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.

Click here to find job posts for home health aides on LinkedIn as well as personal care aide jobs found there .

Further job search tips

Related job titles

Consider expanding your search by related keywords and job titles of caregivers . There are a variety of comparable roles, many with similar job duties.

This can expand the pool of job options available to you. Please note, however, that licensing requirements may vary. For example, a CNA has a different licensing requirement than an HHA, PCA, or caregiver.

Geographical areas

Fortunately, caregivers are in high demand in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley. Therefore, it might be easy to get quickly overwhelmed by the number of job postings that you find.

Limit your commute by filtering job results by your zip code and then minimizing your search radius. For example, if you live in Philadelphia zip code 19133, each of the job search options we mention allow you to target your job search in this way. From there, you can select the radius within that area that you want to search (for example, one mile, five miles, etc.).

Keep in mind a few things. If you limit yourself too much, you may not find jobs that meet your needs. For example, a caregiver is a job that can run 24 hours a day. Therefore, you may find a variety of schedules that may or may not fit your desired timeframe. Plus, home care agency clients can change, and with that so can the job location in the future. These may be questions you want to ask the home care agency you are interviewing with.

Finally, when searching by radius, be mindful of job postings that come up in other states, such as New Jersey or Delaware. This is good to know in case you are or are not willing to commute to other states.

Certification

Some home care agencies need caregivers with certification. These include either home health aides or Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs). There are several reasons for this, but usually it’s because they have clients that are more complex. Some organizations are willing to train candidates to be certified Home Health Aides . However, most organizations will require a Home Health Aide certification before hiring the candidate. Chosen Family Home Care can and will hire promising caregivers and provide home health aide training in time.

Other home care agencies may need Certified Nursing Assistants . They are similar to home health aides but have more comprehensive training than HHAs. Therefore, they can generally not only work in the home but also in other settings like hospitals or nursing homes.

Finding the best home care agency to work for

When it comes to finding a career as a caregiver, not all home care agencies are created equal. Caregivers all agree that the best home care agencies offer the following: a great place to work, career advancement opportunities, a caring, supportive, and fun culture, and good pay and benefits. Chosen Family Home Care combines many, if not all, of the top perks that make a home care agency a great place to work.

Benefits of working as a Philadelphia caregiver for Chosen Family Home Care

Does Chosen Family Home Care agency provide caregiver training?

Yes they do. In addition to being the top paying home care agency in all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Chosen Family Home Care has a training department that is dedicated to employee development. We work to make sure that caregivers, personal care aides , homemakers , and home health aides have all the training they need to be successful and supported in their caregiving position. By providing the right foundation of training for caregivers, they will be better in their jobs. Plus, they will also be more satisfied in their caregiving jobs . On top of that, clients will receive better home care in their residence and patient satisfaction will ultimately improve. It’s a situation in which everyone wins, from caregivers and clients to the organization as a whole.

Are there additional caregiver requirements?

Yes. All home care agencies will require that caregivers pass a criminal history background check. Plus, they will need to show proof of a negative tuberculosis test result. These are both state regulations that are a requirement of all caregivers and home health aides . Essentially, you’ll find comparable requirements across companies, including the top home care agencies hiring caregivers in Philadelphia. This is due to the state and federal regulations that all agencies fall under.

If employees are applying to be a home health aide , they must also meet HHA certification requirements. Home health aides may be able to get their training at Chosen Family Home Care . Best of all, Chosen Family Home Care may provide this training for free to interested caregivers. That’s another great perk in addition to working at a home care agency that pays well, is fun to work at, and offers an employee referral bonuses of $300.

In addition to all of this, prospective caregivers may be required to have a car, insurance, and valid driver’s license at a home care agency that hires caregivers. This is not a requirement of working at Chosen Family Home Care, though it is helpful. Finally, caregivers, personal care aides, and home health aides should possess a willingness to learn. There is no high school diploma required, but caregivers must be willing to learn.

What does Chosen Family Home Care do?

Chosen Family Home Care helps seniors enjoy their final years in their homes with hands on home care services through supportive high paid caregivers in Pennsylvania . They also offer care to disabled adults in the greater Philadelphia region. As a caregiver with Chosen Family Home Care , you’ll work with 2-3 clients, one at a time. You’ll participate in fun activities like art, games, reading and music, plus tasks like housekeeping, meal preparation, running errands, and other personal care related activities.

Home care agencies hiring caregivers now in Philly

Further considerations for caregivers and home health aides

Career paths

In addition to finding the top paying home care agency , it’s crucial to think of your future as well. Real life experience shows that caregivers, homemakers, and home health aides can take a variety of career paths as they advance in their careers. On one hand, many caregivers are satisfied and stay in this type of work for years at a time. Others may move from one home care agency to another or go from part-time to full- time work. Finally, many caregivers will attain more specialized experience such as working with special needs patients.

Many caregivers work in home healthcare while going to school. For people who move into other related careers, the most typical jobs taken five to ten years after starting work as a caregiver or home health aide include the following:

Please note that these are just several examples and caregivers can take many different paths within their careers.

Job outlook

Demand for home care services is projected to skyrocket as the baby boomer population ages. Home health aides and caregivers are actually some of the fast growing professions in the United States. The bureau of labor statistics projects a 34 percent increase in all home health aide and personal care aide jobs in America through 2028. This compares to only a 5 percent increase in all professions as a whole. Read more about the job growth here in Pennsylvania, reflecting over 37,000 new jobs for caregivers and home health aides across the state in the coming years . By getting hired and working at the highest paying home care agencies in Philadelphia , you can help to advance your career even further.

How can I learn more about Chosen Family Home Care or a career at the home care agency?

If you want to work for the top paying home care agency or the top paying home healthcare agency in Philadelphia , look no further. Feel free to reach out to us at 267.457.4122. You can call us or text us directly at our home care agency phone number. Also, you can send us a message through our website . Finally, be sure to follow us and connect with us on both Facebook or Instagram .

The post Caregiver Jobs in Philadelphia: A Guide appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

6 Exercises and Techniques to Prevent Falls in Elders and Seniors

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 19:55:00 GMT

The fall statistics for older adults (65+) are alarming. The US Centers for Disease Control indicates that a quarter of Americans over the age of 65 fall every year . Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults . Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall. Every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.

In addition to injuries, falls lead to other issues. Falls can reduce independence while also leading to more falls. This often stems from a senior’s lack of confidence after a fall or a focus on avoidance of walking situations or over reliance on assistive devices. That can ultimately lead to a cycle of increased falls and reduced mobility. Additionally, this also impacts the family and adds additional burden and stress on one’s loved ones.

One in three seniors suffers from severe muscle loss , called sarcopenia . This loss of muscle affects all parts of the body, affecting balance and stability in the legs and even one’s ability to catch themselves in case of a fall through reduced upper body strength. Plus, the muscle acts as a layer of protection, so the reduced muscle mass amplifies the risk of bone breakage and fractures.

Preventing falls through exercise

Adding the right exercises to your routine can make a tremendous impact on one’s ability to prevent falls through increased stability and strength. Below, we discuss 6 exercises and activities that will work to help mitigate fall risks and improve overall health and mobility. As always, consult your doctor before implementing any new exercise routines.

Walk

By simply walking regularly and more frequently than before, you help to engage the right muscle groups that keep your body stable, balanced, and strong. It is counterintuitive to avoid walking and think that you are reducing falls by merely avoiding the activity. With reduced activity comes reduced mobility and strength which will only lead to a vicious cycle of more falls and danger. Consider biking and climbing stairs as additional ways to keep your leg muscles and core engaged.

Strength training

After the age of 50, you lose 1-2 percent of muscle strength per year, and this increases to 3 percent a year after age 60 . Adding a strength training program is crucial in warding off age-related muscle loss, increasing mobility, and decreasing bone loss. There are endless exercise regimens out there, even for seniors and those with reduced mobilities. Generally though, older adults should focus on full range of motion movement , which teaches your muscles to control your body while moving. This is especially beneficial in combating fall risks. It is usually best to begin with light weight or only body weight at first, and then continue to add resistance such as with dumbbells and resistance bands. Ensure that you have proper form down before increasing resistance and effort to prevent any risk of injuries.

Balance training

Don’t forget about the importance of adding balance work to an exercise routine. This can be vital to preventing falls as well as injury, as balance decreases over time as we age. Don’t assume that the balance that you had when you were younger is still prevalent. Also, balance can be impacted by your muscles, particularly your core. By integrating core strength training and exercises that target stability, you can enhance the effectiveness of both as they contribute to improve balance and strength. This Aaptiv article highlights 7 exercises targeted to improve balance for older adults .

Stretching

As you age, stretching can help you stay flexible, mobile, and, most of all, independent. Research indicates that stretching improves flexibility , promotes balance , and has the power to reduce pain or stress . Stretching can also be targeted to focus on posture and mobility. This can support not only your ability to perform daily activities but ultimately prevent falls as well. Silver Sneakers lists seven simple stretches to start with.

Integrate methods

Resist the urge to focus on just one or two exercises or techniques to improve mobility and make your regimen well-rounded. Not only does this make the activities safer but it increases the overall effectiveness of the regimen as various muscles and body parts get engagement. For example, stronger legs mean very little if poor balance or posture are not addressed and continue to contribute to fall risks. Don’t stick to certain activities and avoid others because you are more comfortable with them.

By introducing variety, you continue to push your body in ways that contribute to progress and overall health. Just be careful not to push your body beyond its limits. Consider formal training through a fitness expert or heed the advice of your physical therapist on ways to be both effective and safe in advancing the limits of your functional capabilities.

Have fun

It is important that you find activities that you can have fun and take pleasure in doing. By doing so, you are more likely to stick to a routine that fuels progress. Considering taking classes that can combine some of the methods listed here, such as tai chi, yoga, or programs like Silver Sneakers. Make the activity social or buddy up with others. You can hold each other accountable and help stick to workout plans. Plus, your workout partner can make sure you keep proper form and stay safe in your activities.

To conclude, the right exercise routine won’t just keep you fit but can also keep you safe. By incorporating a safe and balanced approach to fitness, you can help prevent falls and mitigate the effects of aging on the body. Stay tuned for more tips to improve your health and safety.

The post 6 Exercises and Techniques to Prevent Falls in Elders and Seniors appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

9 Activities for the Disabled and Seniors in Philadelphia Instead of TV

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 13:18:00 GMT

Are you a caregiver looking for ways to help your senior or disabled loved one be active and engaged? Fortunately, there are many ways that elders and the disabled community can get involved with various activities in the Philadelphia community that extend beyond just watching television. Too much television can be harmful to your health, be detrimental to sleep, and dull your brain.

The following are nine activities that seniors, elders, and disabled Philadelphians can get involved with to expand their boundaries while having fun.

Check Out the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Landscapes

Walking is a great way for seniors to get out exploring the local community. It’s both relaxing and helps boost your mood. It can also be a great way to meet new friends or facilitate existing bonds and shared activities. Even if mobility is limited, like getting to a porch, balcony, or next to a window, it is still a great activity to consider and facilitates movement and variety. Be sure to check out area walking groups in and around Philadelphia. Many can be found on Meetup and We Walk PHL is another excellent avenue for free Philadelphia area walking tours. Philly Powered has a calendar of all of the different fitness activities going on around the city as well. This Chosen Family article outlines some exercises that can be done among both elders and those with limited mobility.

Take part in Meetup groups or start your own

Elders and their caregiving loved ones can find all sorts of activities and hobbies that provide opportunities for activities and socialization. A search on meetup.com found over 3000 events in and around the Philadelphia region. Additionally, they make it easy to start your own meetup group to find locals with similar interests in your areas and offer suggestions for groups to start and join.

Enjoy the Senior Center

Senior centers are a great way to meet locals in your community while doing tons of great activities. Senior centers are often low cost or free and usually run by the county. Check out Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s list of senior centers here for those within Philadelphia. Find those of your Delaware Valley county below run by the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA):

Keep tabs on all the events and happenings around Philadelphia

Philadelphia and the surrounding area is filled with activities and events throughout the year. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to find events to satisfy all levels of interests month after month. Uwishunu and Visit Philly are some of the best online resources and sources of information for upcoming events in the area. While the number of events is surprisingly robust all year long, the amount of activities increases as the temperature increases and Philadelphia becomes more outdoor friendly.

Open a book

Participating in new things doesn’t mean you have to leave your home. One of the best ways to dive into a new activity can be done from literally anywhere, including of course right at home. It can engage the brain while improving memory, reduce stress, improve sleep, and delay cognitive decline.

Like reading but want to find ways to make things social and engaging? Consider book clubs. Of course, Meetup is one good source to find book clubs, while the Free Library of Philadelphia is another.

Enjoy movies, shows, or music

Watching too much TV is definitely not a good thing, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be a part of a meaningful and/or engaging activity. By enjoying different entertainment venues like movies and music, elders not only have something to be passionate about and follow, but it can be done for those with limited mobility. Make it social by including family or friends in watch parties or other activities centered around these activities. Finally, there is much power in music. Music can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. This also has been proven to be powerful for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, providing both emotional and behavioral benefits.

Find accessible hobbies

Seniors can take part in a variety of hobbies that are accessible both physically and economically. Hobbies are a great way to relieve stress while challenging yourself at the same time. A variety of hobbies are great whether you are residing at home, in assisted living, or a nursing home. Some hobbies that are both inexpensive and might not need full mobility to do include:

As previously mentioned, you can take things a step further and can often find nearby Meetup or other groups as partners in these activities. Senior centers often host a variety of activities as well.

Be a volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to give back and make a difference. You can also meet new friends, learn new skills, keep you mentally and physically engaged, and feel happier and healthier. Connect with the community and give to others through donating your time. Various positions and schedules are available and you are sure to find something to fit your needs. Check out Volunteer Match for a database of local organizations and needs to be filled. Other ways to give back include being a mentor to others through your own life experiences and knowledge. Local ways to mentor include Philadelphia Futures or national platforms like mentoring.org .

Visit Museums

Philadelphia has an endless array of museums to fit many interests and passions. Best of all, local organizations like Art Reach helps make many cultural institutions and theaters available to low income residents and the disabled community for just a $2 entry to each museum. A list of participating sites can be found here .

In summary, watching television doesn’t have to be the only extent of activity that you or your loved one takes part in. There are endless activities that can be done with any level of skill, capability, and even on a budget.

The post 9 Activities for the Disabled and Seniors in Philadelphia Instead of TV appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Respite Care: 8 Benefits for Family Caregivers

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 22:58:00 GMT

Learn about respite care and how a much-needed break from the demands of caregiving can benefit a family caregiver. Prevent caregiver stress with professional home care support. Find local respite care providers in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

What is respite care for home care?

Respite care provides caregivers with a well-deserved break from their daily caregiving duties while providing their loved one with the assistance and care they need. This professional home care support can range from a few hours in a day to overnight to as long as several days. These services are available across the region, including right here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Respite care can support family caregivers.

The need for a break

Why family caregivers need time off

How does respite care in Philadelphia benefit family caregivers?

The chance for rest and relaxation

Go shopping, hit the gym, take a vacation, do whatever brings you joy. You have the right to enjoy life and not feel guilty.

Maintain Health and Well-Being

Even a break of two to three hours can relieve caregiver stress , lower blood pressure, recharge your batteries, and restore a sense of balance and purpose.

Offer Perspective

Take a break with caregivers specializing in respite care in Philadelphia

Time away helps you alleviate caregiver burnout and keep things in proper perspective. You might even think of better ways to do things.

Preserve Identity

It’s a great way to maintain your sense of self. You are important, too!

Promote Engagement

Social isolation can be a huge problem for caregivers . It’s important to take time to engage with friends and family away from your caregiving duties.

Be Your Best

Taking care of your needs allows you to return refreshed so you can continue to provide the best care to your loved one in the future.

Prevent poor habits

When a caregiver is overworked, they may start some bad practices in order to manage their stress. Caregivers may drink more or exercise less when faced with the burden of family care. A needed break can help keep up good habits and a positive routine.

Added support

A major concern caregivers experience is not receiving adequate support . As possibly the only family member able to provide support, respite care gives you help when caring for a senior loved one. A professional caregiver can also give pointers to use when they are not in the home.

How Can A Loved One Benefit From Respite Care in Philadelphia?

Respite care done at-home, in a residential program, or in senior living communities, can offer various benefits to older adults.

Types of Respite Care

In-Home Respite Care

Provided by a home care agency or volunteers for help with things like personal hygiene, dressing, meals, taking medications, light housekeeping or providing companionship. In-home care allows your loved one to remain safely in the comfort of their own home. Plus, it’s convenient since you don’t have to bring your loved one to a different location. Chosen Family Home Care is one such provider of premier home care that’s always nearby and serving much of the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.

Residential Programs

Chosen Family Home Care respite caregivers

Provide options for planned overnight or emergency assistance. This type of respite care for the elderly is offered through hospitals, nursing or group homes. There are many local Philadelphia options for care homes available, as seen here .

Senior Living Communities

Respite care offers engaging activities, stimulating programs, meals and more in a safe, supportive and cheerful environment, typically during overnight stays. Participants thrive in a vibrant community setting with friendly, caring team members always nearby. Many senior living communities across greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offer these services.

Getting Started with Respite Care in Philadelphia

If you are frustrated or have been feeling burnt out as a caregiver, it is a good time to consider respite care. Taking care of yourself is all-important. Respite care in Philadelphia offers a break you need to rest and recharge.

Senior Housing Net lists a variety of respite care options in senior living communities and in residential programs.

Chosen Family Home Care is a Philadelphia respite care provider and greater Delaware Valley based home care agency that specializes in different caregiver support offerings. With a comprehensive needs assessment and mission-driven approach, we can determine the best course of action for you and your loved one, while considering your budget and the individual requirements that family caregivers need. Contact us now for a free consultation and review of your case so we can determine the best course of action to get you the break you need in Philadelphia.

Follow our insights page for more senior and caregiving resources for you and your loved one and follow us on Facebook and Instagram .

The post Respite Care: 8 Benefits for Family Caregivers appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

7 Unique Healthcare Challenges that LGBT Seniors Face

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 23:31:00 GMT

Seniors that identify as LGBTQIA face many unique obstacles. Read more to learn about the healthcare challenges that confront the growing and diverse group of LGBT older adults.

The LGBT senior community is diverse and growing. In the United States, around 4.5% of individuals identify as LGBT, t otaling millions of people. LGBT seniors are expected to explode in population to over 7 million individuals by 2030 , more than doubling current levels. The LGBT older adult population has many healthcare needs and challenges that are of greater frequency and urgency than the general population as a whole. Awareness of the issues that disproportionately affect the older adult LGBT community are vital in tackling some of the challenges and disparities that exist for LGBT seniors in particular

The LGBT community in America is very diverse. According to Pew Research, 9 percent of the LGBT population is over the age of 65. In comparison, 17 percent of the general population is over the age of 65. The lower rate of self-identifying LGBT elders compared to all elders as a whole suggests that millions of elder adults that do in fact have same-sex attractions or behaviors do not self-identify as LGBT. While reasons for non-disclosure could be complicated and varied, prevailing beliefs are that it is due to societal fears of discrimination or other stigmas. Considering the fact that these elders would have lived through a very different period with greater challenges facing the LGBT community while growing up, this discrepancy would be unsurprising.

So what makes aging for the LGBT community different than other Americans? Below we identify the seven unique challenges that LGBT older adults face.

Healthcare challenges that LGBT seniors face

Discrimination in the healthcare system

Despite major advances in LGBT equality , discrimination continues to persist in the healthcare system for members of the LGBT community . A 2014 report by Lambda legal found that more than half of lesbian, gay, and bisexual patients experienced discrimination in healthcare. For their transgender peers, the statistics are even worse. 70 percent of transgender individuals experiencing some form of healthcare discrimination. It may be of little surprise that 40 percent of LGBT seniors report that their healthcare providers are unaware of their sexual orientation at all.

This issue extends beyond the doctors office as well. Many LGBT older adults also do not seek out senior centers or other community options. This is due to a fear of harassment or discrimination. Real or perceived discrimination may also explain why LGBT elders have lower rates of using community resources in general. This is the fact despite having a greater need for them as you will see below.

Lack of resources for specific care needs

There exists a dearth of resources dedicated towards LGBT specific care needs. While LGBT community centers do offer critical support to LGBT older adults , these community centers tend to be concentrated in metropolitan areas. They often exclude those in rural areas or even many suburban communities. Additionally, the Older Americans Act (which in turn funds local Area Agencies on Aging, or AAA), does not include the LGBT population as a group of greatest social need . Therefore, many AAAs do not engage this population which is troublesome as local AAAs are vital sources of addressing elder care needs.

Poverty and Economic Insecurity

The LGBT community as a whole is more likely to live in poverty. Tis includes LGBT seniors . There are a large potential variety of contributing factors that have led to this. Some of these would disproportionately impact elder LGBT adults due to fewer legal protections and greater discrimination during their lives. Employment discrimination is still legal in some states against LGBT community members . This could lead to a lifetime of missed opportunities and lower earnings. Within the statistics, we see that the transgender community has the highest rate of poverty, at 48 percent.

Additionally, before the right to marry was instituted for the LGBT community , many individuals would have been unable to access certain benefits from their partner. This includes things like their partner’s retirement assets or social security benefits if they died or if they were unable to marry before marriage equality came into effect. Naturally, elder LGBT adults would be the most likely to be affected by this.

As a result, LGBT seniors are more likely to face a lifetime of poverty or economic insecurity. At the very least, many in the community would have been unable to access the same resources as their heterosexual counterparts due to these reasons and others.

Lack of informal support

LGBT seniors are much less likely to have informal support than the general older adult population. For example, LGBT seniors are twice as likely to be single and live alone. They are also four times less likely to have children. Naturally, one’s immediate family is often the first line of caregiving for an individual in need. As a result, LGBT seniors and the community as a whole faces major challenges due to a lower informal support network.

On top of that, adding in LGBT seniors who have been rejected by their families for their sexual orientation or gender identity is another contributor to lack of support. According to a review of literature by the LGBT Youth and Family Acceptance , one third of youth experience family rejection . It is plausible to think that LGBT seniors and older adults would have faced an even higher level of family rejection in their time of coming out.

Social isolation

LGBT seniors are at high risk of social isolation. This often stems from a cumulation of the challenges we see listed here. Without adequate access to caring and supportive services, many LGBT community members are left on their own. Interestingly, LGBT older adults often demonstrate lower engagement with much needed services that can help. This includes home care services or meal programs. It is despite a greater need for support programs due to lower informal support networks.

Increased behavioral and mental health needs

With so many challenges that LGBT older adults face (or have faced), it may come as little surprise to find greater mental health needs within the population. Depression is more than twice as common amongst older LGBT adults than the general population as a whole. Suicidal ideation is another major concern.

Among transgender seniors, one statistic shows suicidal ideation reaching 50 percent in this population . Transgender people also show worse behavioral health status than their cisgender peers. Additionally, LGBT elders have higher rates of HIV than the general population. HIV is associated with higher risk of depression and cognitive impairment.

Greater tobacco, alcohol, and substance use and abuse

LGBT older adults and seniors grew up in a time before the LGBT rights movement took off. It was only in 1973 that homosexuality was removed as a psychiatric disorder, and 2013 for transgender identification . Minority stress theory indicates stigma and discrimination are contributing factors to negative health behaviors and outcomes. Unfortunately, many may turn to unhealthy coping behaviors as a result. LGBT seniors report greater use of alcohol and higher rates of smoking tobacco.

Caring healthcare and home care providers

To summarize, health care centers and community partners have an opportunity. They can offer services and programs that cater to the LGBT senior population . Dedicated training and resources for the LGBT older adult population can help overcome the health concerns and disparities that persist in the community.

By choosing caring and accepting home care providers like Chosen Family, we can help bridge these gaps with greater attention and urgency. Chosen Family has implemented a program to advance the needs of older adults that we serve. Plus, we have developed a strong referral network with other LGBT-affirming providers. Chosen Family Home Care prides itself on being more than just a home care provider, but also an advocate for the LGBT population. This is more than just an outreach, it is our core population served. Contact us to learn more about the Chosen Family difference at info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com or by calling us at 267-457-4122.

The post 7 Unique Healthcare Challenges that LGBT Seniors Face appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

6 Bathing Tips For Seniors and Caregivers

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 19:29:00 GMT

It’s easy to take for granted activities of daily living like bathing when you are an active and healthy adult. If you or a loved one has lost mobility and function with age, you will realize the challenges that come with bathing. You also may encounter resistance to bathing, for a variety of reasons.

With these challenges also come health hazards and lurking dangers. As many as 70 percent of the falls that occur within the home happen right in the bathroom. As a result, it is critical to consider ways to minimize health hazards while also making the intimate and personal experience of bathing as comfortable as possible for those receiving assistance and care.

Below you will find the 6 tips to a safer and more pleasant senior bathing experience experience.

Building rapport and trust

If there is resistance to bathing, work to find out why. Ask about their recent bathing experiences while educating on the importance of bathing. Finally, don’t make it mandatory but rather provide words of encouragement and don’t make them upset or feel guilty about not bathing should that be the challenge.

Safety

Not only is safety the top consideration for bathing elders , but if your loved one resists bathing it may also be due to their fear of falling. By ensuring a safe environment you not only help prevent falls or accidents but you can allay concerns for the individual bathing. Consider assistive devices like bath seats, grab bars, and bath mats for safety but also to enhance the independence of the person bathing. This could also alleviate the burden and stress on the caregiver . You may need to consider sponge baths if mobility is a major concern or if fall risks cannot be adequately mitigated. Be mindful of the water temperature as much as possible for safety and also comfort.

Ensure privacy

There’s almost nothing more personal than bathing and showering. Regardless of your relationship with the individual, respect the intimacy of the situation. Have a privacy towel or rags available to them while they are being bathed, and have towels and robes available while transferring them out of the bathtub.

Develop a bathing schedule

It may be helpful to create a consistent bathing routine. That eliminates any discussion of “if” they are going to shower to “when” they are going to shower. Keep in mind when developing a bathing routine that it isn’t necessary to bathe every day. Skin tends to be drier and more fragile so bathing daily could potentially do more harm than good. Plus, as we age, we sweat less. Some caregivers may find that daily bathing as a routine is actually easier to implement. Just keep this in mind and consider sensitive bathing products.

Make it as warm and inviting as possible

Make bathing an event that they can look forward too. Warm up the bathroom first including using a space heater as needed. Make the experience fun by providing robes and slippers for use, and add ambiance through soft music. Finally, you can use scented moisturizing lotions and body washes that your loved one can appreciate and relax to. Just be sure that it is gentle and non-irritating, especially with daily bathing or those with sensitive skin.

Give them control

Give your loved one the ability to choose their bathing times when possible. Let them choose the bath products used and listen to other ways they can personalize the experience. Promote independence by resisting yourself from doing things that the individual can do themselves. Monitor how they function with bathing themselves and assist as needed. Take your lead from them as to how much help they need. They may be slower at doing activities that you can assist with, but don’t be impatient. Make sure that bath times don’t have you as a caregiver in a rush.

Caregiving can present many challenges, but remember that some things take time. Bathing your loved one can be one of the more difficult activities of daily living to coordinate and carry out. Try to enjoy the time you spend together and, with practice, the process will become easier and can hopefully be a time for reflection and connection with your loved one. For those that need a little extra assistance, Chosen Family Home Care can be a partner in assisting you and your loved one with the care needed to ensure independent living at home.

The post 6 Bathing Tips For Seniors and Caregivers appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Why the LGBTQ Community is Vulnerable to the Coronavirus

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 18:17:00 GMT

As seen and posted in the Philadelphia Gay News .

Imagine the fear of being in a subset of the population that is more susceptible to the harmful effects of COVID-19 for a variety of reasons. To further complicate the matter, many members of said demographic lack sufficient emotional support and therefore have a greater threat of loneliness.

If you thought I might be referring to those with compromised immunity or seniors that are more prone to being socially isolated, you would be wrong. While diverse and far from monolithic, the LGBTQ community is a section of the population with members more vulnerable to the damaging effects of the pandemic.

An elevated community threat

It might sound like a lose-lose situation, but it’s an all too unfortunate reality for many LGBTQ people . The community is at a greater health risk from contracting the coronavirus while also facing greater mental health and well-being challenges from the quarantine and social distancing measures.

There are a variety of factors that make testing positive for the coronavirus a scary threat to the local LGBTQ community . Major factors include:

Taking preventative measures seriously

As a result of these statistics, the LGBTQ community should be even more cognizant of following directives and guidance on preventing transmission, including social distancing and quarantine measures. Even if you don’t fit into a high-risk category, many fellow community members do.

Mental health challenges

Stay-at-home orders continue to be extended and enhanced around the world. With that, increasing attention is being paid to the mental health impacts that these actions have on our emotional wellbeing. Unfortunately, the emotional (and financial) toll that the virus is causing society can be even greater for the LGBTQ community .

The rate of depression diagnoses for LGBTQ people is nearly double the rate of depression seen among heterosexuals. They are also more than twice as likely to have other mental health conditions.

Suicide risk is elevated as well. Another unsettling finding uncovered that 48% of all transgender adults reported considering suicide in the past year.

Social isolation and supports

Stay-at-home mandates create an unwanted byproduct of isolation, loneliness and a loss of autonomy for many Americans. However, the pandemic could raise the potential for a looming mental health crisis in the LGBT community .

On top of emotional health risk factors, LGBTQ individuals generally face lower levels of available support, making quarantine orders more of a challenge to cope with. The community members are statistically more likely to be single and not have children. Additionally, they are more susceptible to reduced family support due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBTQ respondents in one survey reinforced this through lower reported satisfaction with the social and emotional support that they receive as compared to the straight population.

Two subpopulations have compounded concerns. One is LGBT elders , who are already at high risk of social isolation from a lack of informal support and now face an added burden of the virus’ health implications. Another includes racial minorities in the LGBTQ community who face further obstacles by means of added discriminatory risk and health disparities.

Surviving confinement

The ongoing prospect of feeling trapped in your home can be daunting, especially with the increasing probability of an extended lockdown with no defined end date. It might not be easy, but there are some ways to help combat the effects of the quarantine.

Resilience to prevail

One of the historical features that LGBTQ people and Americans have demonstrated is great resilience in the face of steep odds and seemingly insurmountable challenges. Not one to step down from a struggle, the community will prevail in the face of this historic hardship. Stay focused, stick together, and remember that this too shall pass.

Chosen Family Home Care is a provider of at-home care needs for elderly and disabled community of greater Philadelphia. Chosen Family ( www.chosenfamilyhomecare.com ) is one of the first organizations in the nation to specialize in meeting the diverse needs of the LGBTQ community and overcoming the health disparities and challenges of LGBTQ people and allies through its unique home care model. The CEo has an extensive healthcare leadership background spanning various medical specialties and also provides education and training throughout the community on LGBTQ healthcare topics. He can be reached at info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com.

The post Why the LGBTQ Community is Vulnerable to the Coronavirus appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

6 Companies and Technologies Changing Home Care for the Better

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 00:41:00 GMT

Learn about a variety of home care technology innovations and companies that are on the forefront of improving senior home care and home healthcare.

Technology and innovation continue to impact our lives at an unprecedented rate. Mobile devices, big data, analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud-based services permit almost every age group to use technology for better health. However, possibly no generation is poised to benefit more than seniors and older adults.

That’s good news, considering people aged 65 and older — which accounted for about 49.2 million people or 15.7% of the population in 2016– will represent more than one-fifth of the country’s population by 2060. In total, the number of seniors will surpass 98 million people by then. While technology has greatly impacted all of our lives, many innovations are taking place to create disruption and advancement. This is true for both senior home care recipients along with the home healthcare system as a whole.

Below are 6 technologies and companies that are changing senior home care for the better.

Ridesharing

Access to transportation remains a challenge for many older Americans. Whether its meeting friends for coffee, running errands, or making it to medical appointments, transportation is a perennial concern for seniors at home. Health systems are partnering more and more with rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber. Their goal is to bridge the gap that exists for seniors and the disabled to make it easier to facilitate transportation.

There is the medical component which makes getting to doctor’s appointments easier. This helps to overcome challenges for at-home seniors that need adequate medical access. Difficulty with transportation is linked to as many as 30 percent of elders missing medical appointments. The second piece, not to be overlooked, is the socialization component. By making the community more accessible, on-demand rides can help reduce social isolation and increase quality of life. In most markets, both Lyft and Uber offer wheelchair accessible rides. These can be ordered right through their own apps, which are a boon to those with accessibility needs and seniors.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine has been all the rage and an emerging technology for several years now. Doctor On Demand is one such company helping to spearhead the technology of telehealth to disrupt the healthcare industry. This service is offering primary care virtually to its customers, often with very favorable rates, not to mention the convenience factor.

To demonstrate how seriously major companies are taking telemedicine , Humana teamed up with Doctor On Demand to offer a virtual primary care plan . Walmart has also been expanding its partnership with the company in order to offer telehealth services for its own employees. While telehealth initiatives have been a part of the discussion for years as an emerging technology, expect its adoption to increase as we see more and more major players integrating it into their platforms.

Grandkids On-Demand

Seniors over 65 are one of the fastest-growing age groups in the United States , but they are still an underserved market. Many don’t need assisted living or in-home care, but they do need help with transportation and errands. Most of all, however, the elderly want companionship . Papa , a service that bills itself as “grandkids on-demand,” wants to fill the gap by connecting college students, called Papa Pals, with seniors.

Papa Pals are college students, many of whom are studying nursing, social work or hospitality. Before they are matched with seniors, Papa Pals undergo a background check and a motor vehicle records check and inspection. The company also asks them to complete a personality test. Parker describes the ideal Papa Pal as being interested in working with seniors for career experience. Plus, they should be outgoing, empathetic, and patient.

Papa is continuing to expand as it gains access to funding. The company’s service could be great for seniors who need some extra help or “pre-care.” They can even act as a supplement to current senior home care needs. Papa is working to expand its partnerships across platforms such as senior living centers as well.

Wearable technology

Wearable technology has been worn by people for several years. They were frequently used by athletes. Now, they’re more broadly used as a way to measure steps taken, sleep patterns, or pulse rates. As wearable technology improves, some health care providers believe that there is an emerging trend to expand the benefits of this technology, especially in a home care environment .

Physicians depend on patients or their caregivers to provide health information during home care. For several reasons, this information is not always as precise as it could be. This could prevent the patient from getting optimal treatments. Wearable technology could help the physician get the clearest picture of their senior patient’s health. This can be accomplished even before they come into the office. The patient also won’t have to try to track and remember all of the captured data as well.

Wearable technologies also help the caregiver provide better support to the patient and would streamline physician communication as well. Fueling the trend towards wearables include devices that are getting smaller, more powerful, and even fashionable. Additionally, technology continues to improve and adoption is increasing across populations.

Challenges that are present in wearable technologies include poor system integration across platforms. This is a perennial challenge facing just about all interfaces within the healthcare system. There is also a lack of medical guidance on best use of wearables, along with interpretation and benchmarking of an individual’s data. As a result, it can be particularly challenging for caregivers who may not have the medical training to adequately interpret the data.

Sensors

Smart homes and smart technology have an increasing presence across devices, appliances, and everyday items in people’s homes. Low costs and the prevalence of goods that now contain sensors and chips are making the home more connected than ever. This technology has the power to give elders back their independence. It can also increase measures of safety for seniors residing in their own home.

GreatCall Healthcare is one such pioneer in the space (recently purchased by Best Buy). They sell mobile devices and support services to help older adults live independently. They rely on capabilities such as predictive analytics for activities of daily living, fall detection technology, and one-touch access to care teams to facilitate independent living. Integrated abilities include medication management and remote monitoring through its smart devices.

With sensors and smart technology, the sky’s the limit in what can be provided and integrated. The end creation can be a connected and safer world for elders and the disabled in their pursuit of maintaining quality of life within their own homes.

Robots

For an aging America already facing a crisis by means of a caregiver shortage, are robots the answer? Can robots replace caregivers? Will people accept robots into their homes? The reality of robots used in assistance for home care may not be as far-fetched as you might think. The caregiver shortage crisis may also not give us any other choice than to rely on AI to facilitate home care needs for our elderly population.

The technology is already well-advanced, and robots are capable of doing many tasks that caregivers can do now. Cost is a major barrier to implementation. While costs will inevitably come down over time, caretaking is much more than addressing just the physical needs of the patient. We still need a human touch, and the emotional element to providing care is equally as important.

As technology improves, it is reasonable to think that robots will only get more sophisticated, while connecting with patients in ways that we never would have expected. While it probably won’t be implemented overnight, AI and robots will likely increase in presence in home care and healthcare models across America. Unlikely to ever replace caregivers entirely, expect robots to complement and aid in providing some of the caregiving needs to seniors down the road.

The future of senior home care technology

In summary, technology and disruption will continue to impact all of healthcare, and the homecare industry is no exception. To be sure, not all promising technologies or companies will live up to the hype or promise of a better future in home care. Several companies that aimed to be the “Uber of home care” failed, demonstrating that the gig economy might not transition as well in the home care setting.

However, many promising technologies are being implemented across the healthcare system in ways that address challenges as diverse as the caregiver crisis to reducing missed medical appointments. Cutting-edge companies and technologies will continue to drive solutions to improve the delivery of care at home, and the best home care agencies will be at the forefront of adopting and advancing these technologies for their patient populations.

