2024-25 Senior Resources Northeast Directory

h OME C ARE / n On -M EDICAL ing in their own residences for as long as possible. Services include but are not limited to memory care, bathing, dressing, groom ing, light housekeeping, meal preparation, medica tion reminders, transporta tion to/from appointments, grocery shopping and other errands, laundry and more. In many cases, simple companionship and super vision for safety are the most important services a caregiver can provide. Sharing a meal, going for a walk, playing cards and reminiscing are great exam ples of companionship that can do wonders for enhanc ing an older adult’s quality of life. On the other hand, in-home caregivers can monitor and help safeguard seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia by assist ing with navigation in and around their homes. Most home helper/com panionship service providers can offer care for as little as a few hours per day, up to 24/7. They will usually offer an initial no cost consultation to meet the family, discuss needs

W

here do you turn when the older adult in your life can no longer live indepen dently — and safely — in his or her home or apartment? Perhaps your mom has fallen a time or two, failed to take her medications in a timely manner or forgotten about the food cooking on the stovetop. Or maybe you wince every time you think of dad navi gating his vehicle to and from the store, considering his poor eyesight and dimin ishing reflexes. At the same time, you know he loves his home and would be devastat ed if moving to an elder care facility were the only option. The good news is that it’s not the only option An alter native solution is home helper/companionship ser vices. home helper/companion ship services are designed to help older adults remain in the comfort and familiar sur roundings of their own homes or apartments. Through these services, care givers or companions assist with routine daily tasks — oftentimes called activities of daily living — so that aging adults can enjoy the freedom and independence of remain

and arrange a care plan.

At the initial investigation of services, remember to inquire whether the provider’s caregivers are its own employees; otherwise, you may assume various legal employment and super visory responsibilities. If the service provider does employ its own caregivers, it will take full responsibility for withholding federal and state payroll taxes and covering its employees with worker’s compensation insurance. Service providers should also thoroughly screen their care givers, complete background checks, bond their employ ees, and provide various lev els of training and supervi sion. Most care is arranged on a private-pay basis, covered under a long-term care insur ance plan or — if the senior is eligible — available through a county Medicaid waiver program or Medicare. Steve Nooyen Franchise Owner Home Instead ® of Green Bay, Door County, Appleton, Oshkosh and Sheboygan

76 | S E N I O R R E S O U R C E S

2 0 2 4 -2 5

For information on Senior Services in Wisconsin, visit our website www.seniorresourcesonline.com