One of the main reasons I started my Health Advocacy business was to share what I learned through becoming a caregiver for both of my parents. During this experience, I learned a lot of things to do and not to do, and I knew there we many people struggling with similar caregiving responsibilities themselves. If it was hard for me as a medical professional, I knew it could be an overwhelming task for others.

When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, I started taking him to all of his appointments and keeping track of everything that was needed to take care of him. My mother was his primary caregiver and her four children—including myself—filled in where needed when taking care of my dad and the house.

When my father passed away, things changed as my mother’s memory started to deteriorate. We all chipped in to help her with her daily needs, as well as helping her take care of the house. When she fell and broke her hip, she became more dependent on care, so we hired a live-in caregiver until she recovered. Eventually, we switched to having a paid caregiver for about 15 hours a week.

It comes as no surprise that most people prefer to stay in their home when they develop health issues that make it difficult to manage their daily needs. Typically, that care is provided by a non-medical caregiver who is most likely hired through a local home care agency. These caregivers can help with personal hygiene, laundry, cooking, light housekeeping, and transportation. Most agencies charge around $20 to $30 per hour for services.

Another option for in-home care is hiring an independent caregiver. The costs in this situation can be reduced by 20 to 30%—however, there are some added responsibilities when hiring an independent caregiver which include interviewing the candidate, receiving background check results, and managing payroll and withholding for taxes.

Severino Health Advisors is here to assist you—whether you or a loved one could benefit from in-home care, you are not sure which agencies are the best in your area, or you need help in determining how to pay for care. Contact us today!