The post 6 Companies and Technologies Changing Home Care for the Better appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

14 Signs of Malnutrition to Look Out for in Seniors

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 22:42:00 GMT

Nutritional imbalances and malnutrition can leave a surprising number of adults and seniors vulnerable. Learn to spot the signs of malnutrition and steps to take.

For many aging baby boomers and their loved ones, malnutrition may not always come to mind as a major health concern. However, growing evidence is bringing light to a range of age-related elements that could interfere with the intake of nutrients necessary to fight off illness, support health and well-being , and maintain a strong immune system .

The continued growth of older adults makes it important that individuals, family members, and doctors monitor nutritional deficiencies. At the same time, they should make certain that they are consuming a healthy and balanced diet. Regrettably, malnourishment is not observed until seniors are admitted to the hospital.

Signs of malnutrition in adults to look out for

To ensure that seniors can be successful in staying healthy, keep an eye out for one or more of the 14 signs of malnutrition.

Clear signs of weight loss

As you might expect, the clearest indicator of malnourishment is visible weight loss in the individual. If the weight loss is rapid, then this could be considered an emergent concern, so seek advice from your doctor. Find 10 senior healthy eating tips .

Being increasingly sedentary

While unintentional weight loss is often a sign of problems, overweight and even obese adults can be malnourished if they are sedentary and regularly consuming unhealthy foods. See ways that older adults can lose weight.

Loose clothing, jewelry, or dentures

Weight loss could be gradual over time, to the point that it might not be readily apparent to a senior or their loved ones. This could become apparent if you notice clothes that appear to be looser. Plus, jewelry and other accessories and even dentures could fit more poorly than before. Review dental health risks that the elderly should understand.

A reduced appetite

A diminished appetite and hunger cravings is a major signal that malnutrition could be present in seniors and adults.

Lack of interest in food or drink

In addition to lower appetite, displaying reduced enjoyment or delight in food or drink items compared to before could be indicative of malnourishment.

Tiredness

Due to a lack of proper caloric and nutrient intake, the body might be responding by demonstrating outward signs of exhaustion. Accordingly, this is particularly concerning if they display signs of being tired when they normally shouldn’t like upon waking up from a full night’s rest.

Easily fatigued

If a senior or adult loved one shows signs of fatigue easily or after activity levels that wouldn’t normally make them worn out, be on the lookout for inadequate food intake leading to malnourishment.

Altered mood

Unhealthy eating patterns can cause mood swings. This is due to nutritional imbalances and blood sugar swings that could be a result of malnutrition. As a result, your mood and emotional well-being can suffer.

Chronic conditions and medications

Watch out for medications that could lead to malnutrition.

Different medicines and diagnoses can affect nutrition requirements. For example, some drugs can cause nutrients to be depleted in the body ,creating different deficiencies in the body for needed vitamins and minerals.

Age

The ability of seniors to absorb and use many nutrients becomes less efficient over time. Consequently, their nutrient requirements actually increase. To compare, people over the age of 70 have a different set of nutritional needs than individuals over the age of 65.

Traumatic events

Experiencing loneliness , grief, or depression, such as through the loss of loved ones or death of a spouse, can adversely impact healthy eating habits.

Wounds won’t heal or bruising occurs easily

Your body’s ability to respond to trauma are diminished when malnourished. As a result, bruises or cuts on the body might take an unusually long time to improve or heal.

Gastrointestinal health issues

The GI and digestive system could be impacted by malnutrition. Because of this, look for upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating, and other problems as a byproduct of poor nutrition.

Newly prescribed medications

Knowing that some medications can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients, be proactive in finding them early. As a result, pay special attention if new medicines cause appetite and digestion concerns and alert your doctor right away.

As you can see, a variety of underlying medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and other issues can lead to poor nutritional status in seniors. Malnourished individuals are at greater risk of developing an infection and bedsores. Plus, a large number of patients that fall in a hospital display signs of malnourishment. By looking out for the warning signs of malnourishment, you or your loved one can make changes that improve dietary outlook and overall health.

Caregiving for loved ones to prevent malnutrition

Home care services are a great way to ensure that your loved one’s nutritional needs are being met when you can’t be there yourself. Dedicated caregivers can assist with preparing meals and be proactive in monitoring a senior’s eating habits .

Malnutrition poses a threat to a senior’s health and should never be ignored. Contact Chosen Family today for a free consultation on how caregiving can help your loved one. We proudly serve the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania region.

The post 14 Signs of Malnutrition to Look Out for in Seniors appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

A Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia Care During the Pandemic

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 23:54:00 GMT

How to provide effective care for someone with dementia during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Dementia refers to a group of cognitive and behavioral symptoms that form as a result of declining function in the brain. Caregiving for someone with dementia is a tough role, particularly in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Alzheimer’s disease is the top cause of dementia in seniors . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that older adults additionally have an increased risk for severe complications from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) . In fact, adults 65 years or older account for 80% of deaths due to COVID-19 in the United States.

Below, we discuss tips and best practice in caring for someone suffering with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Family caregiver challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic

Preventive measures against the novel coronavirus currently in effect, such as social distancing, often create significant challenges for people with dementia. This is because, like many seniors, they generally rely on in-person health services and social support from family members and friends.

A person with dementia may have trouble comprehending the COVID-19 pandemic or its implications. Many caregivers, typically relying on regular visits from family members and friends, may find themselves taking on more responsibilities without help or breaks.

Accordingly, family members in place as the sole caregiver may experience caregiver burden and stress that can take a heavy toll on individuals.

The challenges that stem from dementia vary depending on the type and severity of a person’s condition.

Types of dementia

Alzheimer’s disease

An Anatomy of Human Brain with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease targets regions of the brain that have a role in the formation of memories.

People living with Alzheimer’s disease may find it problematic to remember recent events or perform daily tasks, like bathe or wash their hands.

Frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia is another type of dementia. It has symptoms that correlate either to changes in behavior or speaking and language difficulties.

Seniors with frontotemporal dementia may display inappropriate or impulsive social behavior. Accordingly, they may not follow social distancing, proper hand hygiene practices, and other recommendations provided by local authorities or under the direction of their caregiver.

Lewy body dementia

Older adults afflicted with Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease may display progressively worsening memory loss, impaired speaking, or changes in mood and personality. It is often difficult for them to communicate their needs or concerns to caregivers.

Effective ways to provide caregiver support for loved ones living with dementia

A family caregiver can use the following tips to help care for someone with dementia.

Be prepared for gaps in caregiving support

Family caregivers may be forced to shoulder the burden of greater caregiving responsibilities. In some cases, they may find that home health aides or other members of the family are unable to come by as frequently.

They may best prepare for unexpected gaps in care through having on hand plenty of essential supplies. Medications, hygiene products, and plenty of food are recommended. When dealing with food and other items, make sure to stock up on essential supplies that are nonperishable. Our guide to long-distance caregiving as well as planning for emergencies are great additional resources to help you prepare.

Family caregivers should help dementia sufferers establish a daily routine

Effective routines help family caregivers supporting those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

It is often advantageous to create a regular daily routine inclusive of some or all of the activities listed here. Some activities to consider making a part of your senior loved one’s routine include:

Minimizing stress for those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s

It’s crucial to highlight and promote any activities that do not agitate individuals with dementia . For example, if a senior becomes withdrawn, confused, or frustrated when they are away from home or another familiar and comfortable setting, highlight the activities that they can do at home. There are several ways that caregivers can create a stress-free and calm environment, such as keeping the individual’s space and home free of harsh lighting and distracting or disruptive noise.

It’s important for caregivers to try and stay positive and calm, even though at times it will likely be challenging. This is particularly true if an individual with dementia becomes agitated or angry. In instances like these, it could be helpful to ask them about whether they want or need support.

If trying to talk with the person does not help, caregivers can attempt to redirect the situation. For instance, they could try suggesting a different activity or ask that person whether they want to move somewhere else in the house.

Utilize visual cues and repetition

If you don’t already know, individuals can help in preventing the transmission of and protect themselves from COVID-19 by:

Learn about our top hand washing tips laid out in detail here.

Seniors with dementia may need more support and visual cues that help them remember these essential hygiene practices. Caregivers are strongly suggested to consider practicing thorough hand washing with the person (along with their own regular hand washing and sanitizing).

They could also put a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in an easily accessible spot. Next to the bed, on the coffee table, and the kitchen table and counters are just some ideas.

Evaluate the physical health of those with dementia or Alzheimer’s

Older adults living with dementia may not always effectively and clearly communicate their needs and requirements to others. As a result, caregivers should regularly monitor the senior’s physical health. Be sure to pay attention to any signs of injuries, like skin cuts or lesions, bruises, and pressure wounds. These are more common in older adults and those with dementia are often at greater risk.

COVID-19 symptoms for family caregivers to monitor

Just having a dementia diagnosis doesn’t indicate that someone will get infected with COVID-19. That being said, the cognitive symptoms and challenges associated with dementia can make it challenging to follow the government’s advice and best practices for avoiding infection.

As a caregiver, you should always be on the lookout for new or progressively worse symptoms of dementia. Not only could it show progression of the disease, but it is also often the first sign that a person with dementia is experiencing infection or an illness. Some examples of symptoms you might see include increased confusion or a loss of coordination. As the pandemic continues to unfold and stretch out for an unforeseen amount of time, caregivers should also be on the lookout for other signs of infection, like fever, a persistent cough, or difficulty with breathing. Some additional symptoms may include a loss of smell or taste, sore throat, or muscle pain. In addition, some individuals have observed or experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Stay on top of evolving information about COVID-19

Be sure to stay updated on the latest news and information on the coronavirus. While we are beginning to learn more and more about the virus, there continues to be a lot of research and updates coming out that are beneficial for caregivers and adults alike to be aware of to stay safe.

Communication

Communication is essential in caregiving , and can make or break the ability of a caregiver to be successful. As a dementia disease progresses , an individual with dementia will lose their ability to effectively express themselves and understand others.

Communication tips for individuals afflicted with dementia or Alzheimer’s

Caregivers, friends, and family members can find following some of the tips to better communication will make their caregiving easier and more successful. Read our comprehensive guide here for 10 tips at effective communication.

Communication methods to avoid

It is best to steer clear of the following forms of communication as often as possible when speaking to a person that has dementia. Consider the following communication “don’ts”:

Activities for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s

We created a list of activities for people with dementia that can be done right at home. Check out our comprehensive guide here for ideas . We also listed a brief overview with some activities listed below:

Care and support for family caregivers

Caring for an individual with dementia can be extremely challenging. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, these concerns are only amplified.

Consider some of the following methods that can help alleviate stress and anxiety while caring for an individual with dementia. Our comprehensive guide to managing and overcoming caregiver burden and stress contains more in-depth info:

Knowing when family caregivers should consult a doctor or seek medical help

Keep an eye out for an increase in confusion in a senior loved one. This is one of the first signs that someone with dementia may have fallen ill. Caregivers should seek medical assistance if the person with dementia shows any new or worsening symptoms.

The caregiver should immediately get medical assistance if the individual displays a high fever or has difficulty breathing. Of course, look out for other signs or symptoms of COVID-19, including:

Available services that can help dementia caregivers during this time

Caregivers supporting seniors with dementia may want to think about using some of the following services that can provide support or assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic or in general.

Caregiving is hard enough, and dealing with dementia patients is significantly more challenging. Caregivers should remind themselves that a person afflicted with dementia does not consciously choose to act out or say mean and hurtful things. Plus, caregivers will have to learn that caregiving is often a thankless task.

Summary for family members providing support for dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers

A majority of family caregivers will face unprecedented challenges during this time. With the right preparation, approach, and attitude, caregivers can make it through these challenging times while also providing adequate care and maintaining the safety of their loved one.

When caregivers need a little extra support for a loved one in need, they may consider adding at-home personal caregivers. Chosen Family Home Care is a Philadelphia and greater Delaware Valley based home care agency that specializes in providing supportive and compassionate caregivers to seniors in the community. With a comprehensive needs assessment and mission-driven approach, we can determine the best course of action for you and your loved one, while considering your budget and the individual requirements that family caregivers need.

Read our insights page for more senior and caregiver resources for you and your loved one. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram .

The post A Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia Care During the Pandemic appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

10 Must Read Books for Family Caregivers

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 21:32:00 GMT

Consider the different titles below for caregiver support and advice. These books are valuable to family members that provide support to senior and disabled loved ones. They also help caregivers find perspective and maybe even some humor in the face of caregiving challenges. The selections below include memoirs, self help, and resources for providing specialized care such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Family caregivers don’t always get shelter from the everyday stress of providing care for loved ones. Through juggling various responsibilities, it can be challenging to rationalize the evident luxury of self-care. However, family caregivers need to take time to deal with their struggles or to take a break. Caregiver books can help with this by offering real world insights into the challenges of caregiving that one can relate to. Also, they help highlight caregiver burden and stress and offer advice for overcoming it.

The importance of self care

Many of those providing care for loved ones don’t take the time for either self care or to find support. However, as a caregiver and human being, this would be a mistake. Caregiving can be extremely challenging. It can be taxing mentally, emotionally, and physically. The effects of caregiving can be so difficult that the CDC has highlighted it as a public health issue .

As a result, family caregivers shouldn’t feel alone or like they have to suffer in silence. By providing yourself the ability to relax and recharge, the time you take for self care doesn’t have to be extravagant. Simple pleasures like reading and other hobbies while balancing the care you provide can help you stay sane and healthy.

Caregivers can get the support they need with professional home care services. Chosen Family Home Care is the premier provider of home health aides and caregiving support in and around the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. Contact us now for a free consultation or for more questions .

Dig into a good book

Cracking open a book can be beneficial in so many ways. It’s low cost, can be done just about anywhere and anytime, and can provide a temporary escape while educating at the same time. Additionally, the books can also offer great resources to elevating your care that you provide to your loved one. Even more importantly, there is some evidence that it can improve health and well-being of its readers.

10 Essential Books for Family Caregivers

Below we highlight 10 books for you to provide for attentive self care or to better care for your loved one. This includes specific challenges, such as caring challenges for dying spouses or for dementia and Alzheimer’s caregivers.

The Caregiving Wife’s Handbook: Caring for Your Seriously Ill Husband, Caring for Yourself

The Caregiving Wife’s Handbook is a step-by-step guide. It assists women in maintaining emotional, financial, and physical health in their crucial role as caregivers to their dying husbands.

At Chosen Family Home Care, we found clients that could relate to many of the situations, frustrations, and emotions listed in this book. We saw that it helped women uncover that what was happening in their life and their feelings were normal under their trying circumstances.

Other articles we think you might like:

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias: 101 Stories of Caregiving, Coping, and Compassion

This book comes from the popular Chicken Soup for the soul series. It provides encouraging and inspiring stories by other caregivers that provide care to those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia. In total, there are 101 stories designed to inspire and encourage you on your caregiving journey for family members that have dementia and Alzheimer’s. Be sure to check out their other stories for general caregiving in this book .

Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s: A Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with the Disease

Joanne Koenig Coste, author, offers a practical approach to the mental and emotional well-being of both patients and their caregivers in this book It emphasizes relating to patients in their own reality for those suffering with dementia or related Alzheimer’s diseases. The author’s method works to enhance communication between care partners and patients while offering other practical tips.

At Chosen Family Home Care, we find lists and guides useful. This book uses them to discuss, as well as help determine, what stage of dementia or Alzheimer’s illness your loved one is currently in. It demonstrates clearly what’s to come, from stage to stage. Plus, it offers great methodology to manage these issues without adding undue stress to your loved one with Alzheimer’s.

The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself

Linda Abbit is a seasoned writer experienced in the field of caregiving. We found the suggestions for self-care both insightful, timely, and incredibly resourceful. This guide can help you care for your loved one and yourself at the same time.

Passages in Caregiving: Turning Chaos into Confidence

This caregiving guide talks about the challenges of caregiving along with the negative aspects that come with it. It highlights ways that we can get through these challenges and find the strength to carry on.

When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative

This brand new book was just released in October 2020 by Aaron Blight. The author explores the daily realities of caregiving and offers candid, practical advice. It aims to help family caregivers cope with the numerous challenges that they face. This wonderful guide will be a resource for anyone tasked with these enormous responsibilities and in need of peace of mind.

Casey’s Village: It Takes a Village for Transformation

Another new book on our list, just released in September 2020. When a wife struggles alone as the caregiver of her husband with Alzheimer’s, she realized the need for help from people around her. It’s a nice story that mixes both fact and fiction, and is empowering for caregivers that need a little support.

The Caregiving Trap: Solutions for Life’s Unexpected Changes

This lovely book combines the real life and professional experience of the author Pamela D. Wilson. She offers recommendations for frustrated and overwhelmed caregivers who themselves may one day be in need of care.

The Caregiving Trap includes stories about the author’s actual personal and professional experiences. Additionally, she includes helpful end of chapter exercises to support caregivers.

The 36-Hour Day, sixth edition: The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss

This is considered one of the “gold standards” of caregiving books. Particularly, it is useful for caregiving for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Now on it’s sixth edition, The 36-Hour Day has been a vital resource for families who love and care for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia disease. These individuals will face a host of problems, and this caregiving book will help family members and caregivers address these challenges. Plus, it helps cope with their own personal emotions and needs.

Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? A Memoir

In her first memoir, the author Roz Chast brings her featured style to the topic of aging parents. A cartoonist for the New Yorker, the caregiving book spans the last several years of her parents lives. The story is told through color cartoons, family photos, and a narrative filled with as many laughs as there are tears. The memoir offers comfort and humor for anyone experiencing the loss of elderly parents and for family caregivers responsible for providing support. A fascinating view of two lives at their end and an only child coping as best she can with her situation. Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant displays the depth of author Roz Chast’s talent both as a cartoonist and storyteller.

Reading as an outlet

If you are one of the over 40 million family caregivers in America today, you have a responsibility to provide self care . Reading can give you an outlet. It offers respite from the daily challenges of caregiving . These books and many others can provide a way to learn about best caregiving practices. Plus, they can offer insight into improving the care you offer, and other care-related information including ways to pamper yourself. More than anything, it is nurturing to the mind and soul. Open a book and care for yourself. Don’t be afraid or guilty to make the time to provide for your own needs.

Consider further resources

To conclude, managing caregiving and coping with its challenges is possible. By prioritizing your own self care, you can make things a little easier on you. Also, you can improve the care you provide to a loved one in need as well. Read our blog post on managing caregiver burden and stress as well as our guide to juggling a career and caregiving as additional resources.

If you need additional support to help meet the challenges of caregiving , consider a supportive home care agency such as Chosen Family Home Car

The post 10 Must Read Books for Family Caregivers appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

6 Technologies to Combat Senior Loneliness and Isolation

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 17:09:00 GMT

An epidemic of loneliness and isolation among seniors was here long before COVID-19. However, social distancing, greater vulnerabilities to the virus, and stay-at-home orders have made it even worse for older adults. Read about 6 new and innovative technologies for older adults to fight social isolation in the elderly as well as other simple steps that families and loved ones can do to combat loneliness and support mental health.

Loneliness and isolation has reached alarming levels here in the United States: A recent study done by Cigna uncovered that more than three in five Americans are lonely. Young adults are the most likely to report regular feelings of isolation. However, seniors report very high levels of loneliness as well. In fact, more than 40 percent of seniors identify with feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Unfortunately, feelings of loneliness and isolation have only been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic . Even as stay-at-home orders are being lifted and life slowly begins to feel a bit more normal, elders tend to be more pessimistic about their lives post-pandemic.

Senior isolation is a concern. Technology exists that can help overcome senior isolation.

Just like efforts to combat COVID-19 , the fight against loneliness is really a public health concern. Social isolation is linked to a range of health issues for all ages. These include anxiety, depression, dementia, heart disease, and a weaker immune system, as the National Institute on Aging notes .

The world’s medical and business community is rushing to innovate and help solve the issues from the pandemic. These include potential vaccines, telemedicine, deliveries via drone, and more. However, it is also coming to realize the adverse impact of loneliness in adults and seniors. It is making advances through technology and modern-day insights to address this public health need that is reaching crisis levels with people- and senior-friendly emotional well-being products and services .

Companion care services can be an option for seniors and older adults. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Chosen Family Home Care is a caring provider of home care services throughout the region. Our caregivers can not only provide support to prevent senior loneliness and isolation, but we can also provide hands on support with activities of daily living. Plus, Chosen Family Home Care has taken extensive measures due to the coronavirus pandemic to ensure that you or a loved one can be safe. Contact Chosen Family Home Care today for direct care that can help seniors remain active and support well-being mentally and emotionally.

Innovative technologies that fight loneliness and social isolation in seniors

Below, we discuss five innovations in development to overcome the struggle against loneliness or isolation in older adults .

Robotics

The idea of coexisting with robots may have been scary or dystopian previously. In the face of the pandemic and the coming social isolation, people may have begun to rethink the role of robotics and consider how they could reduce loneliness in seniors , along with an array of other activities.

Intuition Robotics is one such company making the foray into addressing such issues. This Israeli startup uses artificial intelligence which designs tailored companion technologies for the elderly. They ambitiously have created ElliQ , a digital home companion for older adults that can respond to questions, make appointments, initiate calls,monitor and analyze the user’s environment, and provide entertainment and emotional enrichment activities. Think of it like an Alexa with advanced capabilities.

PARO is another interesting example. It’s a therapeutic robot developed by the Japanese company AIST. PARO is an FDA-approved biofeedback device which takes the shape of a baby seal. Frequently, it is used for patients with dementia-related symptoms. Sensors help enable the robot to perceive the user’s environment. It knows when it is being petted and recognizes voices and words.

Artificial Intelligence is one tool that can be used to overcome senior loneliness and isolation.

With continued advances in AI, you can expect that personal robots will become increasingly sophisticated. Plus, they will develop personalized–adopting traits and habits to meet the unique needs and personality of their user.

Easy to use and accessible devices

Even those less attuned to technology, including many seniors, can also benefit from anti-loneliness technology . KOMP is a platform that seniors’ children and grandchildren can utilize. It allows them to share photos, make video calls, or send messages. The senior recipient needs to only use one button on the other end to keep things as easy as possible. The company that created the product, No Isolation, is on track to see sales up 20 times over last year. The surge started in March and April, which coincided with stay at home orders.

Improved accessibility to transportation

The Model T by Ford has been around for over 100 years. That being said, inaccessibility to transportation is a major barrier for many seniors. Many older adults or disabled individuals may not have the ability to drive or get around. Insurance companies and health systems are finding innovative solutions to overcome this. However, these are only focused on the medical component of improving healthcare and health outcomes.

Equally important is the focus on how transportation can improve socialization. Of course, ridesharing companies like Lyft and Uber have been a major force in improving accessibility across communities. These services are not only convenient but generally affordable too. By getting seniors and older adults out into the community more, these on-demand rides can help reduce social isolation and increase quality of life. In a majority of US markets, both Lyft and Uber offer wheelchair accessible rides. These can be requested right through their own phone apps. Relatively easy to navigate, these are a major help to those with accessibility needs and seniors.

Even some state programs have recognized how important non-medical transportation is to promoting quality of life. For example, Pennsylvania’s Medicaid waiver programs promote and even pay for many non-medical transportation options as a way to support independence at home. A look at this and the full scope of services of the PA medicaid waiver can be found in detail here .

Emotional Support Gone Virtual

Technology can be used to provider better health and home care for seniors as well.

Finding constructive and creative virtual communities can be tough. However, creative and forward-thinking innovations are opening new possibilities.

7Chairs is one such provider. They offer long-term emotional support groups facilitated by professionals such as clinical social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors through text and video based options. They are aimed at people confronting chronic and acute illnesses, loneliness, grief, anxiety, depression, and additional mental and emotional health conditions.

Demand for connections such as these are on the rise in the midst of the pandemic. QuarantineChat is a new service that was started as a free option to connect people who don’t know each other through phone calls. The app has options for 25 languages , and has thousands of users from 183 different countries. As the viral outbreak and resulting quarantines inspire more people to see the value in virtual communities, these new, and intuitive forms of gathering and support will certainly become more mainstream.

Immersive Technology

Alcove is a platform that acts as a virtual reality (VR) living room . Focusing on family connections, it was curated by the AARP Innovation Labs to bring international and intergenerational families together to connect by playing games, creating memories, and watching videos.

Seniors combating loneliness may also find value in Rendever . This VR platform relies on neuroscience to offer activities for cognitive stimulation. For example, it helps users remember and recreate powerful memories and nostalgia, while fostering socialization and therapy as well.

Investments in augmented reality and virtual reality are expected to increase substantially over the coming years. As a result, these platforms and technologies will begin playing more of a mainstream role in our search for connection and community.

Chatbots

Sometimes, when people express loneliness, they may mean that they don’t feel they have someone that they can confide in. This is apparently expressed by one in four Americans . Chatbots are one innovation that have seen an explosion in usage during the pandemic. They provide a plethora of increasingly intelligent ways to provide a much-needed partner in conversation.

Woebot is a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based chatbot app developed by a Stanford University research psychologist. It monitors and analyzes a users’ moods during chats. Plus, the app can help users learn about themselves. The ultimate goal of the app is to enable users to take charge of their mental and emotional well-being.

Replika is another innovative technology in the space. It enables its users to create a personal digital companion, which can then learn and adapt to the user through text conversations. Artificial intelligence based algorithms and neural networks allow the technological companion to hold empathetic and expressive conversations.

More companies continue to invest in chatbot technology for different functions such as customer service. With these investments, the technology will continue to evolve and innovate to improve their ability to have meaningful conversations and dialogue with their users.

Continued Demand for Innovative Solutions

It’s clear that there is significant demand for technology that supports mental and emotional well-being for adults of all ages. The growth of apps that promote mindfulness and meditation, including Headspace and Calm, have exploded in popularity over the past few years and is a testament to this demand.

As bad as the pandemic has been, there has at least been a renewed focus on addressing loneliness and senior social isolation . With that attention, existing technologies will continue to become more commonplace and less taboo, and new innovations will surely result in smarter and better platforms to address these needs.

Products that can lessen loneliness now and in a post-COVID-19 reality will be the ones that foster easy to use, personalized, and tailored experiences for seniors. They may lean on technologies like artificial intelligence, biofeedback, and virtual reality to help us fight back against the feelings that too many seniors and adults of all ages unfortunately experience, which is the pandemic of loneliness.

Technology can be one level of support, and home care is another option as well. Chosen Family Home Care can be the compassionate provider of caregivers and home care to help you or your loved one age in place and with dignity right here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . In addition to helping out seniors with activities of daily living, errands, and housekeeping, we can provide a crucial level of companionship and emotional support for seniors regardless of their circumstances.

The post 6 Technologies to Combat Senior Loneliness and Isolation appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Parkinson’s: 8 Must Know Risk Factors and Prevention Tips

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 12:58:00 GMT

Reduce your risk of getting Parkinson’s disease by understanding the contributors of the disease and considering prevention strategies for seniors and older adults.

Understanding Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a serious and chronic condition. It’s considered a neurological movement disorder. Some common symptoms include tremors, slow movement, muscle stiffness, unsteady walking, and problems with balance and coordination.

There is no cure for the disease. Like many diseases, Parkinson’s treatment is much more successful when the disease is caught in early stages.

Prevalence of Parkinson’s

While Parkinson’s is common in those over the age of 60, Parkinson’s can strike at any age . Parkinson’s is not uncommonly found in adults in their forties. Although Parkinson’s itself is not fatal, the progressive and continual neurodegeneration characteristics of the disease can lead to secondary effects that cause death.

Even though the exact cause of Parkinson’s is still unknown, researchers and scientists believe that both one’s environment and genetics play a major role . However, all of those afflicted with Parkinson’s demonstrate a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. They also show higher levels of proteins known as α-synuclein. These accumulate in Lewy bodies. Lewy bodies are a pathological characteristic of the disease, along with some forms of dementia.

Preventing Parkinson’s

As mentioned, there is still no cure for Parkinson’s disease . However, there are some medicines available that can help control the symptoms of the disease. These can make the condition more manageable and easier to live with.

In order to understand and prevent Parkinson’s disease , it is important to understand the risk factors. By understanding the risks, we can take some actions now to lower our risk of diagnosis down the road. The 8 risk factors of Parkinson’s include:

Genes

Having a close relative with Parkinson’s disease has been shown to increase the risk of developing the condition. Although you certainly can’t change the genes that you inherited, new and developing research known as epigenetics is demonstrating that the lifestyle you live can impact and activate those genes or not. While one’s genes can elevate your risk, environmental factors can be the difference between the condition’s onset avoiding the disease altogether.

Toxin avoidance

Some exposure to toxins may be directly responsible for triggering Parkinson’s. Accumulating evidence seems to suggest that exposure to certain toxicants may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease .

We are surrounded by various neurotoxins on a daily basis. Heavy Metals and toxins can negatively impact anyone’s life. This is especially true when it comes to the potential to develop Parkinson’s disease . Neurotoxins have the ability to cross the Blood Brain Barrier . They can cause damage to neurons that produce dopamine. Avoiding toxins will preserve your overall and brain health.

Maintaining routine sleep

Sleep is crucial for brain function. In order to work properly, during sleep the brain is engaged in processing information, making connections, consolidating memories, and pushing out toxins. While sleeping, the brain performs its maintenance. By not having adequate time for this process to occur, you could potentially accelerate neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s.

Manage stress

By being regularly stressed out, you can upset the brain’s normal activity. This can ultimately lead to Parkinson’s disease. Acute stress can cause changes in the protective function of the blood brain barrier. Chronic stress has been shown to be toxic to the brain. Plus, it’s possible that regular stress can lead to dopamine depletion.

Diet

Healthy eating is a crucial element to keeping a lifestyle Parkinson’s free . In addition to preventing disease and promoting good overall health, an ideal and nutritious diet can contribute to reducing the risk of Parkinson’s. An example of such a diet would include plenty of greens and vegetables, fruits, good vitamins and antioxidants, minerals, good fats, and foods with sufficient protein. Organic options are an even better choice. Check out the best produce to select organic when it comes to minimizing chemicals and pesticides.. Even though organic produce is generally a safer bet than the alternative, there are still some pesticides and herbicides that farmers are able to use while still maintaining an organic designation. As a result, awareness of your food origins is of utmost importance. Good foods to avoid include excess and simple carbohydrates, chemicals, and inflammation causing foods.

Regular exercise

Individuals who regularly include working up a sweat and exercise into their routines have a significantly lower prevalence of Parkinson’s . Unfortunately, at the point that someone develops Parkinson’s, there’s a high probability that the benefits of vigorous exercise will not be fully realized. This is due to a lower level of neurotransmitters that occur in the body.

A lifestyle with plenty of exercise can have a surprisingly strong link to brain health and function. Regular movement increases blood flow to the brain. That elevates oxygen levels, and this triggers biochemical changes. These changes can stimulate neuron activity which promotes the growth of the brain through newly formed neural pathways and synaptic connections.

Management of medical conditions

Poor overall health can lead to Parkinson’s disease down the road. Obesity has been linked to adjusted dopamine levels in the brain. In older age, this means a three times greater risk of developing Parkinson’s . High blood pressure, insulin resistance, elevated level of triglycerides, low HDL, and inflammation may all be disease contributors as well.

Chronic physical pain can be damaging to one’s brain too. Managing chronic pain is important in the fight against Parkinson’s. Strong dental health is vital . Understand the side effects of your prescribed medications and their potential for interactions.

Head injury prevention

The damage done from a head injury could lead to developing Parkinson’s in later years. Traumatic brain injuries have been proven to lead to both short- and long-term issues related to balance, cognition, and memory. Research is demonstrating that even repeated lower impact blows to the head can also take a toll. If one has a brain injury that results in a loss of consciousness, hospitalization, or amnesia, then an increased risk of Parkinson’s will be the result. For example, a loss of consciousness for more than five minutes can double a person’s chance of Parkinson’s. Each subsequent occurrence also causes the risk to increase.

In a matter of merely seconds, head injuries can put into motion a torrent of damaging pathological changes affecting the brain. These can include a loss of molecules that create dopamine for a matter of months after an injury takes place.

Knowledge is power

By understanding the major risk factors of Parkinson’s , individuals can take actions to prevent themselves from inheriting the disease down the road. Even when an individual is diagnosed with the disease, some steps can be taken to mitigate the effects and onset of the disease. Through effective disease management, sufferers can lead longer and more fulfilling lives.

The effects of Parkinson’s often causes the need for extra hands-on support and assistance. Individuals afflicted with the disease can benefit from supportive home care, Chosen Family Home Care is a Philadelphia-based agency that has well-trained and compassionate caregivers. Follow all of our informative blog posts as well for important senior resources and tips for healthy living.

The post Parkinson’s: 8 Must Know Risk Factors and Prevention Tips appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

10 Tips to Better Senior Respiratory Health

Sat, 28 Nov 2020 14:45:00 GMT

Breathe a little easier by supporting lung support and function in older adults.

Breathing is a vital function of our lives. Every second of every day, our lungs are constantly working. Your lungs allow your body to take oxygen from the air. It filters out carbon dioxide, which is a toxic gas, from your body.

As we have learned during the outbreak of COVID-19 , important respiratory health for seniors is critical. The virus not only directly impacts the lungs and respiratory system, but older adults are those most at risk. Seniors that have certain respiratory conditions are most vulnerable to not only the coronavirus, but to other respiratory ailments as well.

Respiratory Conditions That Impact Seniors

There are four central types of chronic health concerns that can affect your lungs as you get older:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a group of lung disorders that make it challenging to breathe. There are 15.7 million people living with COPD in the United States, . The disease can have serious long-term consequences to those that suffer from it. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two forms of COPD. Some symptoms of COPD include frequent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tighteness in the chest.

Bronchial Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes difficulty breathing. It fosters recurring periods of wheezing, plus tightness in the chest, coughing, and shortness of breath. Asthma attacks aren’t always immediate, either. When they occur over the course of hours or days, older adults have an increased risk of becoming critically ill. However, proper treatment can save your life and help prevent attacks.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that creates inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs,. They will then fill up with fluid or pus. This makes it hard for seniors to properly breathe. Some signs and symptoms of pneumonia include fever, a cough that may produce phlegm, nausea, chills, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia may be especially dangerous in adults over the age of 65 due to a weakened immune system.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a major contributor to respiratory health problems. When the heart can no longer pump blood adequately throughout the body, it creates a buildup of fluid that ends up being pushed into the lungs. Referred to as pulmonary edema, symptoms of respiratory distress that stem from heart failure include wheezing, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, crackling sounds when breathing, sweating, and a cough with pink or frothy mucus.

10 Tips for Improving Respiratory Health and Prevention

Prevention is key to maintaining adequate respiratory health. For those with compromised respiratory conditions, there are still measures that can be taken to mitigate respiratory concerns. Below, find 7 tips to improve respiratory health for seniors include the following:

Don’t smoke at all, and stop smoking if you currently do

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, according to the CDC . It’s never too late to stop smoking, even if you’ve routinely smoked for years. It won’t reverse the damage that has happened, but the negative effects can be slowed down dramatically.

Watch your posture

The lungs are soft structures, so they only take up the room that you make for them in your bodies.

Monitor and be mindful of your posture. Not only does it help your body open up the all-important lungs, but it has other great benefits as well. A simple tip that you can incorporate regularly is to occasionally sit tall and reach overhead, which makes more room for your lungs.

Get screened regularly

Be sure to schedule and attend your annual physical. This is especially true for older adults . On top of an annual physical, request having a breathing test prescribed. This is particularly vital if you are a smoker. The results could suggest treatment is necessary or lifestyle changes are needed to help prevent lung cancer, heart attack, and stroke.

Incorporate regular exercise into your routine

Exercise can help combat muscle atrophy in and around the chest area. Therefore, working out regularly allows the lungs to open up more fully. Incorporate deep breathing exercises into your routine. This can ensure that the alveoli (air cells of the lungs) remain strong and healthy. It also can help ward off pneumonia.

Be mindful of contaminant and pollutants that can make you sick

Keep The home clear of cigarette smoke and dust. Also, you may try avoiding artificial air fresheners and candles, as those can irritate the lungs. Maintaining a clean home is essential, especially from dust and pet dander. Use natural cleaning products. Ensure adequate ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens while cleaning as well.

Avoid large crowds

As we have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic , ensuring social distancing and gatherings can help limit the spread of the coronavirus, a disease that attacks the respiratory system. To ensure the chance for healthy lungs, limit your gatherings while the pandemic is ongoing. If and when the coronavirus concerns abate, this still holds true in other cases. For example, heeding this advice during the flu season for those at risk may also be a good idea.

Regularly wash your hands

Washing your hands effectively has been proven to be one of the most effective methods to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. It can also help to prevent respiratory infections. Reference our guide on proper handwashing and maintaining skin care for seniors for more information.

Stay hydrated

To maintain a strong immune system, seniors need to ensure adequate daily hydration. Seniors are prone to dehydration, which complicates many health concerns , including for respiratory health.

Ensure a strong immune system

The immune system provides vital support to our bodies to ward off invaders like viruses and bacteria. Do what you can to support your immune system so your body can be prepared for the fight against illness. Read our guide on boosting your immune system for more tips.

Stay on top of regular vaccinations

It is crucial to receive vaccinations routinely. This includes getting your vaccine yearly for seasonal flu, along with a pneumonia vaccine. Older adults benefit from keeping up with their shots, as they are considered high risk categories for complications from flu and pneumonia, among others.

