Cost of San Diego home care rising more slowly than other options, but many seniors are still financially strained.
86 year old Mary worked hard and saved her whole life. Now faced with mid-stage dementia, she needs 24 hour care and companionship to remain in her San Diego home. Her daughter watches every penny and figures mom has six years at the rate Mary pays At Home Nursing Care for San Diego home care. Assisted living is not an option for Mary. Despite her dementia, she’s very aware of her surroundings and has made her desire to stay at home for as long as possible very clear.
A new report shows that the cost of in home care is rising more slowly than the cost of assisted living or private rooms in nursing homes.
According to a recently released report by insurer MetLife Mature Market Institute, the cost of in home care has not risen over the past couple of years, despite a rise over the last decade. At the same time, the study found that the average rent in assisted living facilities shot up 17 % to $3,486 over the past five years. The price of a private room in a nursing home rose 4% over the past year to $248 a day.
Hiring an agency to provide San Diego home care ensures that the caregivers are properly screened and supervised. Home Care agencies in San Diego such as At Home Nursing Care have bonding for any potential dishonesty, general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Rates average $20 to $23 an hour, with lower hourly costs for San Diego home care packaged rates such as 24/7 “Live In” care.
Families that hire privately often don’t realize that the caregivers are employees if they have set hours, set duties and are subject to payroll taxes. If a private caregiver is injured on the job, he or she can file a worker’s compensation claim against the senior. Additionally, if the caregiver is let go, she or he may file for unemployment, which often triggers audits. Families that hire privately rarely understand that they are responsible for the same taxes and obligations as agencies.
Many seniors have a preference about the kind of care that they’d like in their golden years. The majority of seniors end up paying for care out of pocket. Medicare does not cover home care, assisted living, or extended stays in a skilled nursing facility once a health benchmark has been reached. Long Term care insurance provides some relief for those who bought it years ago, although many companies have stopped offering it or have raised premiums and reduced benefits.
To make the dollar stretch, consider having care a few times a week for help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation and light housekeeping. Family members can handle shopping for the senior by using an online portal through stores like Vons. The delivery fee is minimal. As the need grows, agencies such as At Home Nursing Care can add hours to the home care they provide for the senior. Having someone there at least a few times a week may delay the need for more full time care.
For those who served in the military during active conflicts, such as World War 2, the Korean War, Vietnam and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is a military benefit called Veteran Aid and Attendance. The benefit is based on financial need, and At Home Nursing Care provides assistance with this benefit. You can also contact the VA for more information at www.va.gov, click on “locations”, then “State Veteran Affairs office”, “Veterans Service Organizations” or “Regional Benefits Offices”.
