Home health care provides an opportunity for patients to remain in the home while receiving medical services.
Home health care costs vary greatly and are determined by clinical need, location and the number of hours a patient requires assistance. Generally, the less clinical assistance that is required, the lower the cost of care will be. Patients requiring more advanced clinical care may find placement in a long-term care facility to be less costly than home health care.
Companion or Homemaker Care
Companion care is one of the most affordable types of home health care services. Companion care does not provide any clinical care for the patient but does offer assistance with meal preparation, medication setup, errands, light housekeeping and transportation. In many states, companion caregivers can watch a patient self-administer medication or set up medication in a pillbox. However, companion caregivers are generally not certified to administer medications. Similarly, companion caregivers do not assist with toileting or bathing. The average cost for companion care is $19 per hour.
Nursing Assistant or Homecare Aides
A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, is an individual who has received some clinical training and is licensed through the state. A CNA can provide all of the services provided by a companion caregiver and additional clinical services. In most circumstances, CNAs can assist patients with toileting, bathing and feeding. CNAs are also training in proper body mechanics and can assist patients who are prone to falls with ambulation and range of motion activities. The average cost for CNA care is $21 per hour.
Licensed Practical Nurses or Registered Nurses
Licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, and registered nurses, or RNs, are among the most clinically experienced home health care providers. Both types of nursing require extensive education and clinical training. To achieve licensure in either position, nurses must graduate from a college, university or hospital nursing program. An RN, can provide total patient care including wound care, colostomy care, tracheotomy care and IV care. Nursing care is one of the most expensive home health care services. Nursing care costs very greatly and are determined largely by how advanced the patient's care needs are. The average cost of in-home care provided by a registered nurse is $30 per hour.
Additional Costs
It is important to remember there are several additional costs associated with home health care. All medications, medical equipment and medical supplies are purchased by the patient. For example, if a patient requires the use of a hospital bed, wheelchair and incontinence briefs during in-home rehabilitation from a hip replacement, the patient is responsible to cover those costs. In addition, if that patient were to require rehabilitation services provided by an occupational or physical therapist, those costs also would come at the expense of the patient. Specialty food and dietary supplements, such as meal replacement shakes, are also provided by the patient.
Hiring a Home Health Care Provider
Home health care providers are often represented by local agencies. Agencies are managed by skilled care providers who will individually assess the medical needs of each client and form a care plan for the patient. While using an agency can be more costly, they are insured heavily and are accredited in most states. Contact your local Agency on Aging to obtain a list of accredited home health care agencies.
Some families may elect to interview and hire health care providers who are not represented by a home health care agency. Privately hiring a care provider is considerably less expensive than using a home health care agency. Always ask for at least three references, complete a background check on the care provider and insist upon first aid and CPR certification.
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