Being proactive about your health can prolong your life. Start incorporating these respiratory health tips into your daily life so you can give your body the best chance of fighting off health concerns with healthy and strong lungs.

For seniors with respiratory conditions , they may find that they need a little extra help and support in their daily activities that are a challenge with a respiratory condition or other ailments. Chosen Family Home Care is a Philadelphia and greater Delaware Valley based home healthcare agency that specializes in senior assistance through hands on care that can make life a little easier at home. Through a comprehensive needs assessment and mission-driven approach, we can determine the best course of action for you and your loved one, while considering your budget and the individual requirements that older adults need.

Follow our insights page for more senior and caregiving resources for you and your loved one and check us out on Facebook and Instagram .

The post 10 Tips to Better Senior Respiratory Health appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

7 Signs of Elder Abuse and How to Help in Pennsylvania

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 16:55:00 GMT

Spot the signs of abuse in seniors and learn what resources are available.

It is a sad reality that elder abuse occurs on a regular basis in America. Elder abuse is widespread and impacts everyone in our society. One out of nine elders suffers abuse in one form or another

As the Baby Boomer generation gets older and the number of elders in America increases, it will become all the more important to be aware of the warning signs of elder abuse.

What is abuse?

Just like other kinds of abuse, elder abuse can take various forms:

Physical: Inflicting pain or injury through such actions as slapping, hitting, bruising or restraining. Physical abuse can also be inflicted through medication tampering—giving too much or withholding medication.

Sexual: Any nonconsensual sexual contact, whether comprehended or not.

Emotional: Inflicting mental anguish or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts such as threatening, intimidating or humiliating.

Neglect: Failure to provide food, clothing, shelter, healthcare or protection.

Financial: Illegal use, misuse or concealment of funds, property, assets or benefits for someone else’s gain.

Abandonment: Desertion of a vulnerable adult.

Signs of abuse:

Unexplained Physical Injuries and Symptoms

If a senior loved one has visible signs of injury, physical abuse or neglect may be occurring. Some people may be naturally prone to injury, so it is crucial to attempt to find out how injuries may have occurred. Physical injury can happen as a result of physical abuse, restraint, neglect or sexual abuse. Physical injuries and signs may include:

Poor Hygiene

An older adult getting neglectful care may additionally show poor personal and environmental hygiene. Any of the following types of substandard hygiene may indicate neglect:

Shaky or Unusual Relationship with Caregiver

The individual may also show signs of tension in their relationship with a specific caregiver. Warning signs may include:

Medical Neglect

An elderly individual may show signs of medical neglect, which include:

Abnormal Financial Behavior

Many signs of financial exploitation may occur as unusual financial behavior to include:

Abandonment

Inappropriate abandonment could be a sign of neglect or abuse. As an example, abandonment may occur:

Uncharacteristic Personality or Behavioral Changes

An abused or neglected elder may also show strange or unexpected behavioral changes, including:

Reporting elder abuse

If you suspect an elder is being abused, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s 24 hour hotline at 1-800-490-8505.

Chosen Family is here for you and your loved one. Our trained specialists can help recognize the signs of elder abuse and offer resources for your loved one. Contact us today for supportive and compassionate caregivers of home care for your loved one. Read more of our insights for caring and practical resources for you or your loved one.

The post 7 Signs of Elder Abuse and How to Help in Pennsylvania appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

8 Innovations For Improving Lives of those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s and their Caregivers

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 15:54:00 GMT

The latest figures suggest one in four hospital beds are occupied by people with dementia – and 20 percent of these admissions are due to preventable causes such as falls, dehydration and infections.

Science and technology have still not found a cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s . However, new advancements in technology have brought about tools that can help alleviate the burden on caregivers while keeping those diagnosed safer and more comfortable.

Innovations and technologies for improving the lives of those with dementia and Alzheimer’s

Below are 8 products and innovations that are allowing dementia patients to live safely in their homes. As an added bonus, they can alleviate the burden on caregivers and help reduce the risk and cope with caregiver burnout and burden . Plus, these tools can enhance the ability of family caregivers to be more successful as well in their role.

Clocks

Clocks are very important to Alzheimer’s patients. People faced with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or memory loss need structure and routine. They often lose the ability to determine what time it is, day or night. Placing large digital clocks around the home is helpful, but there are also specific clocks for dementia patients that go even further. These clocks not only show time, but display the time of day or change colors based on time of day, set medication reminders, etc. Better yet, these digital clocks are also available inexpensively online .

Assistive Communication Technology

Helping loved ones stay connected is vital to quality of life for dementia patients. Technology makes it easier and with more options than ever . Simple adapted telephones ensure ease of communication for individuals with memory loss. Examples include large pad buttons with pictures of important and emergency contacts in case a phone number is forgotten. Many of these phones have varying other features that are helpful for those suffering from dementia. Existing (and free) technology like FaceTime and Skype are great tools that can be incorporated immediately in many cases.

Advanced pill organizer boxes

Pill organizer boxes are a vital resource for many seniors, and memory loss patients are no exception. Pill boxes with alerts and alarms are a great resource for these patients. Better yet, the alerts are also beneficial for the caregiver trying to keep track of medication reminders throughout the day. The alarms can be set for as many as 6 alerts per day. While there are a variety of options at hand, you can read reviews for some of the best available here .

Consider adding the support of home care services to assist your senior loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Chosen Family Home Care is the premier provider of dementia and Alzheimer’s caregiving in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Contact us today!

Sensors

Smart sensors are an emerging technology in the fight to keep Alzheimer’s patients. They also give a leg up and advantage to their family caregivers. There are a huge variety of options when it comes to sensors. They range from motion sensing lights that can help prevent falls to talking bathrooms that detect when a bathroom tap has been left on. The category of sensors is broad, but caregivers and loved ones can begin to incorporate sensor technology in a variety of ways. Even better, some of these can be quite inexpensive.

Emerging technologies in sensors are looking to take things a step further. For example, new technology is being researched that can identify the progression of dementia . Other technologies aim to identify agitation in dementia patients which can lead to effective interventions. These make a safer environment for both patients and caregivers alike while alleviating the burden for family caregivers.

GPS technology

Location tracking devices can be a no-brainer for dementia patients that are susceptible to wandering. They can help caregivers, family members, and emergency personnel aware of the patient’s location at all times. They also interested parties rapidly of any abnormalities, including first responders. As you can see, this can make these devices potential lifesavers. Alzheimers.net has a great blog of location tracking options and their capabilities available.

In-home cameras

Now becoming an ubiquitous technology, in-home cameras can be a lifeline for checking on loved ones to ensure their comfort and safety in the home. Some camera options can allow you to speak through the device into the home. Others can monitor movements and send alerts when no movement is detected after a period of time. Smart uses of cameras can be focused on where medication is kept and administered to ensure that medication is taken routinely. Other locations can include the main room or high risk areas such as the staircase to monitor activity and safety.

Appliance use monitoring

Forgetting to turn things off becomes an issue as someone advances through the stages of Alzheimer’s. Appliance use monitors are a great tool for caregivers to keep track of something like the microwave, coffeemaker, lamps, TV, curling iron, garage door, or CPAP machine. These devices plug into a powerstrip or wall outlet while allowing you to monitor whether your loved one has remembered to turn off the devices. They can be voice controlled and even allow you to turn something off if your loved one forgot. They can even allow you to adjust lights, fans, or thermostats remotely.

Smartphone apps

Many applications can now help dementia patients in a variety of ways . The apps can help engage patients and stimulate their minds and brains in an effort to slow the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Of course, they also may help foster technology and provide endless opportunities to pass the time. Technology can be challenging for seniors, but especially so for those with dementia. However, large tablets and smartphones can help facilitate the use of technology in fighting the effects of dementia. For a low cost, or none at all, many of these apps can be downloaded and implemented to engage loved ones which also help the caregiver providing support.

Combatting the advancement of dementia and Alzheimer’s in seniors with home care support

As dementia and Alzheimer’s advance, the difficulties grow and combine until perceived dangers and threats lurk everywhere. Home and outdoors become less safe. Confusion worsens. Stress on the caregiver increases and is amplified. Loved ones and family members may feel that assisted living and nursing homes may be the only options. Luckily, with advances and implementations of technology, the ability to keep patients safely and comfortably in the home are more realistic than ever.

Chosen Family Home Care can provide compassionate and highly skilled caregivers for your family member living with the devastating effects of dementia , Alzheimer’s or memory loss. Chosen Family Home Care is based throughout the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania region. Contact us today to receive a free technology analysis and care assessment for your senior loved one that has dementia, Alzheimer’s, or that just needs a little extra support.

The post 8 Innovations For Improving Lives of those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s and their Caregivers appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Do Pennsylvania Caregivers Need To Be Certified?

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 15:12:00 GMT

ffAre you interested in being a caregiver in Pennsylvania? Learn about caregiver responsibilities. Plus, find out if caregiver certification such as a Home Health Aide or Certified Nurse Aide is a requirement in Pennsylvania. We discuss how certification can expand one’s job responsibilities and enhance their careers. Finally, we talk about where caregivers can work in and around Philadelphia.

Are you interested in a job as a caregiver and wondering if you need a license or certification? There are different licenses that cover many types of certifications. The job requirements for certification will depend on the care that a particular caregiver provides. Certification requirements also will vary from one state to another. For this article, we focus on the caregiver training requirements for Pennsylvania state. Caregivers who assist patients with day to day tasks such as companionship, cooking, and personal care, may not necessarily need to be licensed. This is the case in Pennsylvania. Certification is often required for CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants), HHAs (Home Health Aides), and other professionals that provide direct care plus some basic medical care. In Pennsylvania, certification is required in these roles.

What does a caregiver do?

Caregivers, also known in this case as Personal Care Aides or Personal Care Assistants, assist the elderly, people with disabilities, or those recovering from injury or illness with daily living activities. Caregivers can also refer to those that provide some medical care but for these purposes we focus solely on Personal Care Aides or homemaker care. This care is usually provided at the person’s home or in a care facility.

A caregiver’s job responsibilities may include housekeeping (such as making beds, doing laundry, washing dishes) and preparing meals. They can provide assistance at non-residential care facilities as well. They might advise families, the elderly, convalescents, and persons with disabilities regarding such things as cleanliness, nutrition, or household activities.

What skills are necessary to be a successful caregiver?

There are some traits that are particularly important for caregivers to have in order to excel in their role. Becoming an effective caregiver requires lots of patience and experience. For example, a great caregiver will be experienced in controlling the spread of infection. They can deal with the occasional challenging behaviors that can come from a patient feeling sick, tired, or confused. Plus, they can also care for a individuals with different conditions and ailments. These are true whether or not a caregiver has certification or licensure. Some of these skills may come easily. Although, other skills for success can be gained through knowledge and experience. Caregivers will get better with training and hands-on experience over time. In general, some of the skills that make a caregiver successful include, but are not limited to:

Professional helpful caregiver at client’s home. Health visitor and a senior man during home visit. Young caregiver in uniform and senior man drinking tea.

Does a caregiver need to be certified?

When discussing caregiver certification, this generally refers to certification as either a Home Health Aide or a Certified Nurse Aide (also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant). HHAs and CNAs do need to attain a certification to work in those specific roles and job functions.

Certified Nurse Aides/Home Health Aides and Caregivers: How do they compare?

Caregivers versus Home Health Aides

The work requirements for Home Health Aides vary by state. In Pennsylvania, Home Health Aides are those that meet the requirements under regulations set forth by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as listed here .

The program indicates the number of hours necessary and required topics to be trained on. Under federal regulations, the program must include, at a minimum, 75 hours of training with 16 of those hours as clinical (hand-on) training.

In many training programs, especially those offered by employers, this means hours will be completed working with real patients. It can also be done in a mock laboratory setting. This may be a training unit or space that resembles the healthcare and home setting that caregivers may work in. The Chosen Family Home Care Home Health Aide training program is done in a classroom and clinical setting.

A caregiver (or Personal Care Aide/Homemaker) is an uncertified role, as opposed to a Home Health Aide. The certification offers enhanced job responsibilities and scope of work. However, the job duties of home health aides and personal caregivers often overlap significantly. Both roles work in the client’s home or residence and provide assistance with daily tasks.

Home health aides are qualified and trained to offer basic health services. Support might include assisting the client to perform rehabilitation exercises, aiding them to take prescribed medication, or giving pain relief services, like a massage. A home health aide could also be trained and certified to operate or maintain medical equipment such as oxygen. A personal caregiver is not generally allowed to perform such medical tasks or dispense medication.

Caregivers compared to Certified Nurse Aide/Certified Nursing Assistant

A CNA, or Certified Nurse Aide, is a licensed role. A Home Health Aide is certified. The licensure offers enhanced job responsibilities in comparison to a caregiver or Personal Care Aide. Plus, CNAs have enhanced job duties as compared to HHAs too. One of the core differences between a CNA and an HHA or caregiver is the setting in which they are able to work. For starters, a CNA can work in a variety of healthcare setting. These include long term care facilities and hospitals. Generally speaking, a CNA working in a home setting will have similar functions as an HHA. They mostly just have the ability to work in a larger variety of medical settings.

CNA licensing and certification is a bit different than that of a Home Health Aide. It is longer in duration in Pennsylvania. For example, the Pennsylvania Department of Education suggests a 120 hour CNA course . The recommended curriculum includes 65 hours of classroom and laboratory training. An additional 55 hours are spent in training in a clinical environment. This setting is a nursing home or long term care facility. The state of Pennsylvania requires a minimum number of clinical hours to be completed by CNAs in training.

Why should I be a certified Home Health Aide or Certified Nurse Aide instead of working as a caregiver?

An interested party could be a caregiver (or personal care aide, homemaker, etc.) instead of a Home Health Aide or Certified Nurse Aide. An agency that accepts Medicare is required to have certified Home Health Aides. Also, since Certified Nurse Aides exceed the training requirements of HHAs, CNAs are acceptable for home care and home health agencies too.

Accordingly, many places that hire HHAs or CNAs can only hire certified caregivers. Chosen Family Home Care is not required to hire these certified positions. We gladly accept individuals at a variety of experience levels. This includes family caregivers providing support for loved ones.

Overall, for future career options, it is recommended that any individual be certified as an HHA or a CNA if they want to maximize their job opportunities. Even if you don’t think you need certification now, that certification could open up opportunities down the road. Luckily, Chosen Family Home Care offers a home health aide certification to its employees free of charge after a period of time.

Lastly, because of the additional job duties they can perform, Home Health Aides may find higher starting salaries than caregivers or Personal Care Aides. Certified Nurse Aides definitely have higher overall median salaries than caregivers.

CNA and HHA training program differences

Both training as a CNA and HHA is affordable (or free). Generally, the CNA program is more expensive than the HHA program for those that pay for it. This is because to the program is longer and more comprehensive. This is aso why it offers more potential healthcare settings one can work in. That being said, long term care facilities must reimburse CNAs for the cost of the program under certain conditions. This can be a benefit for those considering being a CNA. It means they will end up getting the program free of charge. Keep in mind though that the CNA will still need to pay for the program up front. Only after they gain employment at a long term care facility and then work for a specified period of time can they get full training reimbursement. Some HHAs are able to get their employers to sponsor their program to be certified, such as Chosen Family Home Care caregivers.

Last but not least, some individuals might qualify for free vocational training under some state programs.

Are you required to have a high school diploma or GED to be a caregiver, HHA, or CNA?

There is no formal education requirement for caregivers, HHAs, or CNAs. This is true for both most training programs and most employers. However, some home healthcare and hospice agencies may individually require a high school diploma for those working at their company.

Overall, it is often advantageous for caregivers to have a diploma or GED but it is not a fixed requirement.

Where can I get certified as a home health aide or a nursing assistant?

To get certified as a home health aide (HHA) or certified nurse aide (CNA), interested individuals must complete a training course. These programs could be offered by community colleges, private schools or employers (home healthcare agencies) offering jobs in the field.

Chosen Family Home Care’s Home Health Aide program, for example, offers HHA training for prospective home health aides in the greater Philadelphia area. This is done for free as a perk to employees and caregivers alike as training space and time is available. If you are interested to learn more, reach out to us today.

Also, you can find the list of Pennsylvania state providers of Certified Nurse Aide training in this directory.

I want to ensure stability in my career and future, especially in these difficult times. What is the job outlook for caregivers?

Overall, being a caregiver makes an excellent career choice. This is true whether you are certified or not. Consider these statistics that make a career as a direct care worker an excellent one:

Caregivers are incredibly important

All caregivers, whether personal care aides, homemakers, HHAs, or CNAS, are very crucial positions in our society. Caregivers help maintain the health and well-being of the elderly, ill, and the disabled. This role can offer significant variety and experience. You could be offering personal care support, and then grocery shopping or helping to pay bills for clients.

Other medical workers are often located in a healthcare facility. Caregivers, on the other hand, enter and work in the client’s home. These direct care workers have access to the most intimate parts of the client’s life. Sometimes, they get minimal supervision or direct support in their caregiving positions. For those working at Chosen Family Home Care, we work to make sure that all of our caregivers have the support, training, and development in their positions. This is true regardless of their experience or certification.

Find out more about what it’s like to work at Chosen Family Home Care . Plus, learn about the support and care we offer to our own caregivers, including how one can attain their home health aide certification through the company.

The post Do Pennsylvania Caregivers Need To Be Certified? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Caregiver Burden and Stress: Understanding It and 8 Tips to Overcome It

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 19:13:00 GMT

Caregiver stress and burden (also known as caregiver burnout) can be characterized by mental, physical, or emotional exhaustion. It generally stems from a person neglecting their own emotional or physical health because they are focused on providing caregiving support for an ill, injured or disabled loved one. We discuss practices for family caregivers to fight off caregiver burden and stress and tips to overcome it.

Caregivers provide a vital line of support to the loved ones and recipients of care that they dedicate time for. They take the primary responsibility for someone who cannot fully care for themselves, including those with mental or physical disabilities and a large portion of seniors.

Caregiver support and hands-on assistance is extremely important and valuable, and being recognized more and more in the face of an aging America. There are an estimated 43.5 million informal caregivers in the US today . Informal caregivers include anyone providing unpaid care to a friend or family member. The average age of informal caregivers is 49.2, and a majority (60 percent) are female . Overall, 85 percent of caregivers provide direct care for a relative.

What is caregiver burden?

Caregiver burden and stress can be defined as the strain or load borne by a person who cares for a chronically ill, disabled, or elderly family member. It is a response to physical, psychological, emotional, social, and financial stressors associated with the caregiving experience.

What is caregiver burnout?

Caregiver burnout refers to the state of being physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. It can happen when a caregiver is feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, or stretched thin. caregiver burnout is often associated with changes in ones attitude and outlook. Just like caregiver burden and stress, it can lead to persistent stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue or exhaustion.

What are the causes of caregiver burden, stress, or burnout?

Causes of caregiver burden include financial stress, isolation, and physical and mental illnesses. Contributing to financial stress may include providing financial support to the care recipient and/or lost wages by forgoing shifts or hours worked to provide care. The vast majority of informal caregivers do not have any formal training, so caregiving presents an additional challenge.

In addition, isolation is a result of caregivers struggling to meet the needs of managing their own daily lives in addition to the burden carried by also providing care to a loved one. As a result, caregivers often lack the ability to take breaks and time for themselves to recharge which compounds the challenges that caregivers face. The emotional burden of providing direct care to a loved one and seeing their struggles also contributes to mental and emotional concerns for the caregiver.

What are the effects of caregiver burden?

A wide range of caregiving effects can result from caregiver burden . These include the disruption of family routines, psychological distress, and psychological and physical concerns including financial hardship, stress, and work-related problems. Amazingly, studies have even found an increased risk of death for caregivers , particularly those providing care to a spouse.

As a large and fast-growing portion of the population, it is important that caregivers cope and manage the stress and burden of caregiving for loved ones. The following are 8 ways that caregivers can cope with the stress burden of providing caregiver support.

Education and training for family caregivers

As mentioned, the vast majority of informal caregivers have no formal training . Overcome this by getting educated about the conditions you may be dealing with to more effectively use your time and resources. Consider caregiver support groups, both in person and through facebook groups. They can help caregivers manage stress in all kinds of ways, and fellow caregivers and more than willing to share best practices when it comes to providing care. Take the time to do your research on ways to better provide care. You may even want to consider the benefits of taking courses or other caregiver training.

B y investing the time now, you can not only provide better care to your loved one but are also much more likely to mitigate associated stress and risk factors for yourself. A good home care agency such as Chosen Family Home Care may also be able to provide training for family caregivers that are hired and paid to care for loved ones under the Medicaid waiver program. Learn about how to get paid for being a family caregiver in Pennsylvania .

Acknowledgement of a problem

To resolve a problem you must be willing to acknowledge that a problem exists or may occur. It can be uncomfortable to admit that you may not be able to always meet the challenge of caregiving. That doesn’t mean that you’ve failed or can’t handle it though. No role is completely care or stress free, and by accepting one’s own limitations, you can begin to seek out ways to manage the burden better. By accepting one’s shortcomings, you may face personal shame or resulting guilt. However, denial or failure to acknowledge these issues will lead to a worsening cycle of stress, anxiety, and difficulty managing relationships and one’s own needs. Plus, by accepting that you are facing personal difficulties, you can open yourself up to getting the help you need.

Find emotional support

Even if you are the only one able to provide care to your loved one, you still can’t do this on your own. Caregiving can be lonely at times and even thankless. By relying on a little emotional support, you can keep your sanity and health in check if you know where to look. Many caregivers are hesitant to share their stress and personal struggles with their loved ones, but you shouldn’t be. Lean on friends and family for a little comfort and empathy in dealing with whatever challenges you may be facing.

Also, consider caregiver support groups . As mentioned, this can include anything from face-to-face meetings to Facebook chats or website discussion threads. Finally, don’t forget about considering professional support in the form of a therapist or counselor.

Still need help and support? Consider adding professional home care services. Chosen Family Home Care is the best provider of quality caregivers and home health aides in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Contact us now for a free consultation or with questions.

Quality Time

Take the time for yourself to relax, recharge, and just focus on you. This also means making sure you prioritize your own health and responsibilities. Among other things:

Get more sleep

Is more sleep the answer to all of our problems? No, but it sure does help , and it bears repeating again. Set aside 7 or 8 hours dedicated for sleep. Do what you can to make sure you can get it. Cut out TV and your phone an hour before bed, while making your sleep space distraction free and as inviting as possible to achieving sleep goals. When it comes down to it, sleep is almost always the first thing to go because it’s the easiest to cut. However, a lack of it can reap an immense toll on almost all aspects of your life. The moral of the story is that by adding in a regular sleep routine, you won’t just be able to better cope with the effects of caregiving, but you’ll also improve your general overall health.

Finally, it’s quite possible that the entire reason you aren’t getting a full night’s rest is because you are providing care in the middle of the night. Talk to your loved one’s doctor about strategies to help them get a full night’s rest too. For example, maybe your loved one has to get up at night to use the bathroom or is at risk for sleepwalking. These could be side effects of certain medications. When safe, you may consider limiting their water intake before bedtime as well.

Also, perhaps home modifications can make the environment safe enough for your loved one to go to the bathroom on their own without assistance (such as grab bars, raised toilet seats, emergency alert systems). Not only could these make it easier for you to get a full night’s rest but it can make caregiving easier for you the rest of the day as well.

Focus on the positive

Acknowledge and take stock of all the work you are doing. When you actually take a moment to really consider all the things you are doing for another human being, it can truly be awe-inspiring. You provide quality of life, keep them safe, and help them live with dignity and independently, among many other things. There is a strong association between a positive attitude and wellness .

Caregiving can come without much recognition, so be sure to reward yourself in small and pleasurable ways. It may be nothing more than an occasional bath or night out for yourself. If you know others providing needed care to a loved one, be sure to take the time to acknowledge the work that they are doing as well. You may be the only one to do so and it could mean the world to the caregiver hearing it.

Get organized

Caregiver stress is often a combination of all the challenges that one is juggling in their lives. From tracking appointments, medications, and care for your loved ones on top of your own daily responsibilities, it can quickly be overwhelming. However, it could be alleviated with the right organizational system to stay on top of everything you are doing. Work on creating a system for keeping track of all the tasks and schedules that you manage. This can help alleviate the burden of caregiving and give you back some control over your life and the life of your loved one.

Take advantage of respite care services

Caregiving hours are often long and so you need any breaks you can get. At a minimum, be sure to arrange at least a half day off a week plus other periodic breaks from your duties to vacation, relax , or recharge. You can achieve this by making full use of a respite service that you are able to allot or that you can afford. There are many great advantages of using respite care for family caregivers and their loved ones.

Some ways to achieve this are through the services of a home care company such as Chosen Family Home Care that can provide care and support in your absence. Consider enrolling your loved one in an adult day care service as well, which can be done in flexible shifts. Think that nursing home facilities are only for full time residents? Think again. Many often flexible stay options so your loved one can stay in a facility for several days and nights on occasion so you can consider longer term getaways.

Home care services for family caregivers and their loved ones near me in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

To conclude, reducing the burden and stress of caregiving is possible. As with any important responsibility, you will never eliminate all of the challenges that come along with them. However, you can take steps that can make things a little easier on you while still achieving the challenge of making your life better for a loved one in need as well.

For those that still need a little more guidance and support, consider the use of a professional home health agency to provide caring support and home health aides. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Chosen Family Home Care is the premier provider of caregivers with a wide array of services that can help both you and your loved ones. Contact us now for a free consultation.

The post Caregiver Burden and Stress: Understanding It and 8 Tips to Overcome It appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

8 Home Safety Tips To Keep Seniors Secure And Independent At Home

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 22:48:00 GMT

In this article, we discuss a variety of home safety tips that can be implemented by seniors and their loved ones and families. These measures can help keep a senior loved one safe as well as maintain their independence at home.

Many individuals assume that aging in place at home is the best scenario for a senior and will generally be the happiest option for them. However, the success of independent living can be threatened by dangers lurking at home that you might not have even thought about. With mental or cognitive decline, everyday activities around the home can go from being routine to challenging or even dangerous.

Creating a safe and supportive home for a family member or loved one can be done with the right focus, effort, and prevention. By following the following 8 home safety tips and ideas, you can reduce safety risks for seniors that unfortunately are far too common.

Start with a home safety assessment

A home safety review and assessment is a great place to start when determining the general safety of the home and areas for improvement. There are many different options out there, but here is a handy home safety checklist . A good home safety checklist will evaluate home maintenance, emergency preparedness, and go room by room to determine areas of deficiency to be addressed. Keep in mind that many checklists will be condensed and will not be all encompassing but are intended as a starting point. The best home care providers such as Chosen Family Home Care will do a safety evaluation as part of the initial and ongoing care assessment. Even Best Buy has gotten in on the action. They offer a home safety evaluation and recommending products and technology to overcome safety concerns.

Removing fall risks and home safety hazards

Falls are one of the biggest causes of injury for seniors. To reduce the risk of falls, it is vital to make the home as fall-proof as possible. Fortunately, many fall hazards can be prevented relatively inexpensively and easily. Be sure to consider rugs as one potential hazard. In most cases the best option is to remove rugs entirely. At the very least, ensure that the rugs have non-slip covers under them to minimize movement.

Evaluate the space and move through it from the perspective of your loved one. If furniture could present a challenge, consider repositioning, removing, or repurposing it elsewhere. Ensure that clutter is removed and free from the floor and that extension cords and cables are not strewn about. While these solutions may seem obvious, awareness is really the most important tool when it comes to fall prevention. Think about room and space transitions such as doorways and corners. These can be trouble hotspots for elders. Make them as accessible as possible. Removing a door may be the best solution to maintaining accessibility through a passageway.

Communication for senior safety

Communication can mean many things when it comes to ensuring safety in the home for older adults. It can refer to cell phones, personal emergency response systems, sensors, cameras, or any other form of communication. Regardless, always keep in mind the three goals of communicative devices for seniors. These include accessibility, connectivity, and usability. For example, a cell phone is a great way for a senior to stay in touch. It’s not a great device if they can’t access a cell or wifi signal in all parts of the house. Additionally, make sure that your loved one can effectively use the technology or devices that they are relying on to facilitate communication. Ease of use is critical for older adults and seniors, especially in emergency situations where time is of the essence.

Consider construction or other home modifications to enhance accessibility and safety

Sometimes, structural changes can make the home more liveable and accessible. These can be simple, non-invasive, and cost-efficient. In other cases,they may be much more elaborate and costly. Examples include handrails, the addition of grab bars in bathrooms and kitchens, wheelchair accessible ramps, and stair adaptations.

Whatever the needs are, think about the big picture in deciding the long-term goals and feasibility of any changes. For example, maybe a costly walk-in shower conversion with grab bars is a necessary change that will facilitate a senior living safely at home. However, maybe such a change prevents your loved one from having to move into a care home. The end result of assisted living may end up being much more costly than paying for construction, for example, This is true even if home care services are added. Home care and caregiving support at home lead to a better quality of life because it gives senior loved ones and older adults the chance to age in place in the community.

When evaluating home safety, shift your perspective to that of a senior loved one

Talk to your loved one about what is most challenging for them. Observe them in different areas of the home and assess what their weak spots might be. You may not have considered how that soft bed they have been sleeping on might now be a real challenge for them to get in and out of. It may not have crossed your mind to think about those pantry shelves being too high for your loved one to easily access. Plus, how that poorly lit room in your home is more challenging for them to see in. Not only will adjustments like these make their daily lives a bit easier, but it will ultimately make for a safer environment for them.

Think beyond the home

Many senior falls actually occur outside of the home. Therefore, make sure that your property is safe for your loved one by looking at the safety and condition of doorways, porches, sidewalks, and the yard. Ensure that cracks in the sidewalks and loose boards are addressed. Does your loved one go for walks? Check the path that they take and keep an eye on the safety and accessibility of the trek. If you have any concerns you may want to have your loved one consider alternative routes while advising your local government of maintenance, safety, or accessibility concerns as these issues will affect everyone in the community.

Ensure effective oversight

It may not always be possible to be there to monitor the safety of your senior loved one or family member. However, you can help promote their safety through frequent monitoring and check-ins. By being abreast of your loved one on a regular basis, you can ensure their safety while checking for any warning signs. If you live close by, consider unannounced visits so that you can match that what they are telling you matches the reality of the situation.

Consider that any steps put into place can only help if they are enacted and followed by the care recipient. For example, if you have an emergency alert system for your loved one, check to make sure that they keep it with them so it can be used in the case of an emergency. Be sure to consider the addition of formal services to properly mitigate the safety concerns of the home. By doing so, you can promote independence and happy living for seniors and older adults. Home care service and support is a great way to supplement the care provided by the family member and ensure their well being for when you can’t be there.

Family members can promote and encourage exercise

Don’t let the cold (or hot) Philadelphia , Pennsylvania weather prevent your loved one from being active. An exercise regime can help your family member stay active. It can also help prevent injury and disability, according to one study . This could be as simple as an at-home regimen that incorporates stretching and walking around the neighborhood or at an indoor mall. Alternatively, it can be a formal regimen to include a gym membership and trainer or local pool. Whatever the case, be sure to consult the patient’s doctor before instilling any exercise regimen. Promote safety through proper hydration, effective workout gear, and personalized options. As an added bonus, an effective regimen can promote happiness as well.

Considering home care services to aid home safety and support for loved ones

A safe home makes a happy home. Be sure to consider the tips mentioned here. Plus, you may want to consider the benefits and peace of mind that home care services can provide. Whether you want to prevent falls, feel safe at night, feel more secure or live easier, Chosen Family Home Care is here to help. Our solutions are designed to help you or your loved ones achieve the goals of remaining happy and healthy at home.

Contact Chosen Family Home Care today for a free consultation for you or a senior loved one or family member.

The post 8 Home Safety Tips To Keep Seniors Secure And Independent At Home appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Private duty home care in Philadelphia, PA: A guide

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 20:50:00 GMT

Our guide helps you understand what private duty home care, or private pay home care, is. Plus, we go into detail about other caregiver questions and answers you may have such as costs and coverage options in this comprehensive guide.

Navigating and understanding the world of “home care” can be confusing. Individuals may hear many different terms used, such home care, home health care, private duty care, nonmedical home care, skilled home care, companion care, live-in care, etc. For families in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania it is important to understand the options available. Home health services are increasing due to demographic shifts and a desire to reside and age in one’s own home .

If a senior loved one or disabled family member is in need of private duty home care services, learn more about how in-home care can benefit their life. Many older adults enjoy living in the comfort and safety of their own home. Private duty home care allows them the option. We explain in detail what private duty home care is, agencies that offer private duty home care such as Chosen Family Home Care, plus help comparing private pay care to other home care options.

What is Private Duty Home Care?

Private duty home care (also known as private pay) is a service provided to seniors and disabled individuals who are in need of assistance with day-to-day activities. These services are a part of the caregiving support offered under long term care in America. A private duty caregiver at home will visit your residence or the residence of your loved one. They help with activities such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and personal hygiene and grooming. Additionally, a private duty home caregiver can also provide companionship services for seniors. Plus, they can offer respite care to give family members who care for their loved ones on a regular basis a much needed break. Private duty services, also known as personal care services, are paid for out of pocket and do not require a doctor’s order.

Private duty caretakers make it possible for seniors to stay safely within their homes. They can then enjoy the comfort and familiarity of a space filled with memories. Private pay home care can also make it possible to transport the elderly to places they wish to go or visit. In some other cases, home care workers may provide therapy services as well. This will depend on the home care agency and their services will vary. Even with the ever shifting healthcare industry, you’ll find that private pay home health will continue to grow across the country.

What types of workers deliver private pay caregiver services?

For most cases, many individuals will have caregivers whose main responsibilities are to provide personal care and companionship home care. Some private duty caregivers provided enhanced but limited medical services. This includes home health aides, who can help with some medical tasks like vital signs and rehabilitative exercises. A certified nurse aide, or CNA, will have comparable functions. As a general rule, the more advanced a caregivers background and capability, the more expensive the care provided will be. Examples of workers include:

How do you choose a private duty caregiver at home?

A private duty home care agency, such as Chosen Family Home Care , will work with you to assess the needs of both the client and their family. With this information, they can appropriately match a caregiver based on both experience and personality. Generally, the caregiver will be assigned after an initial meeting. The goals are for caregivers to satisfy emotional, medical, and other needs of the client. Many private duty home caregivers have experience and training to be suited in their roles. In Pennsylvania, they are required to undergo criminal background checks for safety reasons.

Can a senior loved one be safe in the home?

To best assess the individual needs of a family member or loved one, it’s recommended to speak to a nurse or client care professional. Chosen Family Home Care can perform a free evaluation to determine the client’s needs and suitability for home care. If your private duty home caregiver recommends an alternative such as assisted living or other options, your loved one may be safer and happier when not residing at home.

That being said, many seniors and disabled adults are perfectly happy at home with the right mix of home care services as well as other supports.

What do private duty caregivers do for care recipients?

Private duty home care services will assist individuals with activities of daily living , such as:

Who pays for private duty home care?

Private duty or private pay home care services are out of pocket expenses that are not covered by insurance. Generally speaking, home care is only covered under Medicaid, Veterans Affairs benefits, or with long term care insurance. See our complete guide to Medicaid coverage for home care services.

How much does private duty home care cost?

Private duty home care service costs are provided in depth in our guide to how much home care costs in Philadelphia, PA . In addition to discussing costs locally, we outline the costs of care on average in Pennsylvania as well as in the United States. There may be additional resources to help pay for private pay home health services.

Should I hire private duty home care workers privately or through an agency?

A large majority of individuals who utilize home care services are those that need several hours per day of assistance. This is opposed to those who may require care around the clock or full-time care. Due to the cost and the increasing shortage of caregivers and home health aides, many families consider hiring in-home privately as opposed to hiring an agency for private duty home care in Philadelphia. This may seem reasonable for some families, particularly those interested in the cost savings of hiring private caregivers. However, it can cause some issues as well as create unexpected liabilities for the family, who then becomes the employer directly.

Tax Matters

As a private employer, the individual or family member will be required to pay Social Security, payroll tax, and unemployment taxes . Some caregivers may represent themselves as independent contractors. This could theoretically relieve the hiring individual of these tax burdens. However, it is the responsibility of the hiring party to make sure that the aide truly is an independent contractor and is therefore paying their own taxes. In most cases, the caregiver will not meet the legal criteria to be classified as an independent contractor. If the caregiver doesn’t meet their tax obligations, the responsibility then falls on the employer. This can be a major concern as it could involve back taxes, plus even interest or civil fines and the potential for criminal penalties. Individuals that are interested in being private employers should seek the counsel of an employment lawyer. They can make sure that appropriate hiring practices are in compliance with federal tax laws.

Exploitation or abuse

If caregivers are not properly screened or monitored, there is a potential for abuse or financial exploitation when home care services are being performed for a senior or cognitively impaired person. Certainly, many people that become caregivers do so with the desire to help others and are compassionate about their care recipients. However, there is always potential for unsuspecting caregivers to take advantage of others if given the opportunity. This potential can increase when the caregiver and the recipient of care are in the home environment with minimal supervision.

Undoubtedly, families and loved ones don’t fail to provide supervision out of purposeful neglect or malice. Supervision can be tough because of a lack of experience or due to distance. In addition, families often lack the time or resources to perform regular criminal background checks or follow up on personal and professional references. A family member or loved one may be appreciative of the care provided by the caregiver so that, too, could be vulnerable being exploited or manipulated

Supervision by a home care agency

A licensed home care agency has the duty to provide routine supervision of their caregivers and aides. This includes providing the training for caregivers to be successful, work within the scope of their regulations, and navigate conflicts or other work-related issues. When considering private duty home care in Philadelphia, PA, you’ll find Chosen Family Home Care offers extensive supervision.

