Live-In Health Aides And Knowing When You Need One

The number of senior citizens living in the United States is growing at a rapid pace. According to the Census Bureau, there will be 92 million seniors living in the country by the year 2060. This means that this group of people will make up 20% of the country's population.

If you are either getting close to becoming a senior or if you are already in your golden years, you have probably thought about your long-term health care needs. If you require daily medical care but want to maintain your independence for as long as possible, having a live-in health aide might be a good option.

Live-In Health Aides

A live-in health aide is trained to provide care overnight, or in some instances, around the clock. Having this type of care greatly reduces the chances of being put in a nursing home or an assisted living facility.

Here are some specific types of care a live-in health aide provides:

• Personal care, such as helping you to get dressed and bathed
• Assistance with daily tasks and activities, such as grocery shopping
• Transport to medical appointments, social functions, and other outings

If a live-in health aide is trained to do so, they can also provide medical care, such as administering medications, changing bandages, and taking vitals, such as blood pressure and checking blood sugar levels.

Knowing When You Need a Live-In Health Aide

While it is beneficial to have a live-in health aide, it can cost a lot of money. This type of caregiver makes about $24,000 a year, which means you could end up paying about $2,000 a month. Before hiring a health aide, you should check to see if Medicare or Medicaid will help cover this cost. If you or your spouse is a veteran, you might also want to check with Veterans' Assistance.

Because of the expense, you should not hire a live-in health aide unless you really need one. Here are some ways that may signify it's time to hire a live-in health aide:

• You are at an increased risk of falling and hurting yourself
• You aren't able to keep up with your mail and other types of business
• You can no longer safely drive due to slower reflexes or impaired vision
• You feel isolated from friends, family, and your community
• You have been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition

Any or all of the above indications means it might be time to hire a live-in health aide, sooner rather than later.