2 Big Problems With Caregiving Service, And How You Can Fix It

When planning with a caregiving service, you may be overwhelmed with the idea of problems that can arise. All you want is for your loved one to get the care they need, but there may be some obstacles you need to overcome to do that. However, matching caregiving services such as 1+1 Cares are here to help you navigate those problems so you are aware of what to do when a situation occurs or can prevent it from happening. The two biggest problems that clients run into are 1) cost and 2) picking the wrong caregiver.

Cost of Caregiving Services

Paying for health care services can be expensive and you may be worried you are unable to afford it. It’s a tough yet very common circumstance to want to help your loved one but affordability is holding you back. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to make hiring a caregiver more affordable.

Loans:

When paying out of pocket, clients tend to form a care budget from multiple sources. This includes making investments and taking out savings. However, if that is financially too complicated for you, you can consider qualifying for a loan. A loan does not mean you would have to pay it back, however, a loan can help you cover the necessary care for your loved one if it’s an urgent matter and money is currently tight for you.

Insurance:

Insurance is a common way clients receive assistance with payments. Many insurance policies can include coverage for in-home care. Speak with your insurance provider about your options.

Government help for caregiving service:

You’re probably thinking gee, thanks but I don’t have insurance or can pay out of pocket. Don’t worry we thought about you too! You can still receive help from government programs if you don’t have insurance coverage for long-term care or can’t afford to use your existing financial resources. Start by looking on EldercareLocator to find your local Area Agency on Aging. AAA offices have resources on home health care and are the gateway to Medicaid.

Medicaid:

The joint federal-state program can pay for in-home care, nursing home care, and some residential and assisted living care. Over half of Medicaid’s spending has been toward home- and community-based services. Eligibility for coverage of in-home care is less limited than Medicare, but it can vary because each program is run differently depending on the state.

Medicare:

The national health insurance program covers all costs of medically necessary home care on a limited basis for those who cannot leave their home without aid. Original Medicare can cover skilled nursing care, physical and speech therapy, and routine home care only on a part-time or intermittent basis. However, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have the option to provide broader and longer-term coverage for in-home care and other services.

Veterans programs:

Eligible veterans can qualify for home health care coverage from one of these VA programs: Housebound benefits, Aid and Attendance benefits, Veteran Directed Care and Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care.

Taxes deduction for caregiving service:

You may qualify for a federal tax deduction if you’re hiring and paying a caregiver for medical reasons. You can also claim your loved one as a dependent and get a tax break if you pay half their financial support, they live with you, and you meet their other criteria.

Picking caregivers

Affordability is a common issue but once you get past that, how do you know if the care you choose is right for you? Meaning, you may be worried about picking the wrong caregiver for your loved one. Once you feel you picked the wrong caregiver, you shouldn’t stick with them. Sticking with the wrong caregiver defeats the purpose of caregiving because it can cause problems for your loved one and ruin their chance of well-being. This honestly throws your money out the window.

If you run into the problem of choosing the wrong caregiver, let them go! Caregiving matching services can assist you in picking another one because that’s what we do! You can keep picking another one until they are the right match for your loved one. However, that may be a chaotic situation you would rather avoid. To avoid choosing the wrong one, here are some things we suggest you do:

Intensive background check:

You don’t want to run into the issue where they’re not the person they thought you were so background checks are a crucial step. 1+1 Cares conducts background checks such as work eligibility in the US, sufficient liability insurance, current driving insurance, driving records, and references for the safety of your loved one.

Conduct interviews/ have your loved one meet the caregiver beforehand:

Interviews are necessary to getting to know the caregiver and envisioning them with your loved one. Your aging family member should be included in the interview process or meet them beforehand. This way you can get their approval and avoid them disliking the caregiver once they’re already hired.

It’s easy to be in fear of the caregiving process because of these obstacles. However, these problems can be solved! You’re not alone in the process and 1+1 Cares can assist you in navigating a solution.

1+1 Cares is a referral agency that works for clients and caregivers. We match caregivers with clients and inform them of your requirements. We work for you so you and your loved one can have a safe, enjoyable caregiving experience.