Home care agency supervision is often just as important to the caregiver as it is for families. Caregivers can work with challenging clients and scenarios in the resident’s home. Plus, it’s vital for patient safety and quality . Issues could arise because of differences in culture or personality, varying expectations of the aide’s responsibilities, or food preferences. The home care supervisor can help to rectify many concerns, clarify the caregiver’s role, as well as the expectations of both the caregiver and the recipient of care or their family. Plus, the home care agency can support the home health aide to set appropriate or legal limits on the type of care that can be offered. For example, a senior could expect a caregiver to assist with wound care or other functions that fall under the scope of a licensed nurse.

In the case of behavioral issues that may arise because of cognitive changes or through a history of navigating tough relationships, a home care agency supervisor can offer guidance to support both caregivers and recipients of care alike. These situations can be tricky, especially when the caregiver is facing situations that they are unfamiliar with or challenging. A supervisor’s training can help the caregiver understand what is part of the disease process and how to cope with behaviors so that the caregiver-client relationship is a successful one. Usually, effective supervision is crucial to making a tough situation work.

Differences between Medicare and Medicaid-Funded home care and private pay home care

There are many differences between caregiving available through a private duty home care agency that of government-funded home care services.

For starters, Medicare and Medicaid -funded home care can be very challenging to qualify for. This is because of the strict eligibility criteria of the programs. For example, Medicaid waiver home care clients may have limited say to who their home health aide is. They will also have little to no ability to dictate the caregiver’s total hours or visit frequency. Often, Medicare and Medicaid home care services are strictly time-limited For clients who require ongoing care they will often need to qualify for services regularly. One exception to this is home care services provided under the PA Medicaid waiver. This is a great option for families and their loved ones. However, eligibility criteria is also very limited in this case. See our full guide to the Medicaid waiver services in Pennsylvania here . You can see further examples and differentiators within home health services in this report too . If one can access these programs, it can be a great option as opposed to private duty home care in Philadelphia, PA.

Because of the limitations of many government funded programs, families and loved ones will have less flexibility when it comes to receiving home care services through them. Home care agencies that receive a bulk of their services provided by government funded programs will have to prioritize delivering services at the lowest possible cost. Because of these challenges for agencies, this often means caregivers may struggle to provide all of the services that a client may need.

This can put a burden on the clients, their families, and caregivers. For starters, Medicaid and Medicare will not pay for basic support services such as assistance with meal preparation or companion care. Unfortunately, these are often vital to the health and well-being of seniors and people with disabilities.

Because of these reasons, many home care agencies can’t work with Medicare and Medicaid clients. They may work with other payer sources, including the Medicaid waiver , VA benefits , or long term care insurance. Conversely, most home care agencies will offer private duty home care as an option.

Benefits of Private Duty vs Government-Funded Home Care for Clients

For both home care agencies and families alike, working on a private-pay basis provides many advantages. Private duty home care agencies have complete control and flexibility when it comes to both providing care to recipients. It also generally allows them to be more flexible with family members and their loved ones too in regards to scheduling and services offered.

Private pay home care agencies can also freely offer a wider range of non-medical care services to their clients. Examples include homemaking, personal care, and companion care. For starters, they won’t be bound to cases in which care is only authorized when the client is recovering from an injury or illness. This is common with authorizations under government programs.

Additionally, home care agencies can provide extremely flexible care to its clients. They could offer a variety of shift options as well as more intensive options such as round the clock care or dementia care, among others. This can grant a better level of care for clients receiving home care services and make it an even more appealing alternative to a senior care facility. Agencies that offer private duty home care in Philadelphia, PA can accommodate this.

Considering home care agencies and other options

When you are one of the millions of Americans that prefers to reside in their own home , then it may be time to consider a future with a supportive caregiver helping you at home. If you’re still not sure about the type of care and home care services you or your loved one might need, a highly skilled and experienced Chosen Family Home Care representative can answer your questions and develop a tailored care plan to best fit your needs. Please call or text Chosen Family Home Care today at 267.457.4122 or send us a message online for more information . Our caring staff is available every day. We look forward to serving you or your family.

The post Private duty home care in Philadelphia, PA: A guide appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Health and Community Challenges & Needs of LGBT Seniors: A Snapshot

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 14:08:00 GMT

Understand the concerns of the senior LGBT community in healthcare. Find resources in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania to support the elderly and senior community of lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and queer people both in the community and in the medical field.

The senior LGBT community is diverse and growing. Estimates show that there are over 3 million LGBT adults over the age of 50 , with that number growing fast to 7 million LGBT elders by 2030. While LGBT elders face the same concerns that all elders face- social isolation, loneliness, housing affordability, and ageism- research proves that this senior community encounters higher instances of the challenges just mentioned along with additional obstacles.

Health and Wellness Challenge by the numbers

Compared to their heterosexual peers ¹ , LGBT seniors and the elderly are:

Cultural Competency

Discrimination

Health Care

HIV/AIDS

Housing

Legal/Financial

Social Isolation

Wellness

LGBT and the community

Contrary to popular belief, members of the LGBT community live in a variety of residences and community sizes. An AARP survey ² of older LGBT adults offers good snapshot and insight into the state of the communities that LGBT elders reside and the wants and needs of older adult respondents below. Encouragingly, 83 percent of respondents report that their community is very or somewhat LGBT friendly.

However, there are other worries. There are real housing and long-term care concerns that LGBT elders report. For minorities, LGBT discrimination concerns are compounded with race and ethnicity discrimination factors.

While majorities of LGBT respondents reported having access to LGBT resources, a minority of LGBT older adults reported having access to LGBT senior resources , even in major cities.

The elder community overwhelmingly wants welcoming long-term care services designed for them. 90 percent also reported an interest in LGBT-friendly housing developments.

Shaping the future

Despite the varied concerns and challenges facing the LGBT community , the LGBT elder population is resilient and remains optimistic about the future. 60 percent of the AARP study respondents are at least somewhat optimistic that the problems that they face will be solved within the next 20 years.

Healthcare providers and community leaders can positively impact the LGBT elder community by understanding the obstacles that the diverse members of the community face.

LGBT elders can overcome some of these concerns and age with dignity by finding support through chosen families and informal support networks. These include LGBT community organizations, gay-affirmative religious networks, and LGBT friendly providers of care like Chosen Family Home Care .

¹ https://www.sageusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sageusa-the-facts-on-lgbt-aging.pdf

² https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/life-leisure/2018/maintaining-dignity-lgbt.doi.10.26419%252Fres.00217.001.pdf

The post Health and Community Challenges & Needs of LGBT Seniors: A Snapshot appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

8 Things Families Wish They Had Known Before Starting Home Care Services

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 17:59:00 GMT

When a senior loved one needs help at home, some families may be surprised as they start professional caregiving services. Families may find it more difficult than expected. Alternatively, there were things that they didn’t prepare for. Home care services for senior loved ones can be a great way to give them the support they need. It can help them remain at home and stay independent. Learn how to overcome obstacles and other things that families wish they had known before starting home care agency services.

“I underestimated the emotional connection I would have with my caregiver,” said Beatrice. “I didn’t realize how hard it would be to find the right fit,” commented Ben.

There are many considerations to ponder when it comes to starting home care services. Chief among them are how to find the right provider, and how to pay for it, among others. However, many recipients of care or their loved ones learn other important factors about their home care and caregivers once the caregiving has begun.

What families of senior loved ones with they knew before starting home care and caregiving services

This article looks at the lessons learned by the care recipie nts or their loved ones once they began to receive professional home care services . Below we highlight 8 things that families and loved ones wish they had known before home care services began for a senior loved one. Plus, we discuss ways that families can prepare for home care services and caregiving to begin.

Shop around for home care

“When we were preparing to leave the hospital to return home, the discharge nurse asked us who we wanted for our home care needs,” said Beatrice, a Chosen Family Home Care client. “We had only heard of one company, and that’s who we went with. After several months, we realized that their work ethic was not in line with what I needed or expected. I spent some time researching other companies and made some phone calls. I found an agency that fit my needs better.”

As you prepare for home care , be sure to look around. All home care agencies are not created equal. It is important for patients and their loved ones to consider what is important to them. At the same time, they should ensure that their values and needs align with those of the agency that they choose. Learn the top 8 benefits of home care here . Plus, find out why Chosen Family Home Care is a great home care agency. Chosen Family Home Care helps provide for seniors and loves ones in and around the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.

Home care is a great resource if your loved ones have special needs

Having to care for your elders can be stressful. Having to care for an elder with additional needs is even more stress inducing. Good caregivers and home health aides are typically caring people that want to help. You should ALLOW them to help, especially at first.

While every senior or disabled patient is unique, most aides have experience dealing with a broad array of healthcare challenges and comorbidities that your loved ones may face. Examples include dementia, stroke, cancer, and other challenging health issues whether mental or physical. They will have tips and tricks on the organization of your home and space to be both effective, efficient, and safe for the patient. Don’t be afraid to ask for ideas, help, or recommendations across a broad range of topics. They’ve probably seen it before. As you prepare for home care support, consider speciality caregivers and research what specialties that home healthcare agencies provide.

This is your home

There may be times when a home care worker makes you uneasy, doesn’t do their job, or just isn’t a good fit for your family. If this is the case, you can ask for a replacement or help from the home care agency. A reputable agency will happily oblige. Maybe your home care worker just needs some constructive criticism. Again, a solid home care agency will appreciate the feedback and work with the caregiver to make things right.

Additionally, don’t feel guilty for asking for a replacement. The home care agency as well as the caregiver understand that things might now work out with one family. They know that their needs may be better suited at another home. Don’t be shy, and don’t be hateful, just be honest. Life is easier when humility and dignity are applied to any situation. In the end, both you and the caregiver will be happier as a result.

The home care staff are professionals, not your new best friend

The family or the senior loved one may become friends with the caregiver and this seems like the natural thing to do. It’s great to have a rapport between the care recipient and the caregiver. However, it is best to keep things professional. Camaraderie and connection are very important in a situation like this, but there is still some expectation setting and “management” of the caregiver by the family or patient. Keep this in mind as you prepare for home care support. For example, you may need to be direct and upfront about your expectations. That can be challenging if you and the caregiver are emotionally connected. When this happens, it can be difficult to correct a problem should one arise. Patients have remarked about making these mistakes early on.

Ultimately, what can happen is that as expectations or understandings need to be corrected, the situation became emotional rather than remaining professional. It can be a fine line to manage the dynamics of the caregiver-patient relationship. When in doubt, keep discussions related to things that affect you or your loved one’s care or their routines.

Make your home or that of your senior loved one inviting and comfortable

By creating a warm and inviting setting, when you find a great caregiver , they will want to stay. For example, some patients have dedicated comfortable chairs for their caregivers or made space in the fridge to accommodate their home care workers . While certainly not required, putting in a bit of extra effort and accommodation for your care workers will go a long way in keeping them satisfied. Finding the right caregiver can be a major challenge for a family. Ultimately, it makes the caregiver-client relationship stronger and more comfortable for both sides.

Your caregiver is a special part of your family’s life

They sacrifice a lot of time and energy for your loved one. Spending so much time in the client’s home environment and one-on-one with a patient really makes the caregiver a uniquely intimate role. Make them feel welcome when you celebrate holidays or birthdays. No one wants to be away from their family during these times. By doing so, you are acknowledging the special role that the caregiver has and how important they are in their role.

The desire that services were started earlier

Many clients or their loved ones wish that services had begun earlier. One of the main reasons for this is because of the strain that caregiving takes on the loved ones providing care to the patient. For a loved one or a family member, managing the challenges of their own busy schedules is usually tough already. Trying to navigate the needs of providing care to a loved one at the same time often proves difficult, stressful, or nearly impossible.

Many loved ones mention that by bringing in professional caregivers , it removed the guilt or resentment on their part because they often felt the burden placed on them by not being available as often as the patient would have liked. Additionally, others mentioned that it lessened stress on the relationship between the loved one providing care and the care recipient. Carol summed it up by saying “When I went to visit my mom, it was nice to be able to spend time with her and not cleaning her kitchen.” See 9 steps to introducing home care when a family member refuses .

Preparing for payment or coverage of services

Home care services are sought after because of its relative flexibility and cost savings as opposed to other long-term care options. That bein said, it is still a major expense that patients or their families must cope with . Many family members wish they would have adequately prepared for the financial cost of caregiving. Families should work with their senior loved ones to determine what assets or savings are available to begin home care services . While things are straightforward when there are cash savings available, some financial options are much more complicated and take more time to enact such as using one’s home equity.

Additionally, many patients would have started long-term care insurance coverage in advance in order to pay for their care needs. This option takes foresight and planning. When individuals attempt to get coverage when they need it immediately they may find no coverage options available, be denied , or that premium costs are too high to make financial sense.

Finally, for low-income individuals that qualify, using the services of the state’s waiver program to cover home care expenses is another avenue. It is a great way to help cover caregiving costs. That being said, even those who are eligible must endure a long application process which could stretch on for months. In some cases, we have seen it take as long as nine months to initiate the application process until services are received. By having the foresight to initiate the application earlier, your loved ones can start care without enduring long waits for care to be delivered.

Finding the right home care agency near you

To summarize, there are many challenges and considerations when it comes to initiating the help of a professional home care service provider . Consider some of the lessons learned by the care recipients or their loved ones after starting services that we mention. With this, you can make the transition to home care smoother and less stressful for all parties involved.

Families should be sure to partner with the right home care agency, such as Chosen Family Home Care. The right home healthcare agency can lessen the challenges that come with adding professional caregiving support services. They will also help to prepare for home care and overcome the issues mentioned here. Next, premier home care agencies can provide excellent support and satisfaction for you or your senior loved one. Chosen Family Home Care is a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania based provider of caregiving services and support throughout the region. Reach out to Chosen Family Home Care today for a free consultation. We can help you overcome any concerns or challenges you may have when it comes to finding the right mix of caregiving and support. Finally, we will partner with seniors who need care or their family members that might want to prepare for home care.

The post 8 Things Families Wish They Had Known Before Starting Home Care Services appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Comparing CHC Medicaid Waiver Health Plans in Philadelphia: A Guide

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 14:44:00 GMT

For seniors and disabled adults, Community Health Choices (CHC) provides physical health benefits as well as long-term services and supports to eligible individuals to those who qualify. Let’s take a look at the benefits and services offered by Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid program under the different approved managed care organizations in the program. These include Keystone First, UPMC, and PA Health and Wellness in the Pennsylvania area.

The CHC waiver can provide an array of services, including home care services.

MCO Health Plans Compared under CHC

The plan comparisons below between Keystone First, UPMC, and PA Health and Wellness compare the following, among others:

What if I have additional questions?

Be sure to check out our extensive resources to help you with the CHC Medicaid waiver. We not only walk you through the process to get signed up, but we help answer other common questions.

Reach out to Chosen Family Home Care to answer any other questions you have. We are glad to assist you in choosing the best healthcare insurance plan under the Community HealthChoices Medicaid waiver.

Chosen Family Home Care is a greater Philadelphia area provider of home care and home health aide services across the five-county Philadelphia area to include Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. For families and their loved ones who need help at home and are approved for home care and personal care services, Chosen Family can help you get set up with a caregiver. This includes employing family caregivers to take care of loved ones who are eligible.

Pennsylvania Health & Wellness

The post Comparing CHC Medicaid Waiver Health Plans in Philadelphia: A Guide appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Long Term Care Insurance in Pennsylvania for Home Care: A Guide

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 15:22:00 GMT

In this article we discuss long term care insurance, including how it works and how it can be used to pay for expenses such as home care for seniors. Plus, we give resources for how to use your long term care insurance benefits as well as more resources for you right here in and around Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania.

Long-term care (LTC) insurance is insurance coverage that will pay for assisted living, nursing home care or home care in the event you are unable to care for yourself because of a chronic condition or disability.

Only about 7 to 9 million Americans have purchased these policie s, and this coverage pays for only about 12 percent of the nation’s long-term care costs. But for those who are receiving benefits, it is clearly an important asset. Below are the most frequently asked questions about LTC insurance that should give you a better understanding of the insurance and how it can be used for important services like home care.

What is long term care insurance?

Long-term care insurance is an optional product that can be purchased that is intended to fill a gap in paying for long-term care needs. The policy is purchased at an age where you are healthy and in which you can afford the premiums (and that also makes financial sense). A long-term care insurance policy helps cover the costs of care when you reach a point in life that you need assistance due to cognitive and/or physical decline or other chronic conditions and when benefits are available. This could be for home care services, or other skilled and more intensive care offered. Most policies will reimburse you for care given in a variety of places, such as:

Looking for a home care agency that accepts long term care insurance and makes the process painless? Chosen Family Home Care take all major LTC insurance providers. We regularly deal with insurance companies, including long term care. Chosen Family Home Care can work directly with your insurance company on billing and payment issues and submissions as well.

Who provides long term care insurance?

There are many different providers of long term care insurance. The most common insurance providers are:

Who oversees long term care insurance in Pennsylvania?

Long term care insurance is overseen in the state of Pennsylvania under the Pennsylvania Insurance Department . The state also maintains a list of approved LTC insurance carriers in the state as well as right here in Philadelphia.

Does long term care insurance cover home health care?

Yes. See below to find out what else long term care insurance covers.

Does it matter which company I choose?

Definitely. It really depends on what you value, but each company and plans within them have varying levels of coverage and needs to fit different situations. Price is certainly one major factor to consider. Your individual circumstances and situation are very personal and unique and your coverage and premiums paid will depend on those varying factors.

Others could include a difference in services offered or included, flexibility in policies, accessibility and elimination period differences, and benefit period differences. Don’t forget to consider the level of customer service offered and the simplicity or complexity of the policy as that may be an important consideration. The US Department of HHS also offers long term care resources for helping to decide between plans.

What does long term care insurance cover?

Most policies sold today are comprehensive. They may cover home care, adult day care, assisted living facilities, and care in nursing homes or other specialty care settings such as Alzheimer’s or dementia care facilities. At home, care can include occupational therapy, rehabilitation, or nursing care. It also includes personal care and other non-medical home care services such as activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.) in the form of home health aides, caregivers, and personal care aides.

Finally, policies can include short-term hospice care for those that are terminally ill and also respite (temporary) care to give needed breaks to family caregivers, usually for periods of 14 to 21 days.

Why should I get LTC insurance?

There are various motivations and factors for wanting to receive long term care insurance but the following three reasons sum up the main benefits of insurance:

How much does it cost?

That’s a difficult question, as costs (and coverage) can vary dramatically between plans. It also is hugely variable depending on age. As you may imagine, a long term care policy initiated at age 70 will be dramatically more expensive than a policy that commences at age 45. This 2019 national long-term care price index is a handy guide comparing prices in several different scenarios for those starting coverage at age 55 as well as the benefits received at different ages. Remember, when comparing plans, don’t forget to focus on the amount of benefits received. The cheapest plans might not have the best level of coverage or fit one’s individual needs. Additionally, one provider who has the best rates for someone starting coverage at age 55 isn’t necessarily going to be the most competitive for someone commencing coverage at age 65.

How much in care will long term care insurance cover?

Traditional long term care insurance policies include a daily benefit of $160, a three month waiting period before insurance kicks in, and a maximum of three years. Again, it must be repeated that plan details can significantly vary between plans, so study up and understand the differences. Whole life insurance policies are becoming much more popular which allow long-term care costs to be drawn from in the case of long-term care needs. These hybrid policies can even return money to your heirs if you don’t end up needing long term care.

Another benefit to these types of plans is that your rate is locked in and isn’t subject to rate hikes from long term care insurance providers. That being said, a stand alone LTC policy will be much cheaper and more cost effective than a hybrid life insurance policy. Consider for yourself if the trade offs in flexibility are worth the additional costs if you are pondering a hybrid life insurance policy to eventually pay for your home care and healthcare needs.

Doesn’t long term care insurance only cover nursing homes?

As previously mentioned, long term care covers much more than just nursing home care. This deserves special mention because common belief is that long term care insurance only covers nursing homes. To repeat, it can cover home care services that assist with activities of daily living through a home health aide or personal care aide and caregiver plus skilled care such as an occupational therapist or nursing needs. Also, it can cover many other services like adult day care and assisted living.

What is an elimination period?

You may have seen the term “elimination period” come up when reviewing LTC policies or terms. An elimination period is basically a waiting period before benefits kick in.The elimination period on a long-term care policy works like a deductible: It’s the number of days you pay for care yourself before the policy pays out.

Typically, an elimination period is 90 days. Other plans may offer different elimination period options, such as 30 or 60 days. Some may have no elimination period at all, but these are normally reserved for short-term care insurance policies. For example, a person receiving home care services for 4 hours per day would, by the definition of most insurance policies, be considered one day of elimination per shift. In theory, any relevant care episode related to long term care should be able to meet one day of elimination. Therefore, even just one hour of home care services or a 20 minute physical therapy could meet one day of elimination according to the plan. Please check your policy for details.

Can I get long term care insurance if I need it soon (or now)?

Possibly, but it’s likely that it won’t make sense. For starters, if you have urgent or near-term needs for long term care, you will likely be denied coverage outright. If you wait to start coverage at an advanced age and are approved, your premiums will often be cost prohibitive or not make financial sense in evaluating the overall pros and cons of coverage.

At what age should I get long term care insurance?

You should consider LTC insurance coverage when you are young. Just like life insurance or health insurance, premiums increase with age. That is because if you are older, your policy is considered to be higher risk (and premiums will be adjusted accordingly). For example, if you start a policy at age 45 versus age 60, you could save $440 a year on premiums for a standard policy of 3 year terms. As mentioned previously, the longer you wait, the risk also increases that you will be denied coverage altogether.

Doesn’t Medicare or Medicaid already cover long term care?

Medicare does not generally cover long-term care. It will only pay for care at home under very limited circumstances.

Medicare does pay for skilled care in a nursing home only for short periods (up to 100 days) during which you are recuperating following a hospital stay for a related condition, but that’s not the same as long-term care. Once your care needs stabilize and you need personal or custodial care, Medicare will not pay those costs. Medicare will not pay for home care services such as home health aides and caregivers for the most part.

Medicaid may cover long term care, but you must qualify for waiver services by meeting financial and clinical criteria. Read our blog about Medicaid waivers in Pennsylvania and greater Philadelphia here for more information.

What about for couples with long term care needs?

Some companies offer a flexible option for couples when both spouses buy insurance policies. Considered a shared care policy, this allows spouses to share the total amount of coverage between them. Therefore, you can draw from your spouse’s total benefits if you reach the maximum limit on your policy. For example, if you are getting home care services and then you reach your policy maximum, you can then switch to using the benefits from your spouse in these cases.

Do I pay for LTC insurance indefinitely? At what point can I stop paying premiums?

Many policies will have what’s called a premium waiver clause. Once the claim is initiated and approved, premiums are “waived.” This means that the policyholder will no longer have to pay for long term care insurance. When this happens could vary by plan. It might become effective once the first benefit has been paid out. Alternatively, it could happen after benefits have been paid for a specified number of days. Many long-term care insurance premiums will increase annually. Over time, they can become very expensive, so be sure to check if this applies under your own policy.

Where can I buy long term care insurance?

Most people buy long-term care insurance directly from an insurance agent, a financial planner, or a broker. Keep in mind that:

Is long term care insurance worth it?

It certainly depends on your situation and there is no easy answer. By reading our guide in detail as well as comparing policies, hopefully you can come up with the determination to see if long term care insurance is worth it for you.

When can I start to use my benefits?

With the majority of long-term care policies, you become eligible for benefits when you can’t perform two or more of the six “activities of daily living” independently. These are also referred to as ADLs. Alternatively, benefits can usually be drawn if you suffer from dementia or another cognitive impairment.

What are activities of daily living for insurance purposes?

The activities of daily living include:

Beginning the claims process

When you need home care or assistance and are ready to start a claim, the insurance company will begin by reviewing medical documents from your physician. They may send in a nurse as well to complete an evaluation. Before an insurance company will approve a claim, the insurer must review and approve the client’s care plan.

With most insurance policies, you’ll have to pay for long-term care services out of pocket for a period of time. This might be for a period of time that ranges from 30 to 100 days. As we previously discussed, this is called the “elimination period.” Meeting the elimination period is required before the insurer begins reimbursing you for any long term care services received.

Does the elimination period need to be consecutive days in a row?

This is important to consider when reviewing long term care policies and before using benefits. Some policies may require the elimination period to consist of consecutive days of care received. As an example, if your elimination period was 60 days, you would need to be receiving care in a hospital, at home, or in a LTC facility for 60 days in a row before long term care coverage begins. As we’ve mentioned, most policies will pay for coverage up to a daily limit for care. At this point, coverage should be able to continue until you reach the lifetime maximum.

Are there any exclusions to long term care insurance coverage that I should know about?

Most likely. Many policies won’t cover care needs that stem from drug or alcohol abuse. Other exclusions will likely include care needed because of mental health disorders or injuries that are self-inflicted. Make sure that your health conditions now (or anticipated, if applicable) do not prevent you from getting the insurance benefits you paid into.

What happens when I die? Is there a death benefit?

A death benefit is a payment made to a selected beneficiary that the policyholder’s chooses. If it applies, it will usually be a lump sum payment. Most commonly, these are found with hybrid long-term care insurance policies that have death benefits. These have only recently become popular. Therefore, older policies that were purchased years ago probably don’t have a death benefit. What this means is that if the policy is not used, or if it is used partially with benefits still available, the long term care insurance benefits are lost upon death. As we’ve mentioned, most healthcare plans do not cover the majority of costs associated with long-term care. Therefore, it’s crucial to take advantage of your benefits while they are still available.

How do I find home care agencies or nursing homes that take my long term care LTC insurance?

Unlike finding a doctor that accepts one’s health insurance, long term care insurance is different. For example, doctors and providers join health insurance networks, must be qualified through credentialing and other means, and will be considered in network or out of network. To find a provider that accepts your insurance, one will simply need to determine if that accept LTC insurance. This insurance will allow you to select the provider you wish as well, so just make sure to determine first as to whether your preferred provider accepts both your insurance and, if applicable, the insurance company paying out the long term care policy. It’s not always clear if a company accepts your policy upfront, so when in doubt, ask. Chosen Family Home Care , for example, accepts all major long term care LTC insurance plans.

Can a family member of friend get paid to care for a loved one as a caregiver under LTC insurance?

It is possible for someone of the client or family’s choosing to be a paid caregiver under the long term care program in Pennsylvania. Just like with the Medicaid waiver , the home care agency or home health care organization would need to hire the family caregiver or other selected caregiver to be an employee of the company. They just need to meet the hiring criteria of the organization to be employed. The process is actually fairly straightforward, and Chosen Family Home Care proudly hires friends and family members that want to care for their loved ones.

Always read the fine print

Just with anything in life, it is important to read the fine print. It is particularly crucial when dealing with long term care insurance. This is because policies can vary dramatically. Even more importantly, the financial impact of long term care insurance can be substantial over the years. That being said, it can be a crucial lifeline to ensure that you get the hands-on care you need, whether it be with home care services or in an institutional setting. It can get you the care you need when you need it and are most vulnerable.

Considering home health care services under my LTC insurance policy benefits

Different than traditional health insurance, long-term care insurance is created to cover long-term services and supports. It includes and covers care in a variety of settings such as your home, a facility or institutional care, or other community setting.

These policies will reimburse policyholders a daily amount of money, up to a specified limit, for services to assist them with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating. You can select a range of care options that allow you to get both the services you need and where you need them.

One of the most popular options to use long term care insurance for is home care services. This is because home care services allow individuals to remain safely at home with hands-on support from caregivers.

Chosen Family Home Care is a premier provider of home care services in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Chosen Family Home Care will accept all major LTC insurance policies for caregiving services at home. Plus, we can help complete the paperwork that insurance companies need to make the transition to starting care smooth and painless for you or loved ones. Contact us today for a free consultation and with any other questions about long term care insurance or senior home care services.

The post Long Term Care Insurance in Pennsylvania for Home Care: A Guide appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

CHC Community HealthChoices MCO Approved Providers List

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 04:24:00 GMT

Are you looking for a search tool and list of approved providers that accept the Community Health Choices Medicaid waiver in Pennsylvania? From home care agencies to doctors, we’ve created a guide for you to look them up and find them all here with CHC healthcare plan providers with UPMC, Keystone First, and PA Health and Wellness insurance.

Perhaps you are new to the PA Medicaid waiver program or to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and looking for providers that accept your insurance. You also may simply be evaluating the different managed care plans under the Community Health Choices waiver to see which one might work with the providers you care about.

Whether you have or are considering the managed care plans under AmeriHealth Caritas’ Keystone First, UPMC, or PA Health and Wellness, see our direct links that take you to the search tool to find the list of approved providers under a wide variety of services. We include links to all of their network providers, including for doctors, pharmacy, and for services specific to Home and Community Based Services. Through out tool, you can easily search and browse a variety of eligible providers of healthcare and other services right here.

Plus, we help you break down what Community Health Choices is, what the Medicaid waiver is, and getting signed up for services if you aren’t yet enrolled.

What is Community Health Choices, or CHC?

Community Health Choices is a state Medicaid program. It’s a part of Pennsylvania’s Medicaid waiver. The program allows companies, called managed care organizations (MCOs), to coordinate medical care and long-term services and supports (LTSS) for its participants. The providers are also contracted to provide Home and Community Based Services across the state of Pennsylvania.

What is the goal of the CHC waiver?

The CHC waiver program as it relates to Home and Community Based Services has one overall aim: to keep seniors and adults with disabilities residing safely and comfortable in their own home. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Most people, including their families, want to reside in their own home and in their communities for as long as possible. Plus, providing the right mix of services and supports in the community is often cheaper than institutional care, such as a nursing home.

What does Community Health Choices do and how does it keep seniors and disabled adults living in their own homes?

CHC directs care and services for people that qualify for Medical Assistance and Medicare and who also require a certain level of care. The level of care is referred to as Nursing Facility Clinical Eligible (NFCE). Basically, it is a way to classify individuals that are determined to have a medical need that would require a level of care of a nursing home. It keeps people in their own home through personalized assessments and setting them up with a mix of services that are designed to let people stay in the community. For example, a participant may get an evaluation by the health plan and be approved for services such as home care, home delivered meals, or personal emergency response systems (PERS). Again, the overall goal is to keep these members in their own homes or the community as long as it is safe to do so and to maintain quality of life.

How can I qualify to stay in my home when I am required to show that I need care that is equal that offered in a nursing home?

Participants, like disabled adults and seniors, must show clinical needs that equal care offered in a nursing home to be eligible.

Good question. Just because one might need support and healthcare services that equal the level of that offered in a nursing home does not mean one can get support in the home. Again, through formal caregiver services, other supports offered, and also factoring in family caregiving, one can easily get a “nursing home level of care” in their own residence.

Who can enroll in Community Health Choices?

Community Health Choices participants approved to enroll in a Medicaid health plan include:

Why are there three different health plans in the CHC waiver program?

HCBS through the Medicaid waiver can select Amerihealth Caritas (AKA Keystone First), UPMC, or PA Health and Wellness.

There are several different health plans that participate in the CHC waiver program. Overall, there are three insurance plans with Community Health Choices to provide options and choice to eligible members.

While the health plans offer many of the same services and benefits, there are some ways that they are different. For example, some may have enhanced coverage in different areas or have lower co-pays with certain services provided. Plus, as with any company, there may be differences in the level of service provided, or in getting approvals and adjustments, for example. The quality of businesses will vary and healthcare plans in CHC Medicaid waiver are no exception.

What are the three different health plans offered under the Community Health Choices waiver?

As we discussed, three healthcare plans, also known as managed care plans, or MCOS, are contracted to provide Home and Community Based Services under CHC Medicaid waiver. They include the following insurance plans:

I’ve heard of AmeriHealth Caritas. Is that the same thing as Keystone First?

Yes and no. Keystone First is the name of the Community Health Choices waiver plan in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania region. AmeriHealth Caritas is the same insurance plan but serves the rest of the state of Pennsylvania. Therefore, they are the same plans but Keystone First is the CHC insurance provider for AmeriHealth Caritas in greater Philadelphia.

What are the different services available with the CHC waiver providers at UPMC, Keystone First, and PA Health and Wellness?

There are numerous services that might be available. In total, there are 19 standard benefit services that are a part of the CHC healthcare plan service offerings. We list each of them with an explanation of each service in our article Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid Waiver: A Guide to Services at Home . You will find the article very beneficial to help you both understand what services are available and what each of them mean. Some individual health plans may have additional benefits or perks available.

Does that mean I can get all of the services listed if I am approved for the CHC waiver?

No. You will have to go through several assessments to determine your needs and what services and supports you need to thrive in the community. For example, some individuals approved may only have one service offered as part of their care plan. As a side note, most individuals do qualify for home care support in the CHC waiver program.

This is because many of the seniors and disabled adults that are approved into the program do in fact need help with activities of daily living (ADLs). However, everyone is unique and has their own needs and supports required. The services you ultimately are approved for will be spelled out in detail in your client care plan.

Approved providers with each CHC Medicaid waiver health plan

We’ve broken down the provider searches to make it as easy as possible for your searches. Many are done with just one click! For one-click options, please note that we default our location to Philadelphia, PA. You can easily adjust your location if you are in other parts of the state if you need to.

Keystone First

Main search and landing page for provider searches

Home Care Agencies : Keep in mind that Chosen Family Home Care is also a proud home care partner of Keystone First. Chosen Family Home Care is an excellent home care provider proudly serving the Philadelphia region.

Find these related topics in home care and waiver services to help you:

Hospitals : Discover in network hospitals that accept Keystone First health plan.

Labs : Find in network laboratory service providers

Doctors by specialty : When you reach the page, just begin to search for the Keystone First doctors by their specialty or focus. For example, you can begin to type “dementia” for dementia care providers or “cardiology” for heart physicians.

Doctors by name: Have a particular doctor in mind? You can search your doctor by their own name.

PA Health and Wellness

Main search and landing page for finding PA Health and Wellness participating providers

Long term services and supports: This is for the Home and Community Based Services that an individual can receive in the community. Just click on the HCBS link and then select the specialty. Here, you can see a variety of options relevant to services at home through the Medicaid waiver. For example, you’ll find information on adult day care centers, in home supportive care, home health aides , or minor home modifications.

As mentioned, you’ll also find Chosen Family Home Care as a qualified PA Health and Wellness provider should you need home care, home health aides, or personal care aides in and around Philadelphia. We offer superior personal assistance services throughout the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania region.

Find these related topics in home care and waiver services to assist seniors along the way:

Overall, you can search PA Health and Wellness for a variety of services and offerings. They include the following groupings:

Alternatively, you can simply look up the provider in question by name.

UPMC

Finally, we have the UPMC provider search option that we spell out here.

Main landing page for UPMC CHC waiver provider searches.

From the main landing page, you can select providers based on the following options:

From there, you can drill down deeper into further categories. For example, by selecting medical specialists from the “medical” tab.

Some of the more popular options for Home and Community Based Services include, and within a 20 mile radius of center city Philadelphia are:

Find these related topics in home care and waiver services to help you:

Home modifications

Home Health Aides

Personal Emergency Response Systems

Home meal delivery

UPMC points out these as popular search items, and this is because these are among the most common services provided under Home and Community Based Services.

Home and Community Based Services for independent living

Regardless of what your mix of services and supports are, you can rely on the CHC Medicaid waiver to give you the benefits and services you need. Overall, the goals of the program allow seniors and disabled adults access to services that let them remain in the community and even their own homes safely and independently.

For participants that receive home care and personal care services, Chosen Family Home Care is a caring and supportive home care agency serving the greater Philadelphia.

9 Steps to Introducing Home Care When Your Family Member Refuses Care

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 15:46:00 GMT

We discuss way to help families that have a hesitant senior loved one who resists home care support. Find advice on getting home care services with a caregiver in a way that is smooth and limits your family member’s refusal. Read more for 9 tips to help overcome a senior’s objection to outside help and support.

You are desperate for a break, but your older adult refuses an in-home caregiver. Or maybe you want to start care services in the home and your loved one denies a need for support.

What are you to do when your family member says no or refuses care?

Whether you are providing care to a loved one now and need a break or you want the chance to introduce caregiving to a loved one, seniors will usually resist getting help. Seniors often won’t admit that they need help, even when they struggle with day to day tasks. Formal in-home care can be a touchy subject and difficult to bring up without stirring emotions or causing tension. There are some important steps you can take to introduce home care in the right way to make the transition to care go smoothly.

Below are 9 tips to make your loved one comfortable with home care and minimize refusal

Educate the caregiver before the introduction

Before the caregiver meets your mom or dad, share your parent’s likes, dislikes, and any care tips you have learned along the way with their new caregiver. Let the caregiver know about any unique hobbies, activities, or favorite places your mom or dad enjoy. This will give the caregiver a head start when it comes to creating a strong and trusting relationship.

Frame the refusal and discussion through the advantages of senior home care

Care recipients will often frame receiving care negatively by focusing on their own physical or mental limitations. It can be important to shift the discussion by emphasizing the benefits of receiving care and minimizing the focus on the individual’s limitations.

