When a family comes to the conclusion that a loved one needs in home care, it can be a confusing time. You may not know where to look, how to find the right caregiver, how much you ought to be paying, and more. Especially for those in the greater Philadelphia region, it can be intimidating to sort through all of the different options. We at Pennsylvania Agency of Nurses have been providing competent, compassionate care in Montgomery, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties for over thirty years. We thought we’d take a moment to answer some of the most common questions families have when they are searching for Pennsylvania in home care.
How much does in home care cost compared to other types of senior care?
There are many types of senior care, and each person’s individual requirements will inform which type is most appropriate. Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day care, and in home care are all viable options. So how do the costs compare to one another? It’s important to remember that this will not necessarily be an apples-to-apples comparison, but let’s look at some general numbers. Here’s what a recent nationwide Genworth study found:
- The median rate for adult day care is $65/day (assuming 8 hours a day)
- The median hourly rate for homemaking services is $19
- The median hourly rate for Home Health Aides is $20
- Assisted living facilities average $3500/month*
- The median for nursing homes is upwards of $6000/month*
*Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are differentiated from other types of senior care because residential and food costs are included.
Of course, learning what a fair rate for senior care is depends on the type of care required, whether your loved one can stay in their own home, whether familial support is available, and many other factors. For a more in-depth look at costs, read the full blog: How Do In Home Care Costs Compare to Other Types of Senior Care?
Do we need a Registered Nurse, a Certified Nursing Assistant, or what?
Many families automatically assume that they need a nurse when a loved one needs care. However, upon talking with one of our 
Registered Nurse Geriatric Care Managers, it’s usually apparent that a family requires the services of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or HHA (Home Health Aide) instead. You can read a quick summary of the differences here. Most often, a loved one needs help with ADLs – Activities of Daily Living. (See the graphic for more information)
What’s the difference between a home care agency and a home care registry?
When looking for caregivers, be sure to find out whether you are working with an agency or a registry; the difference is important! A home care agency actually employs its caregivers, meaning the agency is responsible for their training, competence, workmen’s compensation, licensure, and more. Since the caregivers are also employees, there is a thorough hiring process (read about ours here). Conversely, a registry is simply a network of caregivers loosely managed by an organization, so the legal ramifications of hiring in home care through a registry are different.
So there you have it – some of the most common questions about Pennsylvania home care answered! For more answers, download the free ebook by clicking the button below…and let us know in the comments what questions YOU have!
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