Highlight that senior home care helps everyone involved

Seniors may feel that setting up and paying for home care may be burdensome to those that are making the arrangements. The care recipient should be reminded of how home care not only helps them but the individuals involved. For example, they could be informed about how professional caregivers will allow their family members to get vital breaks and time off through respite care. Also they can be advised on how a professional caregiver can free up their availability to facilitate more time together as a family since responsibilities can be handled by another individual.

Bring in professionals or other authority figures

It may be beneficial for your family member if the suggestion of senior home care comes directly from a trusted figure. Doctors, care managers, or church leaders are all examples of authority figures that can help. For example, they can talk to the care recipient about the importance of proper support and care and how it benefits the family involved. The more people that are invested in the individual’s well-being, the greater the chance that your loved one will refuse the support of senior home care services.

Start gradually or short term

You may start by presenting in-home care as temporary or with just a few shifts per week. It may be a way to help bring down the walls that the patient has about receiving care. Then, with home care in place, they can see how helpful that the care actually is. It can go a long way in making them comfortable. With time, they can integrate a wide array of senior home care services as part of their routine. By choosing an agency that has compatible and compassionate caregivers, this process will be even easier for your family member to accept and limit refusal.

Have the caregiver start by cleaning and providing housekeeping

Cleaning can be an introduction to home care for a client who refuses caregiver support.

Another way to start things gradually would be to state that the caregiver is coming in to help clean. Even if this isn’t the real reason, people will often be more receptive when it is framed in this way. And over time as they become agreeable and comfortable with a caregiver presence, services and scope can be expanded.

Emphasize that they aren’t paying for it

Your loved one’s hesitation may be solely due to the fact that they don’t want to be paying for the service. They also might be ashamed about putting the financial burden on others. If they aren’t directly paying for the service, or it is fully or partially covered by insurance, then it may be beneficial to highlight this to the individual.

There is an existing relationship with the caregiver

You may want to pretend that the caregiver has a personal connection or friendship to you or the individual pushing for care. The perceived personal connection can help break down barriers for the senior home care recipient . This can overcome potential trust concerns and help build a rapport and connection with the caregiver.

Include your loved one in the process

Depending on the circumstances, it may make sense to involve them in every step of the process. After all, they will be the one most affected by the introduction of a caregiver. You may need to initiate some of the other steps listed here before they are in a place. This can lead to hesitant or resistant loved ones to willfully and actively be involved in the process.

Bringing in the assistance of professional home care is a major step in someone’s life. By following the steps outlined above, the transition can be smoother and more likely to be successful. Consider reading 8 Things Families Wish They Had Known Before Starting Home Care Services as another tool for making home care a success for senior loved ones.

Chosen Family Home Care has the experience and quality in caregivers to make things easier for you and your loved ones. Contact us today to learn more about the Chosen Family difference when it comes to in-home care services .

The post 9 Steps to Introducing Home Care When Your Family Member Refuses Care appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Top 8 Benefits of Senior Home Care: An Overview

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 19:52:00 GMT

We discuss all the home care benefits that families and their loves ones should consider when considering the addition of supportive senior home care. Read more for the 8 benefits of senior home care for older adults and for family caregivers.

If you have an elderly parent or loved one, you’ve probably spent considerable time worrying about their future. You may be one of the millions of people providing unpaid help as a caregiver . For many, senior home care is a favorable choice. It is an affordable and safe option that supports the family and allows loved ones to stay within the comfort of their own home. Home care services delivered by professionals can be the difference between a family having caregiver burden and stress to one that is relaxed knowing that their senior loved one in good hands.

8 Benefits to home care for older adults

If you are considering senior home care or actively caring for a loved one, here are 8 ways home care services can support you as a caregiver:

For many friends and families, home care is the right support they need to help manage challenging caregiving responsibilities. Plus, they help avoid caregiver burnout and stress. By considering all the benefits of senior home care , you can see how adding services can be a huge relief for families and caregivers in need. With approximately 85 percent of caregivers receiving no respite care, there is a potential for mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. If you or your loved one could benefit from home care services, contact us to learn more.

The post Top 8 Benefits of Senior Home Care: An Overview appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Coronavirus and its impacts on seniors with diabetes

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 17:15:00 GMT

Learn how coronavirus impacts seniors and older adults that have the diabetes condition.

Seniors and those with chronic medical conditions are at greater risk from the coronavirus , according to the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control . Infection may result in serious complications from the new coronavirus, and are at a higher risk for death.

Conditions that can lead to complications

Major chronic conditions they highlighted are diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease.

Diabetes overview and contraction risk

There were 34.2 million Americans with diabetes in 2018. Around 1.6 million Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease.

For people with diabetes during this COVID-19 outbreak , there is some good news. Diabetics are not more likely to get COVID-19. The concern lies with the seriousness of the virus once infection occurs.

Diabetes complications and coronavirus

According to the ADA , people with diabetes had higher rates of serious complications and death than people with the virus who do not have diabetes. There are some ways to minimize this risk however. “If diabetes is well managed, the risk of getting severely sick from COVID-19 is about the same as the general population,” maintains the ADA.

Diabetes that is not well managed can increase the risk of complications, including heart disease . This is another condition that the CDC and WHO points out for higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19 .

Viral infections, like the new coronavirus, increase inflammation. This also happens when your blood sugar is higher than its target rate. It all contributes further to a risk of complications.

Diabetic ketoacidosis from viral infection

People with both type 1 and 2 diabetes have a higher risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) when ill with a viral infection. DKA is a life-threatening problem that can cause blood to become too acidic. It occurs when blood sugar levels are far too high. If a diabetic person has DKA, that can make it more difficult to avoid sepsis and septic shock. In turn, the ADA maintains that these “are some of the more serious complications that some people with COVID-19 have experienced.”

Health experts generally agree that there is no difference in risk for people with type 1 versus type 2 diabetes. Age and the level of control over diabetes will affect risk most.

As reported, COVID-19 is more dangerous than the seasonal flu. General precautions to avoid it should be followed more strictly among those with diabetes. Consider washing your hands regularly and avoiding close contact with people who are coughing or sneezing.

Home care preparations for uncertain times

In the midst of the pandemic, it can help to have an emergency plan in place, especially for seniors. For those with diabetes, the ADA recommends having a full supply of diabetes supplies on hand. Request a 3-month prescription from your insurance company. To minimize pharmacy contacts and to ensure safety, insurance companies have been more likely to offer 90 day medicine supplies versus the standard 30 day refills during the pandemic.

For those prone to low blood sugar, have a supply of blood sugar boosting foods ready to go such as candy, popsicles, and juice. Ensure that your emergency low blood sugar glucagon pen, or G-pen, is not expired.

If you get sick, contact your endocrinologist as soon as possible for coronavirus testing or advice on managing your diabetes while ill.

Read about handwashing hygiene and hand care for seniors.

The help of home care services in a crisis

Help take the confusion out of care for yourself or your loved one in need. By partnering with a home care agency like Chosen Family , you can count on well-trained and compassionate home health aides and caregivers to keep your senior loved one safe.

The best providers of senior home care like Chosen Family ensure that they have the right protocols and emergency procedures in place for difficult and quickly changing health challenges like the coronavirus outbreak. We partner closely with family and elders in need to foster a healthy environment at home and help families adequately prepare.

The post Coronavirus and its impacts on seniors with diabetes appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

How Much Does Home Care Cost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 03:34:00 GMT

The post How Much Does Home Care Cost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

What Does A Nursing Home Cost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 14:31:00 GMT

Understand what factors into the cost of a nursing home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Learn how you can prepare for costs and pay for care needs.

For seniors and individuals with disabilities, there are many considerations when it comes to evaluating care when you or a loved one needs extra help. From assisted living, home care, or around the clock nursing home care plus other options among them, care recipients and their loved ones can find a wide range of price points and available services to fit their needs. Some solutions may even combine or be a hybrid of different services delivered in tandem.

Understandably, the cost of care is a huge consideration when weighing care options. Nursing homes are a common option for seniors, especially if they need intensive care. Home care is another choice for many elders. It can be a stepping stone between being at home and having regular care as a nursing home resident. Naturally, the ability to age in place at home and remain independent for as long as possible is ideal.

Home care can offer lower costs plus built-in flexibility as compared to a nursing home. However, you will have to see what option is right for you and your family, as there is no one size fits all for potential care recipients. For some scenarios, only the regular hands-on help of a nursing home will do. In this guide, we will review what the services of a nursing home cost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Plus, we will look at how nursing home care can be paid for and what health insurance will and won’t cover. Finally, we will evaluate alternatives such as assisted living, home care, continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), and adult day care. Plus, we will look at what the future of nursing home costs may be.

For seniors and individuals with disabilities, there are many considerations when it comes to evaluating care when you or a loved one needs extra help. From assisted living, home care, or around the clock nursing home care plus other options among them, care recipients and their loved ones can find a wide range of price points and available services to fit their needs. Some solutions may even combine or be a hybrid of different services delivered in tandem.

Understandably, the cost of care is a huge consideration when weighing care options. Nursing homes are a common option for seniors, especially if they need intensive care. Home care is another choice for many elders. It can be a stepping stone between being at home and having regular care as a nursing home resident. Naturally, the ability to age in place at home and remain independent for as long as possible is ideal.

Home care can offer lower costs plus built-in flexibility as compared to a nursing home. However, you will have to see what option is right for you and your family, as there is no one size fits all for potential care recipients. For some scenarios, only the regular hands-on help of a nursing home will do. In this guide, we will review what the services of a nursing home cost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Plus, we will look at how nursing home care can be paid for and what health insurance will and won’t cover. Finally, we will evaluate alternatives such as assisted living, home care, continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), and adult day care. Plus, we will look at what the future of nursing home costs may be.

Nursing homes explained

When looking at nursing home costs, it is important to know what a nursing home is and what it is not. The term “nursing home” is often used broadly and in the context of other terms. It can mistakenly be used in reference to comparable but distinct services of their own, like assisted living facilities, residential facilities, senior living, or continuing care retirement facilities (CCRC).

A nursing home is a residential facility for individuals that don’t need to be in a hospital but are unable to be cared for at home. Generally, many nursing homes have skilled nurses and nurse aides available to assist 24 hours a day. Some nursing homes look and feel differently from each other. Some are set up and designed like a hospital. Staff provides medical and health care. They also offer physical, speech, and occupational therapy services. They could have a nurses’ station on each floor as well, for example. Different nursing homes try to create more of a home-like vibe and setting for their residents. They attempt to recreate a neighborhood feel. Usually, there is no fixed daily schedule. Plus, kitchens may be open to residents. Due to the live-in and intimate setting of the facility, staff members often develop relationships with the residents.

Specialized care

A team of nurses assist a senior in a long term care facility.

Additionally, some nursing homes are equipped with special care units. One common care unit is designed for individuals with serious memory problems like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Others allow couples to reside together. One common myth is that nursing homes are only for seniors and older adults over the age of 65. However, nursing homes serve a variety of individuals. They serve anyone that may need 24-hour care, like those that have physical disabilities.

Cost overview

When evaluating nursing home costs, we will specifically focus on both private rooms and semi-private rooms in which an individual may reside.

Private room

A private room is a room that has complete privacy from others. In other words, the resident lives in that room alone and does not share the space with anyone else. The bathroom, though, may be an enclosed bathroom inside of the room. It could also be a shared bathroom space with one or more individuals. Inquire into potential facilities for more information.

Semi-private room

A semi-private room will be a shared living space with others. It may only have one roommate residing in the room. In other cases, there could be even more roommates. As you might imagine, a semi-private room tends to be lower cost due to the trade off in privacy.

In Pennsylvania the average cost of a nursing home is $9977 per month in a semi-private space, and $10,463 in a fully private space, according to Genworth’s cost of care study . Pennsylvania does have significantly higher rates than the average US cost or nursing home care ($7513 for a semi-private, $8517 for a private)..

It is important to know that specialty units, such as memory or dementia care units, will almost certainly have higher costs.

Costs will continue to rise

The rate of nursing home care costs have risen considerably over the past few years and are projected to continue rising greater than the rate of inflation going forward. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the total increase in nursing home care expenditures during the next ten years is expected to be around 5.1% per year. That is higher than the expected rate of inflation, which tends to be around 1.5 to 2% per year.

There are varying factors that have created upward pricing pressures on the nursing home industry. Most notably, labor issues are front and center. A lack of supply of providers of care, including nurses and aides is one. Increasing minimum wage around the country along with more competitive wages from the likes of employers such as Amazon and Walmart are causing nursing homes to increase wages to sufficiently staff their organizations. This impacts nursing homes because a majority of the working are nursing aides, which is an entry level role. Plus, registered nurses are also in short supply. Finally, increases in the costs of land, rent, and food supplies is another.

Paying for care

Nursing homes have been badly hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in general, nursing homes are generally very safe and have taken tough measures to keep their residents safe. Plus, there will always be a need for high-quality nursing home care. Below, we discuss the options for people paying for nursing home care.

Private pay: Many individual clients pay for nursing home needs from their own savings or assets, or those of their families. Sometimes family members will pool resources in order to contribute to care needs. Often, seniors or their family members may also sell certain assets that are no longer used or which may be needed to properly finance ones care needs. Finally, accessing home equity is another common option through a reverse mortgage or a home loan.

Private Insurance: Insurance will cover nursing homes, generally speaking, under long term care (LTC) insurance. However, for those in need of benefits and care immediately, they will most likely be unable to purchase care insurance and be denied coverage. If it is possible, it will most likely be cost prohibitive. LTC can be an excellent option, but only if doing long term planning.

Medicare and Medicare Advantage: Original Medicare will pay for nursing home care, but only under certain conditions.

Both Medicare and Medicare Advantage will cover care, including custodial care received in the skilled nursing home for a limited time period. The following conditions must be met:

Medicare provides limited coverage of nursing home costs in Philadelphia.

For the initial 20 day period, Medicare will cover 100 percent of the cost. Over the following 80 days, Medicare pays for 80 percent of the cost. Any nursing home care beyond 100 days will not be covered.

Those that have a Medicare Advantage plan will have the same coverage as mentioned above. Some plans go above and beyond that, and may cover additional services or care needs. For those with Medicare supplemental health plans, they may be able to get additional assistance towards covering the costs associated with nursing home care. Some plans available will pay for 100 percent of the coinsurance payment required by Medicare. If this is the case, then 100 percent of the cost of the nursing home care for 100 days will be covered.

Medicaid: Medicaid is an insurance program for low income individuals. Medicaid coverage is determined at the state level, so Pennsylvania manages Medicaid coverage and support for nursing homes. Many individuals rely on nursing home care support through the state Medicaid program. However, the nursing home stay must be deemed medically necessary by a doctor. That means that the doctor will need to certify that you have a condition that requires more care than just room and board.

Keep in mind that there are strict eligibility requirements, and that there is generally a long waiting period for benefits to be active. That being said, the Medicaid waiver program is an excellent option for those that qualify. It will help to provide nursing home care and a long list of services for those who qualify. An alternative program is known as the Medicaid waiver program. This does not pay for nursing homes, but it can pay for care provided at home. Check out our comprehensive guide on medicaid waiver benefits in Pennsylvania .

Veterans programs: There are several forms of assistance and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Three different pension benefits are available and you can view them in more detail here .

Nursing home costs compared to alternative options

Evaluating Nursing home costs compared to alternative options can be tricky. For starters, services offered and what one values can vary. Also, nursing home care may mean that supplemental services are rendered at the same time compared to other options. Naturally, cost is a critical factor when evaluating options. Regardless of the extent of services received, care and support for you or your loved ones will almost certainly be a major expense.

Nursing home versus at-home care: If you compare the cost of a nursing home to home care services, it will depend almost entirely on the amount of hours needed for home care. That is because nursing homes cover round the clock care, while home care can vary from a few hours a week to 24 hour care. So, if one needs care at 20 hours per week, you can estimate local Philadelphia home care costs by multiplying 20 by the average cost of care ($24 per hour), and then multiply that by the number of weeks in a year (52). In this example, $24,960 would be the yearly cost of care. A comparable nursing home using our cost calculations above might run from $100,000 a year to $120,000 a year in many cases. Of course, the level of services received varies dramatically between them.

Nursing home versus assisted living: Just like a nursing home, there exists various levels of assisted living options, so costs will naturally vary based on scope, location, and care needs. As an example, a private room at an assisted living facility will average $4000 a month, which is much lower of a cost than a nursing home. However, an assisted living helps with just activities of daily living, while nursing home care is more skilled and involves more high-complex cases.

The benefit of receiving at-home care as compared to a nursing home is the flexibility in the coverage of one’s needs via their hours received. Accordingly, this will impact one’s costs. So while you can’t receive nursing home care part time, you can receive care in your home part time. Additionally, hours can be adjusted on short notice in most cases, which adds additional flexibility. These are important considerations to keep in mind when comparing costs. However, it must be mentioned that this is only a good option if the family member also has another level of support at home when a home care attendant is not available. This is because most nursing home candidates are in high need, so just having part time home care is usually not feasible if no other support exists. Depending on one’s situation, home care may not always be the most feasible or safest options. For example, in an assisted living situation, it is likely that one may only receive a few hours of direct care per day, but help and assistance will always be close by.

Conclusion

In summary, cost considerations are understandably a major component of the care a senior received, whether it be from an institutional care center like a nursing home or an in-home care provider. While receiving care can be a major expense, the high level of care and complexity of an individual’s need might make a nursing home the safest and best option. Additionally, it is important to remember that paying more for quality nursing home care can pay dividends in the long term by providing both better quality of life and improved health outcomes, which can make a more satisfying and dignified life in one’s golden years.

Follow our insights for senior resources and tips to improve the quality of your loved one’s life, plus important tools and support for family caregivers. Chosen Family home care is a Philadelphia based home care agency that will work within your care needs and budget to find the best option for you or your loved one. We provide caregivers for individuals in need but also work with a variety of nursing home facilities. Reach out to us today at info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com or call us at 267-457-4122 for a free care consultation and assessment. We will evaluate what your needs are and consider what the best options may be while determining what your coverage and care options are available.

The post What Does A Nursing Home Cost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

18 Must-Read Blogs for Caregivers

Sun, 08 Nov 2020 20:59:00 GMT

Consider following one or more of the caregiver blogs below for caregiving tips and managing the challenges of providing care. Our must-read blogs include blogs for family and spouse caregivers, as well as an array of dementia and alzheimer’s caregiving support blogs.

Providing support as a family caregiver can be a struggle. You might feel overwhelmed, and you might not slow down to learn how to best care for someone you love. Family caregivers can be in a wide range of caretaking situations. They may be caring for a child, a senior loved one, or a spouse. They also may face enhanced challenges through dementia and Alzheimer’s caregiving or other conditions like Parkinson’s.

Family caregivers may feel stressed, tired, and alone. On top of that, the burden of caretaking may feel endless as it is long-term by nature. Although you love your family member, the consistent challenges that accompany caregiving make you wonder how to best move forward.

LIke many other caregivers out there, you may worry about your loved one, feel ill-prepared to offer support around the clock, and just plain burnt out and lonely.

Online Resources for Family Caregivers

Caregiving might not be always thought of as a trending topic. However, there are over 40 million family caregivers providing critical supportive services for loved ones at home that are elderly or disabled, just like you.

Traditionally, there hasn’t been an abundance of resources for this critical population of care providers . However, there is a growing level of information and research out there as the number of family caregivers has swelled over the years. This is a major benefit for all caregivers out there, as these resources are important for dealing with the struggles of daily caregiving that lead to stress, depression, and isolation.

Connecting with the right resources online and talking to other caregivers can be an excellent way to provide family caregivers with a sense of community and knowledge they need to navigate the burdens of providing long-term care.

Below, we highlight 18 popular caregiver blogs that we think any family caregiver will find helpful. The blogs that we’ve found are helpful in providing caregivers the vital resources and support they need to continue this challenging work. These and others out there can also help caregivers relate to individualized situations such as caring for loved ones with dementia, being a caregiver as a single mom or dad, or caregiving as an LGBT community member.

The Caregiver’s Voice

This multi-author blog describes their vision as “To illuminate the caregiver journey while giving a voice to the millions of caregivers worldwide who endure unimaginable sacrifices to provide quality care to their loved ones.”

The Caregivers Space

This comprehensive resource for caregivers provides advice and support from fellow caregivers. Read insights, shared stories, and engage with other caregivers about lessons learned and offering your own support.

Next Avenue

This resource page for individuals over the age of 50 has a dedicated section for caregivers. They provide blogs and resources dedicated to caregiver support, along with additional information on different topics such as home care, end of life, finances, assisted living, and social services.

ElderCare ABC Blog

Founded by a husband and wife team that both spent years as caregivers for their now deceased parents. The challenges of their caregiving situations inspired them to create a community to both support and inform others who were going through the caregiver experience.

When they get older

This UK-based blog is dedicated to providing caregiver support through tips and experiences for those caring for older adult and senior loved ones.

The new old age

Family Caregivers

This New York Times based blog offers incredible resources for caregivers and seniors. Their depth of journalism makes their reporting original, useful, and easy to navigate.

eCareDiary

A blog with multiple authors that grew from the founder’s experience as a caregiver for his father, who had Parkinson’s disease. This page features a mix of credited authors who provide information, tools, and resources to help caregivers and patients.

A Place For Mom

This senior resource guide also has a dedicated blog. It’s a place for caregivers of aging adults to receive understanding, support, news, and tips. It also includes caregiver wellness, with essential articles and tips for anyone in this role.

The Caregivers Living Room

This blog by Donna Thompson offers a personal view on caregiving. It also offers advice on staying mentally healthy while caring for a loved one.

Aging Care

Aging care has a caregiver support section. It provides e motional support and guidance for families, partners, and other caregivers that provide care for another adult.

Senior living

Senior living provides advice and resources for caregivers and loved ones. In addition to blogs, their resources include tools, advice, and guidance in a variety of senior-related categories.

Caregiver.org

This blog, which is a part of the Family Caregiver Alliance, offers an array of resources. They are handy for caregivers and their loved ones. The Family Caregiver Alliance is dedicated to improving the lives of family caregivers and those in receipt of their care. As such, this is apparent in the quality of their blog.

Family Caregiver Council

The blog in reference is not to be confused with the Family Caregiver Alliance. The Family Caregiver Council is a partnership of organizations and aging experts. They joined together to form a trusted resource to support family caregivers.

Happy Healthy Caregiver

Just like it sounds, this blog provides strategies and tips to keep family caregivers happy, healthy, and sane. They also focus on aiding the integration of providing care with managing the health and well-being of the caregivers themselves.

Caregiver Cafe Blog

In this blog, you’ll find regular website updates that offer useful and amusing tips that help with daily caregiving tasks. They aim to provide easy to digest information and pick-me-ups to family caregivers.

The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver

This blog follows the journey of the author, who cares for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease . It offers a way for caregivers to connect, provide support, and share stories. With this, it can help and inspire fellow caregivers, especially those caring for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients .

Early Onset Alzheimer’s Blog

Another Alzheimer’s and dementia related blog, this site was founded by the author that provided care for her husband who lives with the condition. In addition to regular blogs, it also offers information, support, and knowledge for caregivers. The website is focused on Alzheimer’s, but its array of resources can be of use to all caregivers.

Nosy Parker

This blog features an author that cares for her aging mother. She chronicles the ups and downs of being a solo caregiver. This is a lifestyle blog shaped by her experiences. This blog excels at providing regular updates, almost always on a daily basis.

To summarize, there are many excellent resources out there that family caregivers should take advantage of. By following and reading these blogs, caregivers can feel more connected and supported. In addition, caregivers can provide a better level of care to their loved ones as well through educating themselves on best practices learned from others in the industry.

Chosen Family Home Care offers relevant and regularly updated resources for caregivers. They help caregivers and senior loved ones manage the challenges they face regularly through their blogs and insights . Chosen Family Home Care provides the tools and knowledge for family members in need to excel and stay healthy while thriving at home. In addition, we offer supportive at-home care services for Philadelphia-area senior and disabled residents. This includes home care support for those that need a little extra help with activities of daily living or respite care to allow family caregivers a much needed break.

Learn more

Read some of our Chosen Family Home Care blog highlights that can make managing caregiving a little easier:

The post 18 Must-Read Blogs for Caregivers appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Negative Thinking Increases Dementia Risk for Seniors, Study Finds

Sun, 08 Nov 2020 15:54:00 GMT

New research shows a key link between negative thoughts and dementia or Alzheimer’s development.

Now more than ever, seniors and adults should focus on positive thinking. New research has revealed that negative thoughts or those that are more pessimistic (glass half-empty) could be at greater risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease . The study’s results demonstrated that negative thinking in your older adult years is a major factor to contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s. This is due to the accumulation of two destructive proteins that can lead to dementia .

Digging deeper

Persistent negative thinking habits like regularly focusing on the past or fear and anxiety about the future may likely fuel cognitive decline and eventually lead to dementia. The article, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia , came to this conclusion. The study was called “ Understanding Whether Negative Thinking Influences Dementia Risk ”. The study proposed that repetitive negative thoughts may be a new risk factor in dementia.

The two-year study involved more than 350 individuals age 55 and above. Researchers evaluated how negative thoughts might affect mental health. Some volunteers underwent a positron emission tomography or PET scan of the brain. This was done to measure the presence of tau and beta-amyloid deposits. These two proteins are what play major roles in the development of Alzheimer’s disease . Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, and also the most common form.

Study findings

People who spent a greater amount of time dwelling on negative thoughts were discovered to have greater tau and beta-amyloid deposits. This was observed when the results of their PET brain scan were monitored. These individuals also showed greater cognitive decline and poorer memory over a four year period. This is in comparison to those who tended to be more positive thinkers or optimistic.

The study also monitored the anxiety and depression levels of its participants. Results indicated that individuals that were depressed or anxious exhibited much greater cognitive decline compared to individuals that were more cheerful. This also reinforces previous findings in other studies. Researchers also discovered that tau and amyloid deposits did not show an increase in volunteers that had already showed displays of depression and anxiety. As a result, the researchers concluded that the repeated negative thinking was a major reason that anxiety and depression were contributors to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease .

Negative thinking and Alzheimer’s

Taking into account the results of other studies that have found a link between anxiety and depression to Dementia, the researchers believe that regular and sustained negative thinking patterns may increase dementia risk over time. This is the first study of its kind that links a biological relationship between Alzheimer’s pathology and pessimism or repetitive negative thoughts. The results of this research can help physicians accurately assess dementia risk and provide a better and more accurate treatment with personality and mental health factors in mind.

Taking action

In order to beat the odds, it is vital to work to overcome these thoughts of negativity and address depression and anxiety. Not only can older adults help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s and dementia , but you will benefit from better mental health by addressing the underlying contributors. Consider the signs and symptoms of depression in seniors , and take efforts to help overcome these feelings of worthlessness and negativity.

Check out all of our resources for seniors and the disabled community by following Chosen Family Home Care . Chosen Family Home Care is Philadelphia’s premier provider of non-medical home care for older adults that need a little extra assistance to live independently and thrive at home. Follow our Instagram and Facebook page as well for regular updates and posts.

The post Negative Thinking Increases Dementia Risk for Seniors, Study Finds appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid Waiver: A Guide to Services at Home

Sun, 08 Nov 2020 15:51:00 GMT

Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid Waiver

For older adults, Community Health Choices (CHC) provides physical health benefits as well as long-term services and supports to eligible individuals, like disabled adults and elderly people. Let’s take a look at the benefits and services offered by Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid program for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) for eligible disabled adults and seniors. These services are also considered as Long Term Services and Supports.

What is Community Health Choices?

Community Health Choices, under Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid Waiver Program

Community Health Choices is a state Medicaid program. It’s a part of Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid waiver. The program allows companies, called managed care organizations (MCOs), to coordinate medical care and long-term services and supports (LTSS). It directs care and services for people that qualify for Medical Assistance and Medicare plus require a certain level of care. The level of care is referred to as Nursing Facility Clinical Eligible (NFCE). Basically, it is a way to classify individuals that are determined to have a medical need that would require a level of care of a nursing home. There are three companies that are managed care organizations for Community Health Choices. In and around Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley, these are UPMC, Keystone First, and PA Health and Wellness.

What are long term supports and services (LTSS)?

Long-term services and supports (LTSS) are defined as the services and supports used by individuals of all ages with physical limitations and chronic illnesses. These individuals who need assistance need help in their ability to operate or function in one or more ways in their daily lives. For example, these routine functions include activities of daily living that are difficult or impossible for people to perform without assistance such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals, and administering medications.

What do long term services and supports look like in one’s home?

LTSS can be provided in a nursing facility or in one’s own home and community. Services you receive at home and in your community are known as home and community based services (HCBS). These services are based on your needs after an individual evaluation and assessment. They are documented in one’s person-centered service plan by a service coordinator.

What is a service coordinator?

A service coordinator (SC) is an assigned role by the health plan. They are jobs and roles that oversee a number of cases. They review an individual’s circumstances through regular assessments. With that, they then determine the services and supports that the person needs to help keep them living independently and safely in their own homes. Examples include home care, home delivered meals, and transportation, among others.

Am I eligible for the Medicaid CHC waiver and long term services and supports (LTSS) in my own home?

Check out our full guide on the Medicaid waiver to determine if you are eligible.

I hear that family members or friends can get paid to take care of loved ones. Is this true?

In some cases, yes. Read our full article on getting paid to care for a loved one for more information.

What are the services available under the CHC Medicaid Waiver for home and community based services?

Caregivers are a covered service under Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid Waiver Program with home care and home healthcare services.

Below we share some examples of the kinds of HCBS covered by Community HealthChoices. Keep in mind one must both be eligible and with a need determined by the health plan before a service or services are provided.

Adult daily living, also known as adult day care

Adult Day Care Centers are designed to provide care and companionship for older adults who need supervision or assistance during the day. Programs offer relief to family members and caregivers, allowing them to go to work, handle personal business, or just relax while knowing their relative is well cared for and safe. They are generally offered for 4 hours a day or more. They are also scheduled regularly for one or more days a week.

Assistive technology

Assistive technology (AT) is any item, equipment, software, or product. It’s purpose is to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of seniors or those with disabilities.

Career assistance and coaching

There are a variety of job and career related services that HCBS can provide. These include:

Community integration

Services that offer self-help, socialization, communication, and other skills that facilitate the ability of the individual to live and thrive in a community. These services are short term and include facilitating a move from a nursing home back into the community, or from one living setting to another.

Community transition services

Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid Waiver Program connects a variety of services to seniors and disabled adults in need.

These are one time expenses allocated to individuals that move from an institutional setting such as a nursing home back into the community (like to one’s own home or an apartment or other living situation). Also known as nursing home transitions, these expenses include items such as security deposits, moving expenses, and household products including furniture.

Home modifications and adaptations

These are changes done on a client’s home that in general make the home safer and more accessible. Some examples include ramps, handrails, and grab bars, among others which can facilitate the senior or disabled person’s independence and ability to thrive. See our list of home modifications that can be done now even for those on a budget.

Home-delivered meals

These are ready to eat meals, delivered straight to the client’s door. These prepared meals are designed for those that cannot prepare or get nutritious meals for themselves. Examples include Meals on Wheels or Mom’s meals.

Home health services

These are services done by professionally licensed staff in the client’s home. Examples include nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and speech therapists. This is not to be confused with non-medical home care services, which you can find more about under personal assistance services (PAS). Understand the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy here .

Nonmedical transportation

Transportation is a key part of Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid Waiver program. This helps clients meet their transportation needs and facilitate the ability of them to interact with and be a part of the community. These could include mileage reimbursement, bus tickets and tokens, and other means of transportation. This does not include medical transportation needs, such as visits to and from a hospital or doctor.

Participant-directed community supports and goods and services

This program, under Services My Way, let clients direct their own services and keep a budget. It allows them to hire their own workers as well.

Personal assistance services or home care services

This is hands-on help for activities of daily living for clients, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting. To note, this is the most common service offered and it is one that a large majority of clients will qualify for. While each client who is approved for home care services will have their own schedule of services, the level of hours can and will vary dramatically from person to person based on the level of needs that they have. Chosen Family Home Care , for example, is a local Philadelphia home care provider of compassionate and supportive personal assistance services. Chosen family proudly partners with Community HealthChoices and the medicaid waiver to provide home care services for eligible members.

Personal emergency response system

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), also known as Medical Emergency Response Systems, let you call for help in an emergency just by pushing a button. A PERS has three components: a small radio transmitter, a console connected to your telephone, and an emergency response center that monitors calls and clients. The PERS is covered under Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid Waiver.

Pest eradication

These are services offered to eligible clients that remove insects and other pests from the member’s home. They are offered when the safety and health risks of pests could prevent the member from continuing to live in the community if left untreated.

Residential habilitation

Residential habilitation services are for individuals who require assistance to get through the day due to physical disabilities and functional limitations. These individuals still have the ability to live independently at home. However, through residential habilitation services, their quality of life can be improved. This is done by helping them preserve their self-care abilities.

Respite care

Respite care is essentially a short-term break for caregivers that are caring for their loved ones. The service provides a paid caregiver for the client when an unpaid family caregiver is away or needs a break from providing care. Luckily, Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid Waiver helps provide support for these service to some of the millions of family caregivers out there. Read about all the benefits that respite care provides for paid family caregivers.

Specialized medical equipment and supplies

These are supplies and medical equipment that allow the client to increase or maintain their ability to perform activities of daily living.

Structured day habilitation

Structured Day Program services are individually designed services that are provided in an outpatient setting or in the community. They improve or maintain the waiver participant’s skills and ability to live as independently as possible in the community.

Telecare

A variety of telecare services may be available to clients. These might include remote monitoring devices and sensors that can regularly evaluate and provide feedback on the client’s conditions or health status at regular intervals. For example, a device or sensor can regularly monitor pulse and blood pressure and track these metrics over time. Other examples include medication dispensing technology or the ability to monitor whether medicines are taken regularly. Read more about that with 6 companies and technologies changing home care for the better .

Therapeutic and counseling services

These are counseling and therapeutic services that can provide a wide range of support options under Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid Waiver. They can include:

Vehicle modifications

These are physical changes done to a car, van, or truck for clients that have special needs. It is done to allow the client to be able to use the vehicle for transportation and safety purposes.

A note for seniors and disabled adults that need help with hands-on personal care services and home care services

Chosen Family Home Care is a Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley-based provider of home care services in Pennsylvania. We are an approved Medicaid Waiver provider of home care and personal care services to Community HealthChoices waiver participants. As a home care agency under Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid waiver, we specialize in supportive and compassionate caregivers, and we set ourselves apart from other agencies by treating our caregivers like family.

That means providing our caregivers with the highest pay in the industry, educational and informative ongoing training tools, and regular assistance and communication from our leadership and clinical staff support. For our clients, that means the best care provided and ability to age independently and with dignity.

What if I still have questions about services, such as how to sign up or enroll?

Reach out to Chosen Family Home Care today . We are experts in helping individuals navigate the Medicaid Waiver program. This includes eligibility and enrollment questions, inquiries on navigating the process, and general program questions.

The post Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid Waiver: A Guide to Services at Home appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Hospital to Home Transitions: 8 Steps for Patient Success

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 19:20:00 GMT

GET IN TOUCH WITH US!

Start here and send us a message today

Prepare for Emergencies by Creating a Health Checklist for Philadelphia Seniors

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:29:00 GMT

If a medical emergency occurs, every passing minute is critical. Putting a plan in place to help you be proactive in an emergency could potentially save your life or that of your elderly loved one. In the face of a pandemic with the coronavirus (covid-19) disproportionately impacting seniors and those with compromised immunity, now is the time to prepare.

How do you know what you’ll need in an emergency before it happens? We have what you need with this Emergency Health Information Guide below.

Personal Information

The first thing you should do is gather all pertinent information that would be needed for medical forms and intake in an urgent situation for you or your loved one. These would include your birthdate, Social Security number, and health insurance and/or Medicare information. Make a photocopy of everything and keep it in a safe place. Let other vital parties know where this information is located in case they need to access it- family members, caregivers, and other home health care workers, for example. Finally, don’t forget to include contact information for family and/or friends that can be reached and informed in case of emergency.

List of Medical Providers

Create a list of all your healthcare providers , ranging from your primary care doctor to medical specialists, including cardiologists, neurologists, etc. Be sure to include their names, phone numbers, and an outline of why you are in their care. If you have a medical emergency in which you cannot update your attending physician about your medical conditions, it is helpful for them to be able to speak to your other doctors directly to figure out the best course of action and treatment plan for your situation and health needs.

Medications

Make a list of all the dosages and instructions for all the prescription medications that you take on a regular basis. In an emergency medical situation, it’s imperative that your attending physician knows what is already in your system in order to recommend medications for you so they will interact properly. It wouldn’t hurt to also list over-the-counter (OTC) medications as well, as certain prescription medications don’t interact well with some OTC medications.

Known Allergies and Health Concerns

If you happen to have any known allergies to medications, food, or materials (such as latex, for example), it is vital to write them down and put them in an easy and accessible place during an emergency. Many people and caregivers choose to keep them listed on their refrigerator or in another highly visible way so a paramedic can find them quickly if they need to enter the house. In addition to listing any allergies to medications, it’s not a bad idea to make a list of any specific health concerns or diagnoses to be aware of before treating you, like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Advance Directives

If anything should happen in a medical emergency that would prevent you from being able to make decisions about your care, an advance directive or living will gives medical care providers direction about your desires. These range from your wishes about resuscitation, supported ventilation, organ donation, and more can be included in an advance directive. You can also designate someone as a power of attorney Thisl legally enables them to make difficult decisions on behalf of you if you are incapable of doing so.

Centralize all documents in one place

Once you’ve accomplished everything on this Emergency Health Information guide keep everything in one location. Regardless of how you gather and store the information, the most important thing is knowing where and how to access it easily at all times for any individuals that may need to access it. After all, all the preparation in the world won’t make a difference if no one knows where to locate it or that it is even available. Make sure to continue to update your documents as necessary to ensure that everything will go as smoothly as possible should a medical emergency occur.

By spending a little time preparing for an emergency, you can help increase the odds of a successful outcome during challenging times. The outbreak of the coronavirus should give seniors at home and their caregivers added urgency to initiate an effective health guide in case of emergency. However, once implemented, the emergency guide will come in handy long after the pandemic ends.

Count on reliable home care providers like Chosen Family to be partners in care for you or your loved one. Chosen Family Home Care can help families implement emergency preparedness plans and coordinate care between healthcare providers, right here in Philadelphia and the greater Delaware Valley of Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware counties.

The post Prepare for Emergencies by Creating a Health Checklist for Philadelphia Seniors appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

9 Ways to be an Effective Distant Caregiver for Seniors

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 00:08:00 GMT

Many family caregivers have had to adjust to remote caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic. For these caregivers and those that provide care virtually because they live far away, consider this guide to be supportive in your role.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic , many family caregivers have had to resort to being a distance caregiver for a loved one on the fly. Plus, there are millions of individuals that are already providing caregiving from afar in the United States. With the coronavirus outbreak , it is important for the new distance caregivers to know the best practices for them to be effective in providing support and care for their loved ones. Below, we discuss 9 ways to be effective as a distant caregiver.

Tips for Effective Remote and Distance Caregiving

Organize yourself to enhance efficiency and effectiveness

Work to keep track of the loved one’s important information in a care log. Keep all relevant paperwork in one place. If you take some time to get organized, it can make your caregiving journey much easier. A health checklist can be a great place to get your efforts started.

Build a network of caregiving support

You can’t be a family caregiver alone. This is true as a distance caregiver or even in person. Request help from people in the community. Be sure to talk to family relatives, neighbors, and friends. Consider reaching out to members of organizations such as religious, civic, and social ones. Make sure to let them know how to communicate with you and reach out to you when there is a concern. Naturally, if you can get in-person caregiving support it is better than remote caregiving and monitoring.

Be realistic about what kind of caregiving support you can provide

If you aren’t able to be physically present, there is only so much you can do. While it may be frustrating or disheartening, don’t lose sight of the fact that you can still be extremely valuable in the remote support and care you provide. Generally, you can be most effective in providing needed emotional support, coordinating services, and paying bills or dealing with other administrative tasks for your loved one.

Direct meetings to guide caregiving support

Coordinate meetings for family members and other stakeholders. With these, work to delegate tasks, discuss long-term care planning, and implement and train on plans emergency protocols. We advise including the older adult in these meetings when they are able and capable of being there.

Be prepared to travel in emergent situations

Have a plan in place in case you need to be close by or present during urgent matters. Take a look at travel options in advance, just in case. Use proper planning in advance so if you are needed quickly, you can be there as a family caregiver without delay.

Consider legal and financial issues as well

These are topics that should be addressed regardless of one’s caregiving situation, whether done remotely or in person. However, if loved ones are distant, then this could take on added importance. A senior loved one can think about and delegate decision-making authority if they are unable to do so or incapacitated. Also, through advance planning, you can improve the chance of having disagreements or a lack of clarity about one’s wishes down the road, while also protecting your loved one’s assets. Consider our elder law guide that can help families with their legal needs.

Make the most of your family visits when you have them

Whether you are physically far or just staying away due to the risk of your loved one getting infected with coronavirus, maximize your time that you get with your senior loved one when you have it. Work to determine what their needs are and what needs are not getting met. Look for clues in what you see as opposed to what you hear over the phone. For example, if your loved one says they are fine but they seem to be struggling with completing daily activities of living, then consider taking action as a family caregiver to rectify the situation.

Older adults tend to minimize their own shortcomings or challenges when questioned about it. Plus, you can set up appointments during your visit, and determine other problems or areas of concern that need to be addressed. Finally, this time is precious, so take advantage of the chance to enjoy your family time.

Seek professional caregiver help for your loved one

Some aspects of care can be provided virtually.

Caregiving is a major challenge even when you can do it hands on. When you are limited to remote caregiving from a distance, it becomes even more problematic and trying. Consider adding professional support for your loved one and educate yourself on the different care options. These include alternatives such as assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Adult day care centers and home care services may be a good place to start.

Take care of yourself

Remote caregiving from a distance doesn’t mean your job is easier. In fact, the stress and anxiety of not being able to provide hands-on support will most likely increase your levels of stress and caregiver burden on you. Therefore, don’t forget how important it is to ensure that you take time for yourself.

Long-distance caregivers may feel guilty or powerless. However, these important providers of care can be effective and powerful in their roles. There are many things a caregiver can do to assist loved ones without being physically present and providing care virtually or far away. Plus, you can have peace of mind knowing that you aren’t putting your loved one at potential risk of COVID-19 infection.

When caregivers need a little support on site, they may consider adding at-home personal caregivers. Chosen Family Home Care is a Philadelphia and greater Delaware Valley based home care agency that specializes in providing supportive and compassionate caregivers to seniors in the community.With a comprehensive needs assessment and mission-driven approach, we can determine the best course of action for you and your loved one, while considering your budget and the individual requirements that family caregivers need.

Read our insights page for more senior and caregiving resources for you and your loved one and follow us on Facebook and Instagram .

The post 9 Ways to be an Effective Distant Caregiver for Seniors appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

10 Ways Telemedicine Will Improve Seniors Lives

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 15:25:00 GMT

Telehealth care is key to safety and social distancing, especially for older adults and those with chronic illnesses. We explore how the elderly will benefit from the shift towards telemedicine.

As an aging adult, you may find yourself visiting the doctor more frequently than ever before. Many seniors have entire days filled with visit after visit to different doctors and facilities. With the COVID-19 pandemic , the elderly have probably seen many of their visits be cancelled or move to a virtual setting. While telemedicine has been trending for several years now, it has not made its way into the mainstream just yet.

The pandemic as a force for change

However, the temporary changes that seniors have observed in telemedicine may continue for the long haul. Insurers have been authorizing payments for these visits when they hadn’t before. These are often said to be temporary, but it is likely that we will see this technological trend continue to become a permanent fixture of the American healthcare system . Luckily, there are endless benefits for older adults and all individuals as telemedicine becomes more prevalent.

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine is medical care that is provided through the use of technology. Visits happen either by phone only, or through video calls on a computer or other mechanism in which you interact with your provider or other healthcare professional. This will cut down on the time patients have to spend in person at a doctor’s office or in a hospital. Some healthcare facilities are equipped to use remote monitoring technology. These can track vital signs and spot health warning signs before they become a bigger problem.

While some types of healthcare will naturally require a trip to the doctor’s office, a large number of healthcare needs can be addressed with telemedicine as opposed to being done in-person. Healthcare systems are beginning to realize just how much can be done virtually since they have been forced to reckon with a sudden move online during the coronavirus outbreak.

10 benefits of senior telemedicine and telehealth visits

Avoiding germs and disease

One of the top benefits of telemedicine visits is the ability to avoid the incidence of exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses. People go to a doctor when they are sick, so naturally doctor’s offices and hospitals increase the risk of people getting sick from others in these settings. Of course, telemedicine is booming for exactly that reason. With seniors and those with compromised immunity at the greatest risk of developing complications due to COVID-19 , the ability to adequately provide telemedicine is a no-brainer for practitioners. In fact, the coronavirus pandemic might finally be what brings telehealth into the mainstream from here on out.

Improved access to care and overall accessibility

If you are an older adult or caregiver , you know how challenging it can be to get to and from a doctor’s office. With limited or reduced mobility, it can be a real struggle for seniors to regularly make their scheduled visits. By moving some visits online, it can dramatically increase the ability of individuals to interact with their providers while ensuring safety from the comfort of one’s own home. Plus, with an increasing physician shortage, telehealth can help maximize provider networks in new ways that expand care access. In addition, telehealth can be utilized to reach patients in rural areas or in areas that have a shortage of healthcare resources.

– 11 Surprising Benefits of CBD for Seniors

– 6 Summer Preparation Tips for Seniors at Home

– 18 Myths About Dementia and Alzheimer’s

– Online Dating for Seniors: A Beginner’s Guide

Offer the ability to remotely monitor

The elderly are much more likely to face chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. These illnesses require routine monitoring from healthcare providers. Some telemedicine technologies can be used by doctors which allow them to do activities like stay on top of sugar levels or blood pressure. When this can be done remotely, it negates the need for in-person visits, which are often done regularly. Not only can it be hard on seniors who may have challenges with their mobility or poor access to transportation, but it often leads to lower costs as well that are the responsibility of the patient.

Better healthcare compliance

A byproduct of telemedicine is that it can lead to fewer missed visits. How? With the increased difficulty of transportation to and from an appointment removed, older adults are better able to keep their appointments. With greater adherence to one’s visits, it can help the doctor ensure that the patient is fully compliant with their regimen and to help educate them and remind them to stay on top of their treatment plan. On top of that, telehealth visits can happen with potentially greater frequency, which allow the provider to regularly keep an eye on the patient at hand.

Lower costs for patients

We mentioned that transportation costs would be positively impacted by limiting the need of patients that need to find a ride to and from their appointments. On top of that, telehealth visits tend to cost less than their in-person counterparts. That may lead to fewer out of pocket healthcare costs as well for older adults. On top of that, the nature of telemedicine visits usually means that doctors can see more patients each day. Not only will that save the physician money, but that will also improve access to care. The patient ultimately benefits from this through increased ability to see their doctor.

Reduce caregiver burden

Older adults are much more likely to be supported by a caregiver, and many of these are unpaid family caregivers. Virtual visits can reduce the stress and burden that caregivers face in several ways. For starters, the increased doctor and visit access also means that the caregiver has greater access to doctor resources and information that can help them better provide care. Since most caregivers don’t have formal training, this is crucial for them to be successful. Plus, while fewer in-person visits helps the older adult, it also helps the caregiver who is often the one bringing their loved one to and from a visit. This frees them up to help focus their care or to just deal with personal or professional matters.

Better access to specialty doctors

With more chronic conditions come added visits. Many of these must be facilitated by specialty doctors, such as neurologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, etc. Specialists are often in high demand and may not be located in all communities. As a result, the need for travel to these visits may not only be required but may be more time consuming due to their distance requirements. Plus, specialists often have long wait times to schedule appointments. Through greater use of virtual health visits, seniors can find it easier to connect to specialists while also being more timely.

Visits are confidential and safe

A senior may be concerned about security as it relates to doing an entire visit remotely and online. While these concerns are understandable given the many data breaches we have seen over the years, telehealth visits are generally safe. Telemedicine services are still legally required to be HIPAA compliant (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). HIPAA oversees the requirements of physicians and healthcare providers to protect patient medical records which leads to patient privacy and minimizes fraud potential. As a result, telemedicine should be just as safe and secure as a regular visit, which can offer older adults and loved ones peace of mind. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor’s office or healthcare system what steps they take to ensure the safety and privacy of all information transmitted.

Prolonged independence

Through more regular monitoring, decreased burden on the patient through fewer visits, and the ability to add new ways to connect to a doctor, a patient may be able to prolong their ability to remain independent at home. This can be true if they have conditions that don’t require more intensive care from a nursing home or institutional facility. A telehealth visit may be able to be supplemented through the care they are currently receiving from their caregiver, whether it be an unpaid family caregiver or a paid home care assistant.

Improved patient satisfaction

Of course, it may not be a surprise that with all the benefits listed here, patient satisfaction will likely be improved as well. And patient satisfaction and patient safety often go hand in hand. When a patient reflects satisfaction with their care, they may be more likely to be compliant with their treatment plan and also adhere to their visits. Luckily, through advances in telemedicine, the ability to adhere to visits is made that much easier.

Looking forward

As you have seen, there are many ways that older adults and family caregivers can use telemedicine to facilitate high-quality healthcare that is accessible and convenient. These digital healthcare services are quickly becoming mainstream and are one benefit that may be long lasting as a result of the pandemic. These visits may limit the need for in-person appointments, lower overall healthcare costs, improve patient satisfaction, and aid in patient compliance. With millions of Americans preparing to reach old age, seniors and their loved ones may be able to utilize these services to positively impact care for them.

When seniors and older adults find that they need a little extra assistance around the house, they may consider adding at-home personal caregivers. Chosen Family Home Care is a Philadelphia and greater Delaware Valley based home care agency that specializes in providing supportive and compassionate caregivers. Our caregivers can help ensure that a patient is adhering to and understands their treatment, whether that is done through a virtual visit or by accompanying them to a visit in a doctor’s office. With a comprehensive needs assessment and mission-driven approach, we can determine the best course of action for you and your loved one, while considering your budget and the individual requirements that family caregivers need.

Follow our insights page for more senior and caregiving resources for you and your loved one and follow us on Facebook and Instagram .

The post 10 Ways Telemedicine Will Improve Seniors Lives appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

A Guide to Medical Marijuana for Seniors in Pennsylvania

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 20:39:00 GMT

Everything Older Adults Should Know About Legal Marijuana in Pennsylvania. Plus, our resource guide is a great source for medical marijuana in Pennsylvania for all individuals. We also discuss marijuana costs and coverage options, too in the PA area.

Across America, the use of marijuana for both medicinal and recreational purposes is on the rise. Even though there is a federal ban on marijuana , many states are allowing its use, including Pennsylvania.

On April 17, 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law SB 3 . The law is Pennsylvania’s compassionate medical cannabis legislation . This law is what brought medical marijuana into the fold in Pennsylvania, authorizing its legality for qualified medical purposes. On February 15, 2018, medical marijuana became available for patients at dispensaries around the state.

Seniors are a segment of the population increasingly turning to medical marijuana as well as cannabinoid oil (CBD) . The following guide answers questions about medical marijuana in Pennsylvania and outlines how seniors in Pennsylvania can get access to a medical marijuana card and begin a medical marijuana treatment regimen.

What is medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana involves the use of the marijuana plant, or the chemicals contained inside of it, to treat diseases or conditions. The product is no different from recreational marijuana . However, it’s taken expressly for medical purposes.

Marijuana plants contain over 100 different chemicals known as cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the principal chemicals that are used in medicine. The “high” people get from smoking or ingesting marijuana is THC.

How is medical marijuana taken?

Medical marijuana can be:

Each method of action works differently inside the body. Smoking or vaporizing cannabis allows you to feel the effects of marijuana very rapidly. Alternatively, if you eat it, it takes much longer to be in effect. It could take over an hour to experience the effects of edible products. However, the effect may also last much longer.

How do I qualify?

There are currently 24 qualifying conditions defined in Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act.

Eligible conditions

Medical marijuana can be a powerful alternative to other forms of treatment in some conditions. Pennsylvania has outlined a list of conditions that medical marijuana can legally be used for under its state program. The following list of the 24 qualifying conditions for the state of Pennsylvania. Of note, these conditions are subject to change. In fact, the number of qualifying conditions has only increased since the bill was initially passed.

The great thing about medical marijuana is it can help with many conditions that disproportionately impact seniors and older adults , including those seen here like chronic pain, terminal illness, and neurodegenerative diseases.

How do I get a medical marijuana license/card?

Register with the state

If you determine that you have a qualifying condition, then the next step will be to register here for a profile for the Pennsylvania medical marijuana program , part of the Pennsylvania Department of Health . Be sure that you have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or state identification before beginning.

See an approved medical marijuana prescribing doctor

Next, you can see a doctor licensed to prescribe marijuana in Pennsylvania . Click here for a list of doctors near you in Pennsylvania. During your visit, be sure to bring a list of medical records or other information such as active medications that demonstrate and prove your diagnosis. Your doctor can give you more detailed information on what they require.

Pay your registration fee

Finally, p atients will pay a registration fee totaling $50 per year. After you have been certified by an approved physician, you will get an email informing you that you can pay for and finalize your medical marijuana ID card.

Where can I find a doctor?

As we previously shared, marijuanadoctors.com has a useful and comprehensive doctor search tool. Also, the state of Pennsylvania maintains a list of approved doctors as well, broken down by county and regularly updated (at the time of writing, updated within 7 days).

How much does the license and registration cost?

The cost of registration is $50. In addition, any costs associated with your medical marijuana prescriber and visit(s) will be the responsibility of the patient. The medical marijuana product is another cost that the patient will need to take into account. Medical marijuana has generally been expensive, and much more expensive than costs “on the street.”

How much does medical marijuana itself cost in Pennsylvania?

According to a recent Medical Marijuana advisory board meeting in Pennsylvania, over 50 percent of respondents in a survey reported spending over $200 per month on medical marijuana. However, the costs of medical marijuana have started to trend down, particularly from when medical marijuana was first introduced in Pennsylvania. As Pennsylvania becomes a more established market, like California or Colorado, you can probably expect that prices will continue to fall.

Medical marijuana cost breakdown

In review of a major medical marijuana distributor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we see the following list prices for medical marijuana and related components

Unfortunately, medical marijuana tends to still have higher costs than what is seen on the black market. This pushes some individuals to forego the medical marijuana market here in PA to get their products on the street. While you may be tempted by the cost savings, we still recommend pursuing legal avenues for medical marijuana. Not only is it the legal method, but it is a more regulated system as well as the marijuana products themselves.

Will insurance cover it?

Unfortunately, insurance will not cover medical marijuana , including the visit to your medical marijuana prescriber , the cost of the marijuana, or the registration fee. However, your insurance should continue to pay for your regular doctor’s visit as it relates to your underlying condition, as applicable.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana dispensaries are considered essential services and continue to remain open in Pennsylvania. Also, many medical marijuana doctors can facilitate online visits towards getting approved for medical marijuana.

Where can I find a dispensary?

The state maintains an updated list of dispensaries that are approved and registered in Pennsylvania. The Department of Health also has a map on its page that displays the location of dispensaries throughout the state.

Being a medical marijuana caregiver

In Pennsylvania, there is an option to become a caregiver for patients unable to obtain medical marijuana on their own. This can be helpful for loved ones of seniors in need that need assistance with retrieving their medical marijuana.

Who can be a caregiver?

A caregiver can be a parent, child, family member or a friend. The selected caregiver just needs to be at least 21 years old. They must be authorized by the department of health, though there are exceptions. As part of the approval process, they must pass a criminal background check per state procedure. In some cases, the department of health may authorize an outside caregiver if no legal guardian or parent is available.

Other notes about caregivers

When a patient submits their application for their medical marijuana card , they may designate up to two caregivers. A caregiver can be appointed to provide services to up to five patients. Finally, there is a $50 processing fee for caregiver applications, just like the regular medical marijuana application.

Further Pennsylvania state medical marijuana resources

Check out the state of PA’s home page for medical marijuana for more questions and answers .

Conclusion

As you consider whether medical marijuana is an appropriate choice for your health care , look at alternative options like CBD as well. Always be sure to consult with your primary care doctor before starting any regimen. If you are smart about medical marijuana and use it appropriately, it could be a good option for helping to meet your pressing health conditions.

For seniors with chronic medical conditions, it can be difficult to complete activities of daily living. Many seniors can benefit from an at-home caregiver, and Chosen Family Home Care provides compassionate and supportive caregivers to help you maintain your quality of life and dignity as you age in place. Chosen Family may also be able to assist by being a medical marijuana caregiver for those in need.

The post A Guide to Medical Marijuana for Seniors in Pennsylvania appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Can Family Caregivers be Paid to Care For Loved Ones?

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 22:50:00 GMT

Learn what options exist that allow family members to get paid to provide home care to friends and loved ones, such as their parents, siblings, and even children in some cases.

A large number of Americans find themselves providing hands-on care to family or friends in the home. The vast majority of these caregivers are considered informal caregivers This simply means that they provide care to others out of love and without receiving compensation.

Caring for loved ones like family and friends

Providing care assistance to a family member or loved one can be rewarding but also challenging. For example, many caregivers have to provide assistance to others while also juggling full-time jobs or childcare.

However, there are many benefits of providing care to a family member or friend. As a caregiver, you will know more about your loved one than a hired caregiver. While there are many excellent home care aides and home health aides out there, you won’t have to worry about others that may not be as empathetic, compassionate, or attentive to your loved one’s needs.

Statistics of providing home care for loved ones

A recent AARP study showed that caregivers spend more than $7400 per year on caregiving related expenses. More than 3 out of 4 caregivers incurred some or all of the following costs personally. The costs of caregiving usually involve:

Family caregivers may face some financial burdens, as you can see. They may need to sacrifice some personal savings or spending money, take time off from work which may not be paid, and ultimately save less for retirement.

Follow us on social media and never miss an update!

-Facebook

-Instagram

Home care financial assistance for caregivers

There are several programs out there that allow care recipients to receive home care services from a family member. Not only are they at low or no cost, but they also provide payment to caregivers. This includes a family member, friend, or loved one.

Medicaid waiver program

The most common program that pays family and friends to provide care is a Medicaid option program known as the Medicaid Waiver. These Waivers are more commonly referred to as Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers here in Pennsylvania. They may also be known as 1915(c) Waivers or Section 1115 Waivers. Waivers like these are directed under federal guidelines. They allow and facilitate states to pay for certain support and care services like home care . Other supports and services are also available. This waiver falls under the Community HealthChoices waiver here in PA, also called CHC waiver.

Who are the Medicaid waiver services for?

These services are intended for people that reside outside of long term care facilities such as nursing homes or assisted living. In most cases, they pay for personal care at home . This is care that provides direct assistance with activities of daily living. These are activities an individual needs such as bathing, getting dressed, or grooming. It also includes household services offered for older adults or disabled individuals that live in their own homes. It may also include care received in the home of a loved one or family member.

What is the Medicaid waiver program like in Pennsylvania? Can you get paid in Pennsylvania state to care for a loved one or family member?

Yes, as long as conditions are met. The state of Pennsylvania recognizes the benefits that come with having a loved one provide home care assistance to a friend or family member . Therefore, one can be compensated to provide home care to a family or friend.

How do you get started?

For starters, the care recipient (such as the senior or disabled individual) will need to qualify for the medicaid waiver program through the Office of Long Term Living (OLTL) . This is the department that administers Medical Assistance programs . This is what provides long-term care support services to older Pennsylvanians or adults with disabilities. Through this program, they provide compensation to care providers such as home care agencies . The home care agencies will pay for the caregivers or home health aides, which include approved family members or friends employed through the home care agency .

What is the eligibility?

Prospective applicants must fundamentally meet two criteria.

Financial eligibility

One must have limited financial resources to be approved through the Medicaid waiver program . This is because Medicaid is intended for individuals that are low income and/or have limited financial resources.

Clinical eligibility

Additional criteria is meeting functional eligibility requirements to qualify for the services. There is a clinical component, which means someone has to be considered “ Nursing Facility Clinical Eligible .” Basically, it means that the person qualifying for care requires care to the level of assistance of a nursing home .

The following is a list of criteria that the state considers when determining clinical eligibility:

Next steps if program approval is granted

Once the participant is approved by the state waiver program , they will be assessed to determine what services may be available under the Medicaid waiver. They will then be approved for their own set of services, depending on what their individual needs are. We detail the list of services available here.

Home care services and agencies available

Because of the nature of their needs, most individuals will qualify for some level of home care services . At this point, the care recipient can then choose a home care agency that allows the employment of eligible friends, family members, or loved ones. It is important to find an agency that is reputable, offers comprehensive training, as well as support to both caregivers and to the recipients of care.

With the right home care agency support , caregivers can make sure they can provide high-quality care to their loved ones. Then, the care recipients can thrive and live as independently as possible, and caregivers have the tools and resources to be successful. Chosen Family Home Care offers many training, development, and mentorship opportunities for caregivers and is proud to employ eligible family and friends as caregivers as part of our team.

What about Medicare? Do they pay for caregivers that provide home care support?

Medicare is very distinct from both Medicaid and the Medicaid waiver program we discuss here. It is a government health insurance coverage plan for older adults age 65 and older. Medicare will not pay for long-term care services , like in-home care support and adult day services. This is true if home care services are provided by a hired third-party caregiver or a friend/family member. Basically, non-medical home care that provides hands on assistance is a very limited benefit of Medicare.

Medicare options for home care

In certain cases, caregiving families may receive financial relief under Medicare. These include respite care or to buy certain goods and services, and can sometimes pay for caregiving. As a general rule, Medicare cannot be counted on for long term care services such as home care , but may provide short term options in limited cases. Review your Medicare policy and talk to a Medicare specialist for more information.

Are there restrictions on which family members or other individuals can and cannot provide home care services?

Yes. A spouse or legal guardian cannot provide home care services as a caregiver and be paid for them under the Medicaid waiver program . Spouses and/or legal guardians can only provide informal support, i.e. unpaid support.

Plus, Medicaid waiver restrictions do not allow individuals that hold power of attorney (POA) over the recipient of care to be compensated caregivers as well.

Examples of individuals that may be eligible to provide compensated home care might include:

How much does Medicaid pay caregivers to provide home care?

The Medicaid waiver has fixed reimbursement rates that they pay home care agencies for home care services rendered. The home care agency , in turn, will then provide caregivers, including family members, payment as a result. Generally, these individuals will be hired as direct employees of home care agencies . They will be paid on an hourly basis, in most cases. Because they are employees, they will also be eligible for other benefits offered, such as vacation pay, sick pay, a retirement plan, etc. Caregiver pay is shaped and limited by the reimbursement that the state and managed care plans through Community HealthChoices pay to home care agencies and other providers of care.

Salary surveys show that caregivers get paid an average between $10 and $14 per hour of non-medical home care services provided here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Only Chosen Family Home Care is the top paying home care agency in Philadelphia . We pay all family caregivers an average of $13.75 per hour. Chosen Family Home Care is upfront and transparent about what we offer.

Are all home care agencies the same?

Home Health Aide

Home care agencies vary widely between the level of training, support, and pay they provide to their employees and caregivers. While each organization has the same fixed Medicaid waiver payments received, their pay and benefits packages will all be different. As a result, it is important to consider that when evaluating home care providers . Also, it’s vital to consider additional benefits or perks like ongoing training opportunities, company culture, and other perks specific to each organization.

For example, Chosen Family Home Care has a comprehensive package for caregivers and is one of the highest paying local Philadelphia home care agencies . Chosen Family will even match or beat pay from any local home care agency . In addition, company culture is a major focus of the organization along with work-life balance and flexibility. Chosen Family Home Care believes that stronger support and pay for caregivers leads to happier clients and ultimately better patient care and health outcomes for the recipients of care. Check out the careers section to learn more.

Do caregivers have to meet the same income or financial requirements as the care recipients?

No. Caregivers just have to meet the employment qualifications that any other private caregiver would need to meet. This includes successfully completing a background check and a negative tuberculosis screening to be hired. Any selected caregiver would never be screened for income requirements.

How can I start the process of getting me or my loved one set up?

Do you still have questions? We can help with additional inquiries. Let’s start by walking you through the Medicaid and waiver application process, understanding and determining if your loved one needs help or if they might qualify, or helping to choose a home care provider . Write, text, or give us a call and we can provide support. There is no hassle, no obligation, and satisfaction guaranteed.

Read more of our insights and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for free resources and tips to improve the health and quality of life for your loved one and for caregiver resources.

The post Can Family Caregivers be Paid to Care For Loved Ones? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

4 Ways That Caregiving May Be Hurting You

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 15:49:00 GMT

Discover the challenges of family caregiving for a loved one and how you can cope.

Being a caregiver is often a full-time job. Between juggling all of the priorities and the heavy burden of providing care to a loved one in need, caregiver burnout is only natural and to be expected. While you may be overcome with feelings of guilt, it is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

The demands placed upon the caregiver are so persistent, so often “in your face” that it is only to be expected to want to escape. Perhaps it’s digging into a good book, another place, or maybe something that is equally distracting from the harsh realities of the caregiver’s life . Over 60 percent of caregivers also balance a job in addition to their caregiving duties .

How caregiving may be hurting you

Caregiving can be a rewarding prospect for the family member. The chance to support a loved one is a fulfilling one indeed. However, it can easily overwhelm caregivers. Review the following 4 ways that caregiving may adversely impact your life.

Family Dynamics

As caring for your loved one becomes a top priority, your family environment and atmosphere is likely to change as family members take on new responsibilities. Especially if your loved one moves in with you, you and other family members in the house will need to adjust to a new home dynamic that includes your loved one and their illness.

Relationships may grow stronger and healthier or experience strain as you shift responsibilities. If you are caring for a parent, the reversal of the caregiving role can be unsettling for both of you. Be patient during this time of adjustment and understand that everyone, including the loved one needing care, are fighting individual battles of change.

Financial situation

Getting care from a loved one or family member can be one of the best ways for a recipient to get loving support. In addition, it can save a loved one a lot of money by not having to pay for a home care worker or assisted living . However, it can take its toll financially in other ways.

Many family caregivers are adult children or other loved ones that are still a part of the workforce. A large number of them make the decision to stop working full-time in order to provide care either part- or full-time. Naturally, this creates a major impact through lost wages, productivity, and reduced future earnings by missing out on raises and promotions, especially in the middle of one’s career.

On top of that, caregivers need to shell out for a variety of other expenses. These include the cost of transportation, any hired help they implement, medical supplies and equipment, and potential medical bills that accumulate over time.

In other cases, like loved ones that are in the role of caregiver and are retired or not working, they may be pressed financially through a fixed income and costs that they find may escalate beyond what is expected.

Mental Health and Well-Being

Furnishing routine support and care to a loved one is likely to leave you adversely impacted both emotionally and mentally. In addition to caregiver stress , many caregivers experience elevated levels of anxiety and depression. When caregiving and juggling one’s own life becomes overwhelming, they often succumb to loneliness and social isolation. Caregivers ten to neglect their own mental well-being and happiness for the sake of providing their loved one support and care.

In evaluating the various ways that caregiving can impact your life, mental health can be the easiest to control, even if you feel like it’s the farthest out of reach. This is because we can shape how we respond to stress and situations. You may have to work, take the kids to soccer, and grab groceries for your loved one all at once. While it may be stressful and burdensome, we can still control our response to that stress. Caregivers that consider taking part in support groups with others in the same situation can find comfort and reassurance from discussing their challenges and struggles. Plus, caregivers can share tips and best practices for a host of things, from how to best provide direct care to how to juggle the needs of your family and your loved one in need.

Physical Health

Caring for a family member can give rise to the symptoms of experiencing a persistently stressful experience. This includes continuous strain on one’s mental and physical health. If a loved one faces diminishing health, such as with chronic conditions or dealing with the effects of dementia, caregiving is a major challenge. Caregiver burden and associated high levels of stress can wreak havoc on your physical health.

Some common consequences of stress on a caregiver include regular fatigue, a lack of exercise, subpar sleep schedule, bad diet, high blood pressure and general exhaustion. At the expense of providing care for others, caregivers tend to neglect their own health, putting off doctor’s visits and other important appointments, and rarely have the luxury of taking time off for relaxation or even properly recovering from an illness under the call of providing for their loved one. In addition, caregivers even report experiencing more heart problems than those who aren’t caregivers which is cause for alarm.

You aren’t alone

If you are like many caregivers, you probably have a difficult time asking for help. Regrettably, this viewpoint can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, or even depression.

Rather than struggling on your own, recognize your needs and when help might be beneficial. Take advantage of local caregiving resources and other methods to overcome the burden and stress associated with caregiving. Read our blog about recognizing and helping with caregiver burden . You may also benefit from top books for caregivers and a v ariety of blogs dedicated to caregiver resources and support .

Chosen Family Home Care offers relevant and regularly updated resources for caregivers to manage the challenges they face regularly through our insights . We provide the tools and knowledge for family members in need to excel and stay healthy while thriving at home. In addition, we offer supportive at-home care services for Philadelphia-area senior and disabled residents that need a little extra help with activities of daily living or respite care to allow family caregivers a much needed break.

The post 4 Ways That Caregiving May Be Hurting You appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

17 Benefits of Therapy Dogs for the Elderly

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 16:21:00 GMT

It’s common knowledge and proven scientifically that interaction with dogs and pets provide numerous benefits to their owners. Therapy dogs can benefit seniors in both expected and unexpected ways.

Therapy dogs are being increasingly used as a fairly new form of treatment that is gaining traction in the healthcare field. Once known mainly as a holistic approach to health and wellness, dog therapy has become recognized more as a popular and conventional approach to care. Components of dog therapy can be seen on college campuses, hospitals, and even airports around the globe.

Dog therapy is intended to offer support for happiness and comfort. Recipients are often afflicted with illness, experiencing stress and anxiety, or battling depression. Often, the dogs and associated therapy programs are misunderstood.

Types of therapy dogs

Therapy dogs can be trained to fill different capacities and needs. As a result, there are a variety of therapy dogs tailored to be suited for the individualized needs of each person.

Advantages of therapy dogs for older adults

We’ve identified 17 benefits of using therapy dogs for older adults .

Dysarthria can be seen more in seniors because it has common causes from nervous system (neurological) disorders like stroke, brain injury, brain tumors, or conditions causing facial paralysis or throat or tongue muscle weakness. Certain medications also can cause it. Therapy dogs can help with this by increasing the attention span and improving coordination and make therapy more fun than other therapy methods.

Therapy dogs can also provide support by assisting with certain tasks. Tasks may include retrieving items, taking walks with their owners, and providing support for seniors both mentally and physically. Learn about ways to effectively communicate with dementia patients and activities to engage individuals with dementia.

Having a dog be a part of a senior’s life can help improve their well-being and add new meaning to their life. Because of the substantial health benefits that therapy animals provide, pet therapy is being increasingly utilized as a part of health and well-being promotion. This includes from children to seniors and everything between. Being with animals and dogs helps people feel better, happier, and healthier. Learn about other benefits of seniors having pets at home.

Therapy dogs come with varying levels of responsibility, so it is important that seniors and loved ones understand the needs of their pets and are up for the task. Luckily, therapy dogs are generally much less intensive in their needs than regular pets.

When therapy dogs and family caregiving aren’t enough, consider home care services to meet your loved one’s needs. Chosen Family Home Care can be the compassionate provider of caregivers and home care to help you or your loved one age in place and with dignity right here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to our insights for regular updates and great resources for seniors and disabled adults.

The post 17 Benefits of Therapy Dogs for the Elderly appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

What Home Care Agencies Allows Relatives to Get Paid to Care for a loved one?

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 16:17:00 GMT

Interested in working for a home care agency that allows relatives and family members to get paid to care for a loved one? Are you a family caregiver that has given up other responsibilities and hoping to find a way to get compensated for your support? Look no further than our guide to home care agencies that compensate family caregivers in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania.

Millions of Americans provide hands-on caregiving to family or friends in the home. A large majority of these caregivers are considered informal caregivers. This simply means that they provide caregiving services without receiving compensation. Alternatively, a formal caregiver is a caregiver that is paid for caregiving services rendered. Read more to see if you qualify to get paid to care for a loved one.

Challenges and rewards in family caregiving

Providing hands on care to a family member or loved one can be rewarding and challenging as well. Many caregivers find themselves having to provide home care to others while also juggling other responsibilities. They may have full-time jobs of their own or have childcare needs.

There are certainly benefits of providing care to a family member or friend. A family or friend caregiver will know more about your loved one than a hired caregiver. There are definitely many excellent home care aides and home health aides out there. However, one won’t have to worry about others that may not be as empathetic, compassionate, or attentive to your loved one’s needs.

A further consideration relates to concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic . Hiring third party caregivers and home health aides can create uncertainty or unease for family members that worry about coronavirus infection for a loved one.

Informal caregiving by the numbers.

According to an AARP study, caregivers on average spend more than $7400 per year on caregiving related expenses. Greater than 3 out of 4 caregivers incurred some or all of the following costs personally. The costs of caregiving calculated usually involves:

As you can see, family caregivers often face financial burdens in addition to hands on caregiving required. Caregivers may need to sacrifice some spending money and personal savings or funds, take time off from work which may not be paid, and eventually save less for retirement.

Financial assistance available for family caregivers of loved ones

There exist some programs out there which let care recipients receive home care services from a friend, family member, or loved one caregiver. These are both of no charge to recipients and they also provide payment to caregivers. It includes a family member, friend, or loved one.

Medicaid waiver program for caregiving at home

The most popular program that pays family and friends to provide care is a Medicaid option program referred to as the Medicaid Waiver . These Waivers are also known as Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers here in the state of Pennsylvania. In some cases they may also be known as 1915(c) Waivers or Section 1115 Waivers. These waiver programs are directed under federal guidelines and regulations. They allow and facilitate states to pay for certain support and care services like home care . Other services may also be available.

Who are the Home and Community Based Services designed for?

These Medicaid waiver services for people that reside outside of long term care facilities such as nursing homes or assisted living. In many cases, they pay for personal care at home . This is true in cases where an assessment deems the care and services necessary under Medicaid waiver . This is care that directs assistance for tasks of daily living. Examples of activities an individual might need include bathing, getting dressed, or grooming. The services are for older adults or disabled individuals that live in their own homes. It may also include care received in the home of a loved one or family member if the family member resides there.

Can a caregiver get paid in Pennsylvania state to care for a loved one or family member?

Yes, when certain conditions are met. Pennsylvania state recognizes the benefits that come with having a loved one like family or friends provide hands-on assistance in the home of a senior or disabled individual. Accordingly, one can be compensated to provide home care to a family or friend as a caregiver.

To begin, the care recipient (such as the senior or disabled individual) will need to qualify for the medicaid waiver program through the Office of Long Term Living (OLTL). This is the department that administers Medical Assistance programs . OLTL provides long-term care support services to older Pennsylvanians or adults with disabilities. In this program, they provide compensation to care providers such as home care agencies . The home care agencies will pay for the caregivers or home health aides , which include approved family members or friends employed through the home care agency.

Am I or my loved one eligible which allows the family member to get paid to care for a loved one?

Prospective applicants must meet two sets of conditions to be eligible for the Medicaid Waiver.

Financial eligibility

The applicant must have limited financial resources to be eligible for the Medicaid waiver program . This is because Medicaid is intended for individuals that are low income and/or have limited financial resources.

Clinical eligibility

Additional criteria includes meeting functional eligibility requirements to qualify for the services. This is considered the clinical component. What the state is looking for is for applicants to be considered “ Nursing Facility Clinical Eligible. ” Essentially, the person qualifying for care requires care to the level of assistance of a nursing home.

How is this clinical determination made?

Older man walking with walker in caregiver’s assistance

The following is a list of criteria that the state considers when determining clinical eligibility. This can help one determine if they may be eligible for the Medicaid waiver program under the program requirements.

Next steps to take if and when Medicaid waiver program approval is granted

Once an individual is approved by the state waiver program , they will be assessed to determine what services may be available under the Medicaid waiver . They will then be authorized for a set of services. This set of services is unique to each individual and depends on what their individual needs are. We detail the list of services available here.

Which home care agencies allow relatives, friends, or family members to get paid to care for a loved one?

Chosen Family Home Care is a Philadelphia-based home care agency that hires, trains, and places certain family members to care for a senior or disabled loved one that qualifies for Medicaid waiver . With a presence in Bucks county, Chester county, Delaware county, Montgomery county, and Philadelphia, Chosen Family Home Care has the ability to benefit family caregivers throughout the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania region.

With weekly pay, a culture of family and community, paid training, and industry leading compensation, Chosen Family Home Care is a top choice for Philadelphia area family caregivers that want to care for a loved one.

Looking for Pennsylvania agencies outside of Philadelphia that hire family caregivers or other home care providers ? Be sure to check out the provider list for home care agencies with the managed care organizations that facilitate services under the Medicaid waiver . They include Keystone First , UPMC , and PA Health and Wellness .

Why Should I Work For Chosen Family Home Care?

Does Chosen Family Home Care provide caregiver training for family members that get paid to care for a loved one?

Yes, we do. Chosen Family Home Care has an in-house training department. We work to make sure that caregivers and home health aides have all the tools they need to be successful. By providing the right foundation for caregivers to be successful, they will not only be better in their jobs, but they will also be happier caregiver employees. On top of that, clients will receive both better home care provided and also be happier clients as well. It’s a win-win situation for caregivers, clients, and the home care agency alike.

What other caregiver training resources are available?

Check out Philadelphia’s top healthcare training school to get trained and certified as a Certified Nurse Aide or Home Health Aide . CNAs and HHAs can not only care for family members but also other individuals and settings as well.

Are there additional caregiver requirements?

Yes. All home care agencies will require that caregivers pass a criminal history background check as well as a negative tuberculosis test result. On top of that, prospective caregivers must have a car, insurance, and valid driver’s license. Plus, they should possess a willingness to learn. There is no college degree required, but caregivers must be teachable.

Chosen Family helps seniors enjoy their final years in their homes as well as disabled adults in the region. As a caregiver with Chosen Family , you’ll work with 2-3 seniors, one at a time. You’ll participate in fun activities like art, games, reading and music, plus tasks like housekeeping, meal preparation, running errands, and other personal care related activities.

What if I am not a family caregiver. Do you hire regular caregivers or home health aides to get paid to care for a loved one?

Absolutely! Be sure to check out our careers page for more information and job openings available. If you are interested in caregiver training feel free to check out our preferred school partner CareBridge Academy.

How do I learn more about Chosen Family Home Care or working at the organization?

Contact us at 267.457.4122 today! You can call us or text us directly at our home care agency phone number. Additionally, you can send us a message through our website . Last, be sure to connect with Chosen Family Home Care on both Facebook or Instagram .

The post What Home Care Agencies Allows Relatives to Get Paid to Care for a loved one? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

11 Surprising Benefits of CBD for Seniors

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 23:56:00 GMT

Cannabidiol or CBD oil has become increasingly popular with Americans. Older adults are no exception, and we look at some of the ways that CBD positively impacts the elderly.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol , otherwise known as CBD , is a chemical coming from the Cannabis sativa plant . This plant is also known as marijuana or hemp . More than 80 chemicals, referred to as cannabinoids, have been identified in the Cannabis sativa plant . Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major active ingredient in marijuana in it. However, cannabidiol is also obtained from hemp, and cannabidiol contains just trace amounts of THC.

The use of CBD is exploding, and its benefits are increasingly being researched and documented. While CBD can help people at any age, it can have a profound effect in the way it can improve the lives of older adults. Below, review 11 potential health benefits of CBD use for seniors.

11 Health Benefits of CBD for Seniors

Pain management

Compared to traditional pain medications, CBD can be a compelling alternative as a natural and potentially safer remedy. Almost all older adults have to deal with pain and inflammation. Many of these are chronic conditions as well. With a large majority of seniors dealing with pain, CBD can have the powerful benefit of alleviating pain. In fact, 75 percent or more of seniors deal with chronic pain.

Around half the older adult population suffers from arthritis. Studies have indicated that CBD can reduce inflammation while alleviating pain. Conditions improved include joint pain, arthritis, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Researchers have uncovered that patients treated with CBD may experience reductions in pain symptoms. Plus, there have been few side effects noted .

Anxiety relief

CBD may have the potential to help you manage anxiety. Researchers think that it might change the way that the brain’s receptors respond to serotonin.This chemical is closely associated with mental health outcomes. Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your cells that receive chemical messages and help your cells respond to different stimuli.

Research derived from one study uncovered that sufferers from social anxiety were able to give a speech easier with the help of CBD. Additionally, research done with animals has shown that CBD may help lower anxiety in several ways. CBD can help promote stress reduction. It also can lead to fewer physiological effects from anxiety, such as an increased heart rate. Plus, it has fewer symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and helps insomnia sufferers sleep better.

Bone health promotion

As we get older, osteoporosis sets in. Osteoporosis causes the bones to experience a loss of crucial minerals and causes them to become more fragile and vulnerable. This makes them more prone to breaking. For these reasons, seniors could experience significant pain and propensity to fractures when falls occur.

Falls are a major concern for older adults , along with the potential for bone fractures. Accordingly, healthy bones are a major challenge for seniors. Falls are actually the number one cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in senior adults. Accordingly, bone health and wellness is a major concern in senior citizens.

In addition to reducing inflammation and promoting cell repair, research has shown that CBD may actually aid in strengthening bones along with reducing inflammation and encouraging cell repair. It can also promote the body to heal itself if a fracture does happen.

Results so far appear to demonstrate good results, but further research is needed.

Improved sleep quality

Sleep concerns and insomnia, while common among many Americans, are prevalent in seniors.

This may be caused by changes in sleep patterns as individuals age. Additionally, medical conditions and prescribed medications are another factor that can interfere with sleep. Both are more commonly observed in seniors.

Many individuals, including seniors, will consider sleep medications when looking at ways to sleep better. Medications for sleep can be very effective in inducing sleep. However, their use can cause issues and concerns in the long run. They could ultimately lead to dependence, addiction, or fuel further sleep concerns over time.

CBD can help sooth and promote calm. Through this, improved and higher quality sleep can be the end result. This can be a natural way to lead to more regular and helpful sleep for older adults. On top of that, it can minimize the need to take harmful sleeping medications.

Help with neurodegenerative disorders

CBD might be a promising product to use in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. These conditions are characterized by a loss of neurons in different parts of one’s nervous system. This loss of nerve cells leads to a corresponding decline in cognitive and motor functions that people experience from these diseases. Researchers are studying brain receptors to uncover the ways that CBD could help those affected by neurodegenerative disorders. These diseases, such as Parkinson’s , dementia , and stroke , cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time.

The ability to reduce inflammation is another benefit of CBD. Because inflammation can actually make neurodegenerative symptoms worse, CBD can promote good health through this mechanism too. Just like with most of the benefits here, further study and evaluation is needed to help paint a picture of the effects of CBD oil on neurodegenerative diseases. As more studies come out , we could see CBD evolve to become a major treatment in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.

Cancer treatment

CBD may help alleviate the symptoms of cancer along with side effects stemming from cancer treatment . CBD has shown a reduction in tumor growth in animals . It may even have the ability to help the body absorb medications better or even increase the potency of them. That’s very promising for cancer treatment and research. The benefits of CBD may come from its ability to positively manage inflammation and change how cells can reproduce. CBD could inhibit the growth of some types of tumor cells and stem their ability to reproduce efficiently.

Fight addiction and dependence

America is a pill happy nation. When older adults are confronted with an illness, prescribed medication will usually follow.

Of course, there is definitely a place for medications in our society, from those that are prescribed to natural remedies. However, tolerance may build for many medications that are taken over time. In some cases, addiction or dependence is another negative result of prescribed medications. This can naturally cause harm or permanent damage to the body, along with a reduced ability of the medication to work.

Over time, older adults will often be prescribed a variety and often increasing quantity of medication. This is because of the tendency for health conditions to increase in quantity and frequency over time and as we get older. With increased medication reliance, dependence may be the end result, or worse.

CBD has been shown to alleviate some conditions that involve risky medications such as pain medications and generally without the side effects of them as well. On top of that, CBD can aid in combating developed dependencies that were fostered from the medications prescribed.

As far as addiction goes, CBD can potentially help fight addictions by reducing cravings along with preventing relapses .

As older adults make the switch from potentially dangerous medications to natural cannabis relief, it appears that CBD can fight relapses and assist in overcoming withdrawals that develop during this time.

Improve heart health

Heart disease is a major concern among seniors. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death for older adults. A top contributor of heart disease in older adults is high blood pressure , which is the leading cause of heart disease.

CBD has shown to be very promising as an alternative and natural treatment for high blood pressure. One recent study determined that it lowered the resting blood pressure of the study’s participants. Additionally, researchers administered stress tests to see if CBD had any effect on the stress response of those evaluated in the study. It showed that the study’s participants exhibited a lower blood pressure increase than the normal baseline.

On top of the ability to help high blood pressure, another study suggests that antioxidant properties of CBD can aid in lowering cardiac inflammation. Plus, it can dissuade the death of related cells that results from oxidative stress.

Through helping to maintain a healthy blood pressure while managing levels of inflammation as well as lowering the death of cells in the cardiac region, CBD can strongly improve overall heart health. Plus, it can act as a preventive measure against additional serious health diseases. Consider these heart healthy tips as well.

Aid mental health and mood-related disorders

Anyone has their fair share of ups and downs. As we age, we experience some major changes and tough challenges that result from getting older. Our health declines, and we are more likely to deal with loss and grief. Plus, social isolation, depression , and loneliness may all play a factor. These all may contribute to mental health and mood disorders.

Over time, they can become major health concerns. Mental illness may result if they go unchecked or if an older adult is at higher risk. Luckily, CBD has been shown to help with these and related conditions.

CBD can work to interact with brain receptors which are involved in mood regulation. CBD can promote stress reduction, mindfulness, and improvement in cognitive function. This powerful combination can strongly contribute to how the mind perceives its situation. This can be a positive mood enhancer.

Appetite stimulation

A major health concern often lurking in the shadows for seniors is malnutrition and related loss of appetite. This can lead to unnecessary and unwanted weight loss, muscle and tissue weakness, and other health issues that stem from poor nutrition. Marijuana itself has been studied regularly and is proven to enhance appetite in its users. In addition, CBD is shown that it can stimulate appetite. In this way, it can be beneficial for seniors combating malnutrition and appetite loss.

Ongoing research

Scientific research takes time and effort. With CBD exploding on the market recently and its potential health benefits now coming to light, researchers have only just begun to scratch the surface and prove statistically the ways that cannabinoids can promote wellness in both adults and seniors alike. That being said, CBD has been shown to be very promising in improving a variety of ailments and conditions.

Older adults should talk to their doctor before starting a CBD regimen. They can help you determine if CBD treatment is right for you and make sure that no interactions or concerns exist.

If you or a senior loved one needs hands-on assistance or care, consider the role of home care in helping with activities of daily living. Chosen Family Home Care provides caring and supportive caregivers that help promote independent living.

The post 11 Surprising Benefits of CBD for Seniors appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

10 Signs of Mental Illness in Seniors

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 20:48:00 GMT

Learn the symptoms of a mental disorder to provide the best support and hope to an older adult loved one in need.

Have you noticed that a senior loved one in your life is sleeping more than normal, displays anger and irritability, or is having suicidal thoughts? Did you know that these may be indicators of a mental health problem?

Around one in four older adults are living with a mental condition such as depression or anxiety. Worldwide, the total number is expected to more than double as the elder population increases by 2050.

An unfortunate reality is that two-thirds of elderly adults that have mental disorders do not get treatment for their conditions. Untreated mental disorders can lead to diminished overall health, an increase in healthcare costs, disability, lower quality of life, increased caregiver burden and stress , a higher risk of suicide, or even death.

Because of this, it’s important to recognize the warning signs and risk factors associated with mental illness. Below you will find some of the signs of mental illness in seniors .

10 signs of mental illness to look out for

Changes in dress and appearance, or problems maintaining their yard or home: When an older adult suffers from a shift in their appearance and the condition of the home seems to change for the worse, it could be a result of a mental health concern.

Demonstrating confusion, being disoriented, or having problems concentrating and making decisions: If your mental state changes, it could cause you to not know where you are. Alternatively, it could be difficult to be focused and concentrated. The feeling of fogginess and confusion can be a direct result of mental health disorders.

Loss of appetite, or alternatively an increase in appetite and changes in weight: Whether a mental disorder or something else, a change in appetite is often a warning sign that something is wrong. It may present itself slowly or quickly through weight changes, In any case, consider the possibility that it could be related to a mental health concern, especially in conjunction with other risk factors listed here. Learn 10 healthy eating tips for seniors here .

Depressed mood lasting longer than two weeks: People of all ages naturally go through down periods or stretches of sadness. However, when it persists over a stretch of time then examine the chance that it could stem from a mental health condition. Some examples of this could include a persistent sadness, anxiousness, or “empty” mood.

Feeling worthless, inexplicably guilty, or helpless. Thoughts of suicide could be an worrying factor as well: If a loved one seems to be displaying a sense of hopelessness or pessimism that appears out of character, it may signal the onset of a mental disorder. If thoughts of suicide surface, take the threat seriously. Act immediately to get help from a professional or call the suicide hotline number at 800-273-TALK.

Memory loss, especially recent or short-term memory problems: Loss of memory could be a flag that demonstrates a mental condition coming to light. Depression in particular has been linked to memory issues, like displays of confusion or forgetfulness.

Physical problems that appear to surface without an explanation: A surprising fact is that mental illness can manifest itself to create concerns that the body experiences physically. If you observe physical conditions that don’t appear to have an underlying cause, consider the possibility that mental health concerns could be a hidden contributor.

Withdrawal from social settings and activities; losing interest in hobbies and interests that were previously enjoyable: Have you noticed that you or your loved one don’t seem to take any pleasure in the activities that they previously participated in or looked forward to? Have they stepped back from social engagements that they previously took part in? This could be a warning sign that a mental disorder has presented itself. Heighten your focus on additional risk factors. On top of that, talk to your loved one to see what is creating this lack of interest and shift in normal activities. Consider hobbies and activities that engage seniors and also seniors with dementia .

Trouble handling finances or working with numbers : Financial distress and mental health disorders often go hand in hand. There are several reasons that this happens. Life may feel like it’s out of your control, you may be more likely to avoid problems, and desperation for relief may set in. Careless or reckless control over financial spending can be the end result. Working with numbers in general could be a challenge too. This is because the fogginess of mental disorders can make it feel impossible to make decisions, plan ahead, or just plain organize your financial situation.

Unexplained loss of energy, fatigue, or changes in sleep patterns: Does a loved one feel very tired even after a full night’s sleep, or do they have sustained changes in sleep patterns (like sleeping too much or too little)? Be alert for an underlying mental health concern. Particularly observed in depression, lacking energy and regularly feeling tired is one sign that a mental disorder could be latching on.

Taking action

As a loved one or concerned friend or family member, it’s important to recognize the most common signs and risk factors of mental health disorders. By understanding the risk factors of mental illness, you can ensure that the senior in your life can get help as soon as possible. That can facilitate access to proper treatment if it is needed. With most mental health disorders, there can be numerous signs and symptoms. In some people, they may only experience a few symptoms and others could display many. Finally, the signs listed here could be related to something else that does not stem from a mental health condition.

Do you continue to be concerned and think there may be a link to a mental health concern? Be sure to inform your doctor so they can implement proper screening tools to discover and diagnose if a mental condition is present.

Additional risk factors

In addition to the warning signs listed here, there are a few risk factors associated with mental disease and depression in seniors and older adults. These include:

Treating Depression and Anxiety in Seniors

The are several treatments for mental health disorders like depression and anxiety in older adults. These may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Loved ones and providers of care should be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental disorders. Treatment is generally more effective when initiated at an early stage of mental illness. As a result, being proactive and observant is vital to success.

Activities to support mental health

Consider one or more of these activities to promote positive emotional health and well being for an older adult in need:

Adding the help and support of home health aides

Is a friend or loved one living with a mental health condition? Chosen Family Home Care has a dedicated staff of supportive and caring at-home caregivers . Read more about our services available and contact us today . Whether you are in need of personal care services , respite care , or companionship, we are here and available to help.

The post 10 Signs of Mental Illness in Seniors appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

10 Ways Philadelphia Seniors Can Boost Their Immune Systems

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 21:30:00 GMT

By taking care of yourself, your immune system can be ready to take care of you.

Each day, our immune system is working for us, like an army. It fights off dangerous organisms, bacteria, and viruses to keep us healthy. The coronavirus pandemic is highlighting the importance of staying safe and preventing illness. This is especially true for seniors and the most vulnerable populations at greater risk of complication or death.

While we can’t control everything in our environment, there are some simple things we can do to help those fighters do their job still better. The following are 10 preventive measures you can take to optimize your body’s defense against infection and illness.10

Make it a lifestyle

There is no one tip to boost your body’s ability to fight off germs. However, if you want more incentive to improve your overall well-being, then consider making long-term lifestyle changes. The healthiest immune systems reside in healthy bodies. Think of it from the big picture but make the changes small and they will be cumulative. This includes eating right and staying active to sleeping enough. The things that are most supportive of a good immune system are an overall healthy lifestyle.

Add good bacteria

Bacteria play an important role in our digestive systems. In our intestines, these organisms are called the gut microbiome. You may not notice they’re there until they are changed. Imbalances in the types of bacteria present due to an illness or a condition give us symptoms such as gas or diarrhea.

Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria present in the colon that assist in the production of disease-fighting white blood cells. They improve gut health and increase immune function. Fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut and kimchi are rich in probiotics. Beverages like kefir and kombucha are as well. Enjoy some daily with your lunch. Consider probiotic supplements, another option to ensure regular, daily intake.

Be less stressed

Stress can take many forms. The COVID-19 pandemic is surely mounting stress on all individuals, but particularly those at greatest risk. The body also perceives food intolerances and allergies as stressors on the body. This includes exposure to toxins and other environmental factors.

Whenever we are stressed out, no matter what the cause, we engage the sympathetic nervous system. This fight or flight response causes our body to release cortisol. The powerful anti-inflammatory has value to short-term survival. Cortisol release is what our bodies perceive to be necessary whenever we are stressed.

An excess in production of cortisol however, can leave our adrenals depleted and our bodies in a weakened state. Cortisol, the active stress hormone, clamps down on immune function (along with the digestive and reproductive systems) by shutting it down. This is to prioritize stress management and keep us alive and safe. Plus, cortisol lowers an important antibody called secretory IgA. This lines the respiratory tract and gut and is our first line of defense against invading pathogens.

Try incorporating stress management techniques to cope. Examples include deep breathing, meditation, calming baths, exercise, self-care practices and anything else that allows you to relax can all be helpful in mitigating the damaging effects of stress, especially on our immune system.

Get some shut eye

Make sure that you get whatever amount of sleep you need to feel refreshed in the morning, whether that’s 6 hours or 10. Insufficient sleep depresses the immune system, opening the door to upper-respiratory infections, colds, and other nagging sicknesses. Consider your caffeine intake, and don’t let it keep you from getting a good night’s sleep.

If you have a constricted airway that prevents you from sleeping deeply, consider breathing-aid strips on your nose which can be helpful. For those with insomnia, consider a cup of warm cow’s milk (this provides tryptophan, a relaxing amino acid). A magnesium drink can also quickly and gently ensure you get a good night’s sleep.

Consume Bone Broth.

Bone broth is filled with many key nutrients responsible for boosting your immune function and helpful in healing your gut. As previously mentioned, this is where a good majority of our immune system lives. Bone broth is rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids which tend to the gut. It improves wound healing and helps support the health of individual immune cells such as lymphocytes. Make your own at home using high-quality grass-fed bones to reap the full potential nutritional and healing benefits.

Wash your hands regularly

Washing your hands regularly may be basic, but it’s vitally important. It’s obviously critical during the coronavirus outbreak, but it should always be a part of a senior’s regular routine. Hand washing frequently helps reduce initial exposure to immune challenges. Just be sure to wash for 20-30 seconds with warm water and an antibacterial soap. Read more about proper hand washing technique and hand care for seniors here.

Drink the right fluids

Water should be your best friend. We often have heard that we should drink eight, eight-ounce glasses of water per day. That can be hard to do, especially for seniors. Instead, try drinking a glass of water when you wake up to start your day off right. Your body is dehydrated from sleeping, so this is a great way to aid in that immediately. If you like warm drinks in the winter, try non-caffeinated teas, which you can include in your daily water tally.

Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and drink in moderation. Too much alcohol can be detrimental to your immune system and acts to dehydrate you of essential fluids. Limit your caffeine intake as well. Water-storing fruits and vegetables can not only supply hydration but also important vitamins and minerals too.

Get moving

Focus on increasing and maintaining levels of exercise activity. This doesn’t have to be at the gym or a fitness studio, which may not be accessible to seniors and can also be breeding grounds for germs. It could be a simple half hour walk every day. Exercising every day is vital for good health. It reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases. As a bonus, it can improve your appearance and delay the aging process.

Seniors age 65 and older should get at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking) each week. That averages out to about 25-30 minutes per day. Or, aim for 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous exercise (like jogging) weekly.

Boost your nutrition

Consider a well-balanced and healthy diet to keep your immune system running at full speed. Vegetable oils, processed meat and foods, sugar, and alcohol are inflammatory foods that take the attention of the immune system. This can leave other problems in your body unaddressed. For this reason, removing inflammatory foods can contribute to a healthy immune system.

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables fuels the body with healthy antioxidants. Try to boost your intake of superfoods like kale, blueberries, spinach and citrus fruits. By eating a well-balanced diet, you’ll not only boost your immune system but you’ll feel better too.

Get your daily dose of vitamin C

Ensure you consume enough vitamin C, a potent vitamin in supporting a healthy immune response . Vitamin C accumulates in some immune cells that help promote our body’s defenses. Vitamin C foods, like citrus fruits and red bell peppers, improve the health of your immune system by providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Studies display that getting enough vitamin C (plus zinc) in your diet may help to reduce the symptoms of respiratory infections. It can also shorten the duration of illnesses like the common cold and bronchitis.

Try to get vitamins through foods, but consider vitamin supplements as an alternative. Some of the best foods to add for a strong immune system include:

In summary, the immune system is a collective network of organs, cells, and proteins that protect the body from viruses, bacteria, and foreign substances (including COVID-19 ). Unfortunately, most of us take our immune system for granted. We heighten our awareness of its function when it starts to fail in its ability to provide protection.

Seniors can protect themselves from the coronavirus or flu season by following the tips outlined here.

Adding in-home care support

Consider the role that home care agencies like Chosen Family can play for you or your loved one. You can count on well-trained and compassionate home health aides and caregivers to keep your senior loved one safe.

We partner closely with family and elders in need to foster a healthy environment at home and help families adequately prepare. In addition to helping seniors be prepared, we can monitor and promote healthy habits like adequate sleep and food and water intake. Find out more about the Chosen Family difference .

The post 10 Ways Philadelphia Seniors Can Boost Their Immune Systems appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

How Much Does Home Health Aide Care Cost?

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 18:30:00 GMT

Learn about how much Home Health Aide (HHA) caregiving costs are both across the region and right here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Understand what home care options are available.

For seniors and individuals with disabilities, there are many considerations when it comes to evaluating home healthcare services . From Home Health Aide caregiving at home to full-time institutional care, there are a variety of options. Care recipients and their family loved ones can find different price points and services to fit their needs. Many of these solutions may be a mix of several services delivered simultaneously.

Understandably, cost is a major consideration when evaluating home care options . Home care is a top choice for many seniors. Home Health Aides and caregivers provide the ability to age in place at home and remain independent for as long as possible. Comparatively low costs plus added flexibility increase the appeal of care at home. However, there is no one size fits all approach for potential Home Health Aide care recipients . In this article, we will review what home care services cost in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania when receiving Home Health Aide services . Plus, we discuss how care can be paid for, alternatives available, plus the future of home health aide care costs .

Home healthcare and home care explained

When looking at home care costs, it is important to know what home care is and what it isn’t. The term “ home care ” is often used interchangeably and is often an umbrella term for a variety of services. In this article, home care and Home Health Aide (HHA) refer to personal care and companionship. At its core they help individuals with everyday activities such as preparing meals, bathing and dressing, and other household tasks to foster both safety and independence. It may also be referred to by alternative names such as non-medical care , home health aide services , senior care , homemaker care, or assistive care. Sometimes, Home Health Aides may be referred to as Personal Care Aides . However, Home Health Aides are able to do some expanded light healthcare duties under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Examples of home care services that fall outside of these parameters include direct nursing care. Generally speaking, these services are more intensive and skilled, done under licensed professionals such as physical therapists, nurses, doctors, etc. Recipients of skilled care often have more intensive or complex needs. That being said, many recipients of skilled care also receive personal care and home health aide services , and vice versa.

Home Health Aide costs

When evaluating home care costs , we will focus on Home Health Aide services . A senior or disabled individual may receive these services to help them thrive at home independently provided by a home care or home healthcare agency .

In Philadelphia, the average cost of home care , including with Home Health Aides , is $24 per hour, according to retirementliving.com. Philadelphia does have higher rates than the average Pennsylvania state cost of $22.63. This is not uncommon to find in urban areas because they have higher costs associated. Pennsylvania as a state ranks just above the national average of $22 per hour for Home Health Aide home care provided.

As an example, a patient receiving 4 hours per care at a time by a Home Health Aide at 5 days per week will have yearly costs of $24,960. Keep in mind that there are many factors that can change caregiving home care costs . For example, the level of care needed or specialty care, short shift premiums, weekend rates, or other variables can change caregiving costs. That’s why the same study found a large variation in per hour costs. They ranged from $18.78 per hour to $28.17 per hour of Home Health Aide costs . As you might imagine, quality and service can vary dramatically from home healthcare provider to provider within this range as well.

Costs will continue to rise

Home care continues to be one of the most affordable senior care options . However, costs are rising much faster than the rate of inflation. The cost of non-medical home care and Home Health Aide services spiked 7.1 percent in 2019. This is nearly 3.5 times the rate of inflation in the US as a whole.

There are various factors that have created upward pricing pressures on the home care and Home Health Aide industry . Most notably, labor issues are front and center. A lack of supply of Home Health Aide caregivers is one concern. Increasing minimum wages around the country are additional pressures to find caregivers. Plus, more competitive wages from the likes of employers such as Amazon and Walmart are causing home care providers to increase wages to Home Health Aides to sufficiently staff their home care organizations . The demographics of Home Health Aide caregivers themselves presents an additional challenge. Many HHAs and caregivers are in their 50s and 60s and beginning to age out of the home care industry.

Home healthcare agencies are combatting the caregiver shortage by offering wellness programs and adjusting wages to attract and retain Home Health Aides and caregivers . Support programs and effective training help the strongest agencies retain their caregivers and reduce disruptions to both agencies and families as a result of turnover.

Chosen Family Home Care , for example, offers above average wages along with caregiver and patient matching programs and enhanced management and clinical support to staff members to enhance both caregiver and patient satisfaction.

The increase in home care costs extends to other care options for seniors. For example, the Genworth cost of care survey notes that home health aide costs increased by 4.55 percent, while adult day care saw price increases of more than 4 percent.

Paying for home care and Home Health Aides

Home care is growing increasingly important in the health care sector due to lower costs than institutional care and increased quality of life for patients by remaining at home. Unfortunately, widespread coverage is still lacking for the most part, although that may change down the road. However, there are still some options to consider when looking at financing and payer options for ones home care needs .

Private pay: Many individual clients pay for home care needs from their own savings or assets, or those of their families. Sometimes family members will pool resources in order to contribute to care needs. Often, seniors or their family members may also sell certain assets that are no longer used or which may be needed to properly finance one’s care needs. Finally, accessing home equity is another common option.

Private Insurance: Insurance will cover home care, generally speaking, under long term care (LTC) insurance. However, for those in need of benefits and care, they will be unable to purchase care insurance, generally speaking. If it is possible it is likely to be cost prohibitive. LTC can be an excellent option, but only if doing long term planning.

Medicare and Medicare Advantage: Original Medicare will not pay for in home non-medical care benefits .

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are now able to offer supplemental health care benefits to their members. It is possible that ones non-medical home care may be covered under their MA plan. This is exciting news for those with in home care needs. This coverage will vary dramatically between plans. Also, being a new benefit that just started in 2019, expect to see coverage for these services evolve over time among plans. Now that we are in 2020, check your MA plans to see what your coverage options may be. You may also find expanded coverage for other related services as well, such as adult day care or medical transportation.

Medicaid: Medicaid is an insurance program for low income individuals. Medicaid coverage is determined at the state level, so Pennsylvania manages Medicaid coverage and support for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). In Pennsylvania, it is covered under the Community Health Choices (CHC) waiver. Many individuals rely on non-medical home care support through the state Medicaid waiver program. Keep in mind that there are strict eligibility requirements, and that there is generally a long waiting period for benefits to be active.

Veterans programs: There are several forms of assistance and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Three different pension benefits are available and you can view them in more detail here .

Interested in obtaining a home health aide certification? Click here to check out Philadelphia’s premier school for HHA and Certified Nurse Aide training .

How can I get a caregiver for myself or a loved one if I have no money?

Some individuals may find themselves with limited resources or an inability to pay for home care and Home Health Aide services . Medicaid waiver is the best option in Pennsylvania for those that qualify. Read our post on Pennsylvania’s CHC Medicaid waiver: A Guide to Services at Home . This post outlines services available under the program. Eligible participants may qualify for home care and Home Health Aide services .

Can I get paid to care for my family member or loved one?

Yes. Under the same CHC Medicaid waiver program , eligible caregivers may be compensated to provide home care and Home Health Aide services to program participants.

Read our guide on how family members can get compensated to provide caregiving and Home Health Aide services to loved ones .

Home care and Home Health Aide costs compared to other senior care options

Evaluating home care costs compared to alternative options can be difficult. For starters, services offered and what one values can vary. Also, home care and caregiving services are often received hand in hand with other care services. However, cost is critical when evaluating alternatives. Regardless of the services received, care and support for you or your loved ones will almost certainly be a major expense.

Any comparison with home care services will depend almost entirely on the amount of hours needed. So, if one needs care at 20 hours per week, you can estimate local Philadelphia home care costs by multiplying 20 by the average cost of care ($24 per hour), and then multiply that by the number of weeks in a year (52). In this example, $24,960 would be the yearly cost of care.

Home care versus residential care

Just like home care, there exists various levels of residential care options. As a result, costs will vary based on scope, location, and overall care needs. As an example, a private room at an assisted living facility will average $4000 a month while a semi-private room at a nursing home will run $7441, on average.

The benefit of receiving non-medical home care and Home Health Aide caregiving services is the flexibility in hours and caregiving needs received. Naturally, this will directly impact home care costs . So while you can’t receive nursing home care part time , you can receive home care part time. Additionally, Home Health Aide and caregiving hours can be adjusted on short notice in most cases, which adds additional flexibility. These are important factors to keep in mind when comparing costs. Of course, depending on one’s situation, home care may not always be the most feasible or safest options. For example, in an assisted living situation, it is likely that one may only receive a few hours of direct care per day, but help and assistance will always be close by.

What about hiring caregivers privately?

As a recipient of care, you may be tempted to hire your Home Health Aide caregiver privately as opposed to choosing a home healthcare agency . The number one reason for this is due to cost. One may get care at a discount by hiring privately and foregoing a home care agency model .

That being said, if one hires Home Health Aides privately they need to be aware of the risk and responsibility associated. In this scenario, these risks are now the responsibility of the patient or family hiring the Home Health Aide caregiver . Besides the general management of the caregiver, which is a major responsibility on its own, the care provider will need to consider the implications of liability. For example, liability insurance and payroll considerations such as taxes and ensuring regulatory compliance are major costs and associated risks.

Plus, the private Home Health Aide caregiver should be properly screened to include getting background and reference checks along with managing the caregiver’s schedule. By choosing a Philadelphia agency that manages this process like Chosen Family Home Care , the patient and their family can have peace of mind that the responsibilities that come with hiring and maintaining caregivers and Home Health Aides is dealt with by the home care agency.

To conclude

In summary, cost considerations are understandably a major component of evaluating care options for seniors and disabled adults. This is the case whether the care comes from an institutional care center or by a Home Health Aide through a home care agency provider. While receiving home healthcare can be a major expense, the flexibility and care options associated with home health aides and home care agencies can make in-home care surprisingly affordable.

Additionally, it is important to remember that paying more for quality health care can pay dividends in the long term. By providing both better quality of life and improved health outcomes, health care expenses may be lower over time.

Chosen Family home care is a Philadelphia based home care agency that will work with you or your family member’s care needs and budget. We can help you find the best option for you or your loved one if a caregiver at home is needed or a Home Health Aide . Reach out to us today at info@chosenfamilyhomecare.com or call us at 267-457-4122 for a free care consultation and assessment. We will evaluate what your healthcare needs are and consider what the best home care options are. Chosen Family Home Care can also help you determine what your healthcare coverage is and what home care options are available for you.

The post How Much Does Home Health Aide Care Cost? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Tips on Hiring the Best Philadelphia At-Home Caregivers

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 19:29:00 GMT

Family caregivers provide support for 40 million Americans who live with a disability. We offer guidance on finding the right caregiver for your loved one.

Whether it be a disability, a result of aging, or decline in mental capacity, millions of families must face a harsh reality. Their parents or loved ones need help at home.

Where does one begin to look for support?

People tend to search online and look for feedback and reviews that current or former clients or loved ones have left. The number of home care companies can be staggering. Start your search with common terms like home care , home health aide , or caregivers in your area. You can also search for a variety of more specific terms based on the needs of your loved ones. Examples include senior home care, dementia care , or spanish-speaking caregivers .

Most reputable home care agencies will interview the individual or family to better understand the needs of the client. This is also the chance to properly match caregivers based on personality and style, etc. Don’t be afraid to be upfront with the company or agency about what type of caregiver you would like to match your loved one with.

Shop around

Take advantage of these interviews with the agencies to get a good feel for them and their company’s mission and values. If you have a good feeling after interviewing the company or its caregivers, that’s great. However, don’t be afraid to consider or speak with several companies until you find the right fit for your loved one.

Be sure to ask about health care training , driving, and ability to lift when in your search. At a minimum, caregivers should be patient, compassionate, trustworthy, and dependable.

Understand what you are signing up for

When reviewing a home care contract , be specific in regards to hours, wages, job descriptions, and standards of behavior. Ultimately, the best measure of success is the ability of the company to properly match a quality and supportive caregiver to the individual in need.

Finding the right fit

Even the best home care providers won’t always be able to match the perfect caregiver or home health aide on the first try. If you don’t think there is a match between you and your caregiver, make sure you’ve given it some time (a few weeks). It takes time for both parties to get comfortable with each other. However, be sure to inquire about requesting a new caregiver if it just isn’t working out. Caregiver matching can be more art than science so any quality care provider will gladly oblige.

Caregiving from the family

Pennsylvania allows care recipients to hire and pay family members as their home health aides. This through the Community HealthChoices Medicaid Waiver program . Waiver programs are popular for understandable reasons. Family members, including those that had to quit or cut back on work to provide care to a loved one, are now being paid some money for all the care they provide. Read our guide about the Medicaid Waiver program for home care .

Chosen Family Home Care has a dedicated team of caregivers in place. We assist the Philadelphia-area elder and disabled community meet their at-home care needs. We provide a variety of care services to meet the diverse needs of our population and have a proven caregiver matching and training program.

The post Tips on Hiring the Best Philadelphia At-Home Caregivers appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

11 Tips for Family Caregivers During the COVID-19 Crisis

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 18:45:00 GMT

Learn how families can be best prepared for caring for senior loved ones by following our tips for providing and planning for care during the coronavirus pandemic.

Family caregivers and their older adult loved ones are facing accelerated challenges from the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a newly released report from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, the number of family caregivers in the United States has already increased 9.5 million from 2015 to 2020, or about one in five Americans.

That number could rise even more as families re-consider long-term care facilities for their loved ones after coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes across the country.

Seniors and Coronavirus

Older adults are most at risk to develop COVID-19 and its symptoms, which can lead to the development of pneumonia. The elderly should strongly consider getting the pneumonia vaccine regularly. They can also talk to their doctor about the vaccine.

Unfortunately, viruses spread faster in residential facilities, community housing and assisted living centers. When possible, seniors living in these facilities should avoid communal rooms and sanitize often. However, many older adults residing in their own homes have a fair share of risks to manage. If you or your loved one is at risk from the coronavirus, consider our guidance below.

11 tips for successful COVID-19 caregiving

Check all your loved one’s medications.

Take stock of all medications that your loved one is taking. Be sure to reorder any that are running low. During the crisis, talk to the pharmacy about a 90-day supply. Many pharmacies and insurance companies are allowing 90 day prescription refills now. In addition, pharmacy home delivery options are now increasingly available. This will limit the interactions in public that you may have to take, or that of your family members.

Take stock of essentials

It’s important to determine what your loved one has on hand so you can properly plan on what you may need. The uncertainty and evolving nature of the pandemic has created imbalances in different supplies. We are all aware of the recent run on toilet paper, and now meat and other grocery supplies are risking shortages. Inventory how much food, medication, and basic supplies that your loved one has currently. Create a list of what you need. Also, consider how often an item needs replenishment.

A large number of older adults do not keep many extra supplies at hand. They may be on a tight budget, or are accustomed to regular grocery or medication refills. Of course, with their routine upended, we will need to consider a stop gap in the meantime. As available, try to have a minimum supply of water, food, cleaning supplies, and other medical goods for at least two weeks of time.

Compile a list of all medications being taken

Have a regularly updated list of all medications that a family member is currently taking. It is important to include the medication name, strength, dosage, and time that meds are taken. Don’t forget about any vitamins, supplements, or over the counter (OTC) medication that is taken as well. Consider our guide to medication management for more advice and pointers.

Maintain a list of all of your doctors

Compile a list of all of your doctors. This includes your primary care doctor, any specialty doctors, and other providers or overseers of care like physical therapists, care managers , or chiropractors. Be sure to include their contact information. Have it on you and available at all times, when possible. This is in the event of a hospitalization, or to share among your providers that you see regularly to ensure that they can keep in contact with each other, as necessary.

Reschedule any appointments or take them virtually

Review what upcoming visits are currently scheduled or coming due. Consider what can be canceled that is not fully essential. Since health care settings are where the majority of sick people are, it is a good way to minimize your risk. Many providers are turning to telehealth as an option. With this becoming an increasingly viable option, consider taking advantage of it when it makes sense for you or your loved one. Best of all, many insurance companies are covering these visits, at least for the time being.

Have a medical alert card handy.

Medical alert information cards aid in communicating information regarding your health and medical history, allergies, medications, emergency contacts, insurance, and doctor(s). Keep it with you at all times.

Make it a community effort

There may be one primary family caregiver for your loved one. With school out, you may have to juggle your children at home in addition to providing care to a loved one. Plus, your loved one might need extra effort to ensure that they stay safe and remain at home. Try to identify other family members, neighbors, or friends who can check in or assist with shopping or other errands. It’s vital that the person you are caring for doesn’t leave the home and avoids public spaces.

Compile a list of contact information with friends, family, and community services that can assist you to carry out key caregiving tasks .

Know the Pennsylvania community response plan

Stay updated with Pennsylvania state’s emergency management plan available here .

Understand what local resources may be available.

During these challenging times, many organizations, government groups, and communities have stepped up with added support during these tough times. They are constantly evolving and updating them. The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) has on their website a regularly updated list for local resources in and around Philadelphia.

Stay connected now more than ever

With ongoing quarantine measures and social distancing guidelines, isolation will impact many older adults . While virtual connection or chatting through a window won’t replace emotional bonds of being face to face and hugging loved ones, there are ways to help promote these connections. To facilitate strong connections for your loved one, set up communication with different and almost always free technologies. Facebook Messenger , FaceTime , WhatApp , or Skype all offer simple and easy to use tools to video chat. Smart speakers are another example, and of course don’t forget phone and text. Utilize them to stay connected with your community and caregiving team too, along with your older loved ones and family members. Our comprehensive guide on engaging seniors to help them avoid social isolation and loneliness is a great tool for caregivers as well.

Ensure your own personal safety and care

Your loved one is very likely to be at high risk to COVID-19 infection . To combat the spread of Coronavirus, minimize physical contact with others as much as possible. Stay home whenever you can. That way, you lower your own risk of infection (and ultimately your loved one that you care for). Continue to follow guidelines from the CDC. With states and establishments slowly reopening, don’t forget to not let your guard down for those that are vulnerable. Plus, you are likely very focused on the person you’re caring for, which is great. However, it’s vital to also care for yourself.

For high-risk individuals, like those with dementia, Alzheimers, or underlying health conditions like heart disease or cancer, you may need to take even more cautious measures. Consider having the primary caregiver isolate with the loved one receiving care, when possible. Next, work to have a back-up plan if the primary caregiver becomes sick or ill. That way you have a plan in place in case an emergent situation arises. This is ideal that way you are not caught off guard without alternative options.

Looking forward

For those that care for a loved one at home, they’re often juggling caregiving with extensive other commitments, including their own family. However, as the pandemic drags on indefinitely, now is the time to review your loved one’s care situation to ensure a safe environment that’s also supportive. This may be a good time to settle down and spend some quality time with your loved one and family. Plus, by properly preparing, you can have some peace of mind by having a plan in place that you can execute should the need arise.

For families that are stretched thin, consider formal home care services like those with Chosen Family Home Care . The best home care agencies have contingency plans for emergent situations like the coronavirus. Chosen Family can implement strong support through its compassionate caregivers and the clients receiving supportive care. They have strict protocols for safety during this period as well. Be sure to check out all of our regular senior blog posts with great resources for caregivers and loved ones.

The post 11 Tips for Family Caregivers During the COVID-19 Crisis appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Seniors not more likely to take virus precautions versus general population, poll finds

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 15:23:00 GMT

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more Americans are taking preventative measures to prevent COVID-19 infection and spread. This is according to a new survey just released.

A national sample was taken from March 11 to 15, polling 1216 adults. Questions inquired about the respondent’s awareness and worry over the coronavirus outbreak. KFF then compared the results to a previous survey conducted in February.

How people are preparing and taking caution

Many report taking various measures to prepare for and protect against coronavirus. There are few differences comparing by age and health status despite varying risk levels across the population.

The study finds that the elderly and those that live in a household where someone has a serious health condition are not more likely than other groups to report taking various precautions. This is in spite of the fact that they are among the groups most at risk of developing serious complications if infected with coronavirus .

The poll surveyed various ways that people have made various precautions in response to the viral outbreak. Among those that have taken at least one precaution, the study finds that 67 percent of the general population has taken at least one precaution. That compares to only 63 percent of those over the age of 60, and 64 percent among those over the age of 60 and with someone in their household with a chronic condition.

Increased risk for the elderly and health compromised population

The Chinese CDC reports a death rate as high as 14.8 percent among those aged 80 or over. Similarly elevated rates are observed between others over the age of 60 and those with underlying or compromising health conditions . This compares to a death rate in general that hovers around 1 percent.

How the at-risk senior and compromised populations should react

Those at greatest risk should be taking all of the necessary precautions to prevent getting infected with the coronavirus. This Chosen Family article outlines ways that elders and their caregivers can prepare adequately and engage seniors that are stuck at home. It also includes some vital Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and greater Delaware Valley resources too.

Consider our emergency preparedness checklist as well for families and caregivers .

Other key poll findings:

The help of home care in a crisis

Help take the confusion out of care for yourself or your loved one in need. By partnering with a home care agency like Chosen Family , you can count on well-trained and compassionate home health aides and caregivers to keep your senior loved one safe.

The best providers of senior home care like Chosen Family ensure that they have the right protocols and emergency procedures in place for difficult and quickly changing health challenges like the coronavirus outbreak. We partner closely with family and elders in need to foster a healthy environment at home while assisting to adequately prepare.

The post Seniors not more likely to take virus precautions versus general population, poll finds appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Caregiving during the Coronavirus: How to Protect and Engage Seniors at Home in Philadelphia

Sat, 17 Oct 2020 14:55:00 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major challenge for all adults. It has been especially tough for family caregivers that have a senior loved one that is vulnerable. Learn how you can help your senior loved one during the pandemic safely and engage them to prevent isolation.

The elderly are confronted with a potentially life-threatening risk if they become infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19) . It has caused deaths around the world for those 60 and older, starting in China and now making a major impact right here in Philadelphia, the greater Delaware Valley, and around the world.

The coronavirus can affect people at any age, and elders and those with compromised immunity are always at additional risk than the general population. However, in this case the virus disproportionately affects seniors. While it’s difficult still to properly estimate the fatality rate for the disease, estimates are that around 15 percent of those over the age of 80 and 2.3 percent for the general population, according to JAMA .

One of the biggest sources of deaths of coronavirus occurred in Washington state, where 18 residents of a nursing home have died from an outbreak there. Since then, 10 more assisted living facilities (ALF) and skilled nursing facilities (SNF) in the Seattle area have had outbreaks.

Protecting elders while providing care

An important question remains for Philadelphia residents , how do we protect the most vulnerable members of our population from the coronavirus, even if we are providing the hands-on care that they need?

Minimize contact

You may have noticed that senior care facilities have all but banned visitors from entering and visiting. This is a drastic step taken to reduce the risk for those most vulnerable. So you may be asking yourself, what about seniors and loved ones in their home? The best advice would be to limit as much contact as possible. However, if you are providing direct care to them, this can be a challenge. Certainly, try to offer assistance as much as you always do, but you will need to take significant precautions when not around your seniors.

Social distancing has become the new norm during this period, and if you are providing hands-on care to a loved one you should heed these warnings seriously. For certain, you should minimize your contact with other individuals as much as possible to reduce the chance of spreading the virus to your elder loved one. Read our blog about proper hand washing and care which is beneficial for both caregivers and elders alike.

Additionally, if there is more than one family or friend providing care, it would be beneficial to designate only one person during this time, if possible. As a general rule, the less individuals in contact with a loved one, the better. And, the less contact that those individuals receive through their daily lives is also better to ensure the safety of their loved one.

If you stay away, you should maximize safety measures in your absence or the absence of other loved ones. Consider our blog post on home safety tips to enact and review to provide additional peace of mind.

Go remote

If you are forced to reduce direct contact with your loved one, you can still check in. The options for technological solutions are endless, and many you probably already have available. For starters, you have Skype, FaceTime, and of course your everyday phone calls and texts. Be sure to touch base regularly to not only ensure safety but also as a measure of companionship for your loved one.

There are, also, things like Granny Cams which are much more invasive but may offer comfort for loved ones and assist in ensuring safety. Read more about some technologies available to implement for your loved one.

Isolate, don’t idle

Senior isolation is a major concern among our nation’s elders. In situations like these where friends and family want to visit but can’t, or are limiting contact, it can be a struggle. You can still encourage your loved one to remain engaged in other ways.

This article offers advice on how to try every streaming service for free for those on a budget during the crisis. There are also ways to see museums, exhibits, symphonies, and operas virtually, right from your couch. Thankfully, organizations have been expanding these opportunities since the crisis began. Read more about that here .

An older person alone doesn’t have to be lonely. If your loved one reads, ship them some books or order them ebooks to keep them engaged. You can also encourage many other activities, from games, activities and hobbies to learn, or at-home exercises. Here are some other ideas from our recent blog post on activities to keep seniors engaged that are more than just TV.

Use community resources

Find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in and around Philadelphia. Those include in the five county region:

They can assess the situation and offer solutions. Be aware that many senior centers may be closed during these times due to concerns about close contact.

Non-profit organizations are making a major contribution locally and can also help. Faith-based organizations are additional levels of support here in Philadelphia . We are also seeing neighbors stepping up to help each other during difficult times, so it’s great to lean on the local community.

Add home care services

Consider offering formal home care services like Chosen Family Home Care . The best home care agencies have contingency plans for emergent situations like the coronavirus. Chosen Family can implement strong support through its compassionate caregivers and the clients receiving care. They have strict protocols for safety during this period as well.

The post Caregiving during the Coronavirus: How to Protect and Engage Seniors at Home in Philadelphia appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Philadelphia Health Alert for Elders and Caregivers: Does Ibuprofen Make the Coronavirus Worse?

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 17:08:00 GMT

Taking ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can aggravate the Coronavirus . This is according to the French Minister of Health Olivier Veran as announced on Twitter . This information is vital for the millions of people who take NSAIDS such as ibuprofen regularly, including seniors and those that may have compromised immunity. Unfortunately, this is also the population at greatest risk of coronavirus.

Increasingly apparent risk

Other publications have followed suit with this warning for elders and all people. Anti-inflammatory drugs can impair the body’s immune system, putting them at risk for infectious diseases in general, including COVID-19 , the Guardian reports. Véran, who is a doctor, recommended taking acetaminophen instead. Acetaminophen is sold under brand names including Panadol and Tylenol, per WebMD . Seniors and their caregivers should refer to their physicians for dosing instructions.

Should I be worried for myself or my loved one?

Despite what the French Health Minister has said, there is still little evidence to confirm that these anti-inflammatories make coronavirus infections worse or more deadly. That being said, it has long been known that anti-inflammatories can have a depressive effect on parts of our immune systems.

Managing pain

As a result of coronavirus , people may usually grab for pain relievers first to deal with flu-like symptoms. In cases of the common cold, a mild depressive effect of the inflammatory response is usually not cause for concern. Millions more people take pain medications like ibuprofen on a daily basis. This helps deal with crippling pain and chronic conditions.

However, if we take medicines that dampen the immune response, such as ibuprofen, this can lead to us not fighting off an infection as effectively. As a result, a longer illness period may occur along with higher risk of complications. In the case of the coronavirus, it creates more cause for alarm for those at greatest risk.

Besides ibuprofen, other commonly used anti-inflammatories include naproxen, diclofenac and steroids such as prednisolone.

How to stay safe

While we may not have conclusive evidence just yet, it may be wise to consider alternative pain treatments such as acetaminophen. This includes you or your elder loved one. In any case, there is no need to panic.

Talk to your doctor

Before implementing changes, it is important to consult with your doctor. They can ensure that taking other forms of medications are safe. Your physician will need to consider your individual circumstances and current medication regimen. They will ensure that there are no potentially dangerous interactions or other health concerns. They may also decide that ibuprofen is the safest course of action at this point.

For some, it may be a delicate balance- managing the symptoms of their long-term health or chronic conditions and risking the devastating effects of the coronavirus.

Turn to home care for support

Help take the confusion out of care for yourself or your loved one in need. By partnering with a home care agency like Chosen Family , you can count on well-trained and compassionate home health aides and caregivers to keep your senior loved one safe.

The post Philadelphia Health Alert for Elders and Caregivers: Does Ibuprofen Make the Coronavirus Worse? appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

10 Ways to Help Individuals and Families Living with Dementia

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 13:57:00 GMT

A dementia diagnosis can be crushing for sufferers and families alike. Learn tips to show support to individuals affected by the disease along with their loved ones.

Dementia is a decline in memory and mental capacity. Mainly affecting older adults , 1 in 7 of those over the age of 70 suffer from dementia, and its numbers are rapidly growing. In addition to memory problems, speaking, and the ability to make decisions, dementia can have other detrimental symptoms as well.

Unlike other symptoms, dementia can be subtle or sneaky, making it easy to miss or ignore in early stages. A diagnosis is never as certain as with many other conditions such as cancer since we do not routinely collect a sample of brain tissue to analyze. There is a lack of specialists trained to manage dementia and even fewer in the pipeline, as well. Despite all this, dementia and related conditions like Alzheimer’s is the fifth leading cause of death in America for seniors .

All these concerns and health challenges exist despite the fact that most people have a loved one or close friend with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease . However, there are many things that you can do to continue to support your loved one that has dementia or a family struggling.

Helping loved ones and families struggling with dementia

The following are 10 tips to provide support and assistance to those you know with dementia , or their families who are often expending a large amount of time and stress to provide for family members.

Be educated about dementia. Learn more about its effects and how you can respond.

Dementia (also referred to as neurocognitive disorders) involves cognitive impairment due to brain damage. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. It is also the most common, but there are other types of dementia . Only a comprehensive evaluation by a trained clinician can make an accurate diagnosis.

Celebrate the strengths that still exist.

Just because someone has an impaired memory and declining cognitive skills, it does not mean that they aren’t still human. A dementia sufferer continues to have wants, needs, interests, skills, and other strengths that make them unique. Keep this in mind and you will continue to see their positives shine through, plus you can connect with sufferers along the lines of their assets that make them unique.

Keep in contact

A family or loved one may be struggling with a diagnosis. This can be a very challenging time for the family and group affected, and it probably won’t be getting easier. Stay in touch with the impacted parties. Whether its a card, a phone call, or a text, it’s important to reach out and empathize and demonstrate your concern and support. Even small gestures can make a big difference to struggling families.

Have patience

Patience is crucial, not only when caring for someone living with dementia , but for friends or family that care for dementia patients . When interacting directly with individuals with dementia, effectively communicating will probably be the biggest barrier to test your patience. Check out our tips for effective communication for dementia patients article . The burden of care for a dementia sufferer often is disproportionately placed on one family member, so keep this in mind. Be understanding if plans need to change or if their challenges with caregiving cause other interruptions. Plus, it takes family members a while to adjust to and learn about the best ways to care for affected family members. It takes us some time, if at all, to find out that it requires more than one person to support another living with dementia.

Provide a shoulder to lean on

The disease can push an entire family to the limit. Coping with a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a continuing process, with each person reacting differently. Simply extending your support and reiterating your friendship helps. Engage family members in events or activities. Invite them for a walk or participate in other activities. This can help them get their mind off of the daily struggles of caregiving and support, while also bringing joy to both you and the family member in need.

Converse and engage with dementia sufferers.

It’s critical to involve the afflicted individual in conversation. Even when their ability to participate in discussion becomes more limited, providing meaningful engagement to individuals with dementia is important. It can help capitalize on the skills and abilities of those with dementia but the support can also provide a better quality of life for this with dementia along with their family caregivers .

Offer to help the family with errands and tasks.

Caring for those with dementia can often be a huge undertaking. Usually, family members have to learn on the fly and continue to adjust to the ever-changing demands of dementia . As a result, a difficult job is made even more challenging with supporters forced to adapt to a steep learning curve . The tasks associated with dementia can be overwhelming for caregivers often on duty 24 hours a day. By taking the time to provide direct help, no matter how small, it can make a hugely positive impact on the family’s responsibilities. Offer to prepare a meal, provide a ride, or run an errand as a start.

Provide the family with a break

Caregivers need and can benefit greatly from respite care . Spend some time with the individual that lives with dementia.This lets family members visit with friends or go out alone. Whether it’s to have a meal out on the town, run their own errands, or just to catch a movie, doing something that allows family caregivers to recharge and relax helps family caregivers be their best. This also helps those suffering with dementia to receive the best care since it helps loved ones avoid caregivers stress and burnout .

Be flexible (and possibly persistent)

Even individuals that demonstrate the greatest need and help may feel too proud or embarrassed to request or accept help. If your offer for support is not accepted immediately, don’t fret. The family may need time to assess its needs, or realize that they can’t do it alone.

Show your support in the fight against dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Demonstrate your commitment to a cause related to the individual’s condition. You could do a Facebook fundraiser in the name of the person or family affected. You can do a walk or participate in causes that promote health or education on the disease. By being an advocate in disease awareness, early detection, or research, the family will see your commitment and appreciate the support in this manner.

By following these tips, we can banish the fear and avoidance of individuals with dementia and their caregivers . Plus, it can make all the difference by helping both dementia sufferers and their family members have greater dignity, well-being, and quality of life.

Chosen Family Home Care is a Philadelphia and greater Delaware Valley based home care agency that specializes in dementia and Alzheimer’s care at home . Subscribe to our insights page for more senior and caregiving resources for you and your loved one and follow us on Facebook and Instagram .

The post 10 Ways to Help Individuals and Families Living with Dementia appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

13 Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Seniors

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 00:19:00 GMT

Depression in older adults is a major health concern, and often not recognized or treated. Learn the signs of depression in seniors.

Depression can be present at any age during one’s life, including as an older adult. Depression in seniors is a widespread problem, and it’s not a normal part of aging. In fact, more than 1 in 9 elders suffer from depression. Plus, over half of depressed older adults have their first depressive episode after the age of 60 . Often, depression in older adults is untreated, with one third taking antidepressants but still showing symptoms.

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health condition. It is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with daily life for weeks or longer.

What causes depression in seniors?

Many older adults experience significant life events and changes over time. Unfortunately, some of them can increase the chances of getting depression. Alternatively, they can make existing depressive symptoms worse. Some examples of these changes include:

Depression can also stem from physical illness as well. Examples include:

Signs of depression in seniors

Below, we discuss 13 indications that depression could be present in older adults.

Sadness or feelings of despair

Changes in mood are one of the most common symptoms of depression. A person that is depressed may feel sad or down for long periods of time.They may also express feeling “empty” or incapable of feeling joy or happiness. Some people may refer to this sadness as despair.

Pain without an apparent cause or aggravated aches and pains

As it turns out, depression and pain often co-exist. In fact, roughly 75% of primary care patients with depression report suffering some sort of physical pain. Depression may manifest itself in physical aches and pains with no obvious cause. Examples include unexplained muscle aches, chest pain, shakes, or hot flashes.

Depression can cause pain while pain can cause depression . This can be of particular concern to seniors, as they are more likely to experience chronic pain than the general population. Sometimes pain and depression fuel a vicious cycle in which pain worsens depression symptoms. The resulting depression can exacerbate feelings of pain. For first signs, take a look to see if you or a loved one experience physical ills without an apparent cause. This could be an indicator of the onset of depression.

Loss of interest in socializing or hobbies

Some older adults with depression may no longer have an interest in activities and things that they used to enjoy, like sports, music, socializing, or sexual activity. They may decline offers or opportunities to participate in activities or be with others.

Weight loss or loss of appetite

Individuals with depression often lose their desire and appetite for food . When this happens, weight loss is usually noticeable. They may demonstrate little interest in eating or go for long periods without food.

Feeling hopeless or helpless

Depression can make people lose any sense of hope. They may feel like there is no foreseeable end to how they are feeling. An older adult may also demonstrate helplessness. They may think or say that they can’t be helped to get better or that they will always feel down and depressed.

Feeling unmotivated and without energy

Some older adults with depression may find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. They may feel run down and exhausted. Everyday tasks may seem daunting and they don’t have the motivation to tackle them, like going to the store or cooking meals. They may find themselves spending a significant amount of time at home sleeping or resting. Fatigue stemming from depression can make them feel like they are always tired, in spite of sufficient rest at night. Conversely, others with depression may experience poor sleep.

Normal sleep patterns disturbed (like difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, daytime sleepiness, or oversleeping)

Around 75% of people with depression experience symptoms of insomnia. Some individuals with depression may be unable to sleep well. They may have trouble either falling asleep or remaining asleep. They may experience staying up very late at night and/or waking up very early in the morning.

Feelings or loss of self-worth (demonstrating concern about being burdensome, feeling worthless or self-loathing behavior)

When a senior is depressed, they often may think that they are worthless. Often, the worse the depression, the more they feel this way. Worthlessness can be described as a feeling of desperation and hopelessness. Older adults experiencing worthlessness may feel insignificant, useless, or believe they have nothing of value to offer the world. Many depressed people expressed dislike for themselves. If you see any of these troubling signs in yourself or a senior loved one, it may be cause for concern and signal that depression is setting in.

Slowed movement or speech

Quite often, one of the first signs of depression in the elderly is a change in thinking . A slowdown in thinking can occur when a person is depressed. When talking with an individual who is depressed, you may notice that they demonstrate slow speech or difficulty comprehending and processing information. To the person who is depressed, it could feel as if it’s very difficult to think and it requires more than the normal effort to do so.

Increased use of alcohol or other drugs

Depression can put a person at increased risk of developing an alcohol problem . However, the inverse is even more common. Depression can arise and increase during a battle with alcohol Thus, an increase in depression can then lead to more drinking, further perpetuating this cycle from the other angle.

Seniors dealing with depression are at double the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Interestingly, the reverse is also true. Therefore, an increase in the use of alcohol or drugs can foster depression, which can lead to a vicious cycle of increased depression symptoms and increased alcohol or drug consumption.

Some studies find that alcohol abuse is more likely to cause major depression than the other way around, but it appears that it can go in either direction. In any case, monitor older adults for elevated alcohol or drug use and the potential for it to facilitate depressive symptoms.

Fixation on death; thoughts of suicide

A person afflicted with depression may think more about dying and death. They may also ponder suicide and how they could end their life. These thoughts are known as suicide ideation. There is a strong correlation between seniors considering suicide and also experiencing chronic medical conditions or concerns at the same time.

On occasion, an individual may tell others about these thoughts. If someone is discussing death or suicide, it is critical that you seek assistance immediately. This may be their way of asking for help. In some severe cases of depression, an individual may also self-harm or hurt themselves as well.

Memory problems

Depression can impact a person’s memory and cognitive abilities. They could have trouble concentrating or focusing on different aspects of their life. They may also struggle in making decisions. These include even small, everyday choices. Individuals with depression may also discover that they cannot remember things quite as well as they did before. They could forget about appointments or commitments. They might not recall things that they did or said recently.

Neglecting personal care (skipping meals, forgetting meds, neglecting personal hygiene)

Mental illness can make its way into many parts of your life. It can affect even the most mundane of activities, like showering or brushing your teeth. Major depression is often characterized by diminished interest in activities, as well as fatigue. In other words, sufferers may have little motivation or energy to maintain hygiene, eat, or continue established routines while depressed. As a result, it is not unusual for depression sufferers to end up neglecting a variety of personal care needs and hygiene.

Taking action

Depression in older adults is a public health concern that should not be ignored. It can have devastating consequences, like an increased risk of morbidity, elevated rates of suicide lower physical, cognitive and social functioning, along with more potential for neglectiving oneself. These can all increase the chances of death.

If you see the signs of depression in yourself or in a senior loved one, it’s important that you see your doctor for the right diagnosis and treatment, if appropriate. Luckily, older adults that get the treatment they need can often correct the debilitating effects of depression and overcome the disease.

Depression in older adults remains elevated for those with the highest needs, including hands on care at home or in a facility. For seniors living at home, consider Chosen Family Home Care to help your loved one overcome depression and live a full life. Chosen Family not only helps with activities of daily living, but they also engage seniors in ways to promote living with dignity and quality of life through promoting hobbies and social engagements with clients.

Learn more about the Chosen Family difference and contact them here . Also, follow all of our top senior resources on our insights page .

The post 13 Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Seniors appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

6 Summer Preparation Tips for Seniors at Home

Tue, 26 May 2020 18:44:00 GMT

We are all spending more time at home now. This is especially true for the elderly and those that are compromised. By taking proactive steps now, older adults can make sure that their homes are safe and ready for a long, hot summer.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak , seniors are staying at home more than ever. With summer fast approaching, it’s critical that older adults at home are best prepared for the heat and humidity that accompany the season. Also, if one is proactive now, they can spend less time down the road on maintenance or other troubles that arise from not preparing their home for summer. At the very least, you can take care of items now that allow you to enjoy your outdoor areas to the fullest with the onset of summer upon us. Read our tips for older adults to be prepared for a happy, safe, and healthy summer at home.

6 summer preparation tips for seniors at home

Service Your Air Conditioner

Having an air conditioner fail in the midst of a heat wave can be a major challenge for anyone. The effects of that on seniors can be even more of a challenge. Spring, or at least before the full heat of summer, is the best time to have your air conditioning system checked to make sure that it’s in proper shape to keep your home cool in the warm months ahead.

There are a few straightforward ways to get your air conditioner and HVAC system in order, or for a technician to get you all set for the summer.

For starters, the system’s filter should be changed. If a filter is dirty or clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder, stay on longer, and ultimately will cost you more money. In reality, you should already be changing your air filters every 3 months. However, spring is a great time to get started and ensure you stay on cycle as the seasons change.

Also, see you how your unit is cooling. If the A/C fails to start, check the circuit breaker or fuses. It may take a minute so keep that in mind. If it fails to cool or start up as expected, consider calling a pro.

A technician may be a good idea even if everything appears to be functioning as normal. By having a routine yearly tune up, you can help extend the life of your system while ensuring a smooth and efficient operation. Seasonal maintenance of your system generally includes inspection and unit cleaning. Plus, they will check and service any parts that need it. Some companies offer prepaid service plans that can cover the maintenance mentioned here and often a discount on any needed repairs. If the cost is reasonable and you find that it may be valuable, it can be a good way to ensure that your system gets what it needs while planning for the expense in advance.

Find ways to make it easier to stay cool

Some older adults minimize using their air conditioner due to concerns over high energy costs. While the state of Pennsylvania has a LIHEAP reduced energy cost program, it is only valid in the winter months to assist financially with heating.

If energy costs or a lack of air conditioning cause an older adult to not use a cooler, it’s vital for seniors and their loved ones to help keep the home cool in other ways. A buildup of heat can be lowered by cracking the windows during the early morning and also in the evening hours to let some cool air in. Close them during the day to trap the cool air in as temperatures begin to rise.

Also, keep any drapes or blinds closed to block the sun as well. Consider some window treatments that can facilitate sun and heat blocking elements, such as room darkening curtains. These are low cost, and as an added benefit they can help you sleep if it’s in the bedroom. Finally, use fans to facilitate air circulation. Make sure that your ceiling fans are switched back for the summer so that they are pushing air downwards.

Fight water damage and flooding

Summer heat generally brings significant summer rains as well. These rainstorms can turn disastrous and be dangerous for older adults .

Make sure that your home is protected against flooding and storm damage by reviewing your home’s foundation. In particular, you’ll want to inspect your basement. Take a look around for holes or cracks that may have developed. Work to seal them. Check your gutters to ensure that they are clean so that water can flow out appropriately. Make sure that water is flowing away from your home and not towards it. Plus, get your roof inspected to check for shingles that might be broken, cracked, or warped. By correcting any errors early, you can prevent more expensive and damaging issues down the road.

Inspect the attic

Make the effort to review your attic space before the temperature gets too hot to head up to there. For starters, something may have happened over the winter that may require your attention. If you or a loved one goes up there, be sure to wear a dust mask and long sleeves and pants that can protect you from insulation.

Also, animals or a related infestation may have occurred and nested up there in an attempt to escape the cold. If you discover a current or recent infestation, you’ll need to dispose of any animal droppings. This is another important reason to wear a mask. Even if it’s old, animal waste can be detrimental by causing respiratory issues plus it carries various diseases. Most importantly, besides ridding yourself of an active infestation, be sure to find and seal any holes where the rodents or animals found entry.

When reviewing the attic, you should also review air vents for potential obstructions. Also, check for any wet spots in the insulation that could stem from an active leak. Also, be sure to add additional insulation if you determine that yours may have become compacted.

Consider your landscaping

Planting, mowing, and related tasks can make the exterior of your home really stand out in the summer. However, these intensive activities can be difficult or impossible for seniors to manage. Take steps now to decide ways that you can manage the lawn and the needs of the garden during the summer. This is best to do before the growing season really kicks into high gear.

If a senior or their loved one is unable to properly manage the garden, they should consider hiring a professional. Otherwise, they may be able to convert the landscape into concrete or other low maintenance plants that can be easier for older adults to manage. Don’t forget that gardening for seniors can not only be a great exercise activity but is another way to effectively engage seniors as well. Therefore, consider this project that can keep you busy and fulfilled throughout the summer season.

Regardless of what you do, taking steps now to keep the yard clean and well organized will ultimately make it easier for your maintenance needs down the road. While you’re at it, review other outdoor spaces as well. In addition to checking them for general maintenance and if any repairs are needed, invest the time to get them available so you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor area when it’s nice out and less time on cleaning or maintaining it when you want to utilize it.

Be ready in case of emergency

It’s always a good idea to have an emergency plan in place, and this holds true throughout the year. Our useful emergency preparation checklist is a great place to start. A summer-specific plan would include preparations for a storm emergency kit to have available in the event of a dangerous condition that develops.

With Pennsylvania’s unpredictable weather along with the coronavirus pandemic , there’s no better reason than to ensure total preparation than now. Best of all, a storm kit can fit any budget. Assemble a hardy kit by getting a small plastic container together. Fill it with emergency items that would be beneficial in case of disaster. Items like a small first aid kit, water bottles, a flashlight and set of batteries, canned food items along with a can opener, some duct tape, a hand-held radio, and a cell phone charger are all excellent ideas. Our resource for family caregivers during the coronavirus is another great tool for preparing seniors for disasters and unexpected events.

Connection and care in difficult times

This summer, it may be particularly tough for seniors or their families to not only get critical support but also foster connection and engagement that becomes more difficult in the face of a pandemic. With restrictions looking to stay in place, especially for older adults, it may not be advisable for travel or in-person meetings to occur.

While this will be incredibly difficult for both seniors and their loved ones, Chosen Family caregivers can help ensure safety at home, while also promoting companionship, activity, and independence for older individuals. Plus, Chosen Family caregivers have been trained in infection prevention techniques that can help prevent infection for older adults and loved ones that are rightly concerned. Whether it’s from the COVID-19 outbreak or extreme weather, our caregivers are skilled to follow both emergency procedures of the local community and of the company. This can offer peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones.

The post 6 Summer Preparation Tips for Seniors at Home appeared first on Chosen Family Home Care .

Chosen Family Home Care

Philadelphia Home Care Costs Guide 2026

How much does home care cost in Philadelphia?

Average Hourly and Monthly Rates

Skilled vs Non-Medical Cost Breakdown

Non-Medical Home Care

Skilled Home Care

Cost Influencers in Philadelphia

Location Within the Philadelphia Area

Number of Hours Needed

Level of Care Required

Agency vs Independent Caregiver

How to Budget and Pay for Home Care

Private Pay

Long-Term Care Insurance

Medicaid Programs

Veterans Benefits

Flexible Scheduling

Home Care vs Nursing Home Costs

Get a Clear, Personalized Cost Estimate

Caregiver vs Companion Care: What's the Difference?

Scope of Services Compared

Companion Care Services

Caregiver Services

Medical vs Non-Medical Support

Companion Care Is Non-Medical

Caregiver Support Includes Personal Care

Cost Differences

Which One Is Right for Your Family

Companion care may be the right fit if your loved one:

﻿ Caregiver support may be better if your loved one:

Let’s Find the Right Care Together

Is There CDPAP in Pennsylvania? A 2025 Medicaid Waiver Guide

Check Your Eligibility

What is CDPAP?

Is there CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

What is CDPAP in Pennsylvania called?

Do I have to pay for CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

﻿

Can I select the caregiver of my choice under CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

﻿

Can I hire a family member to care for me in CDPAP PA?

Enrollment Steps

I am moving from New York state (or another state) to Pennsylvania. How can I get onto CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

Where can I find the CDPAP application in Pennsylvania?

How do I qualify to be on CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

What is the financial criteria for Pennsylvania CDPAP?

How much money can I make and still qualify?

Is there a CDPAP agency in Philadelphia?

What home care agencies accept CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

How much does a family caregiver get paid in Pennsylvania?

Are there any caregiver training and general requirements for CDPAP in Pennsylvania?

What areas and locations does Chosen Family Home Care serve?

﻿

Top Paying Home Care Agencies in Philadelphia: A 2026 Guide

Get In Touch With Us!

Who Qualifies for a PCA in Pennsylvania?

PCA Eligibility in Pennsylvania

Medical vs Functional Qualifications

ADLs and Care Needs Explained

Medicaid and Non-Medicaid Criteria

How Assessments Work

Next Steps: Get Help With PCA Eligibility in Pennsylvania

Get Paid to Care For A Loved One in Pennsylvania: 2026 Update

Find out if you or your family member qualify

Get Paid to Care For A Loved One in Pennsylvania: A 2026 Guide

Impact of family caregiving in Pennsylvania

Family caregivers getting compensation for their support

Can you get paid by the state of Pennsylvania to care for a loved one or family member?

Long term care insurance and VA paid family care giving

Caretaking for a loved one through PA Medicaid and Community HealthChoices ﻿

Community Health Choices (CHC) Medicaid waiver health plans

Does Pennsylvania allow family members to be caregivers and get paid through Medicaid?

﻿

Does Medicaid waiver and/or Pennsylvania state pay family caregivers directly?

Follow Chosen Family Home Care on Facebook and Instagram and never miss an update!

How do I get me or my loved one started so I can be their paid caregiver in PA?

What is my first step to get started with enrollment?

What does the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker do?

What are the other critical steps to help make sure we can get through the enrollment process smoothly?

Caregiver support may be better if your loved one:

Caretaking for a loved one through PA Medicaid and Community HealthChoices

Physician certification and functional eligibility

Does Medicare pay family caregivers to provide home care support?

Why is Chosen Family Home Care a good option for family caregivers?