Assisted living services provide incredible benefits for both individuals and their families. Staying at home with your loved ones—while receiving the care and support you need—is a wonderful alternative to institutionalized care. However, with so many in-home care agencies available today, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The resources below can offer helpful insight and answers to your questions about live-in assisted living services in Darien and the surrounding areas.
Call us today for a free assessment to get started with live-in home care services in Darien and nearby communities. Simply dial 1-800-578-4554, or send your questions to customerservice@sagehomecare.com.
Two Types of In Home Assisted Living AgenciesIn-home assisted living agencies generally fall into two categories, determined by the type of services provided (skilled or non-skilled), the professionals delivering them, and available payment options. The two primary types are Medical Home Health Agencies and Non-Medical Assisted Living Services Agencies.
- Medical Home Health Agencies: Services are ordered by a physician and may include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social services. These agencies must be state-licensed, and payments are typically covered through third-party reimbursement such as Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance.
- Non-Medical Home Assisted Living Agencies: These agencies provide supportive services that focus on activities of daily living, homemaking, and companionship. A personal attendant may assist with bathing, toileting, fall prevention, minor housekeeping, and transportation. Services are usually paid out-of-pocket by the client, especially for essential support such as personal hygiene assistance, meal preparation, and companionship.
When a loved one falls ill or can no longer fully care for themselves, family members often step in as personal attendants. This role can involve constant supervision and responsibility, which can leave family caregivers feeling overwhelmed or burned out over time.
With assisted living services, family personal attendants can finally get respite. Professional personal attendants step in to care for their loved one, giving family members a chance to take a break, enjoy a weekend getaway, or simply get a full night’s rest. After recharging, they can return to their caregiving role with renewed energy and focus.
Assisted living services not only ensure that the needs of the client are fully met but also provide valuable support to family caregivers, helping them maintain their own well-being while caring for their loved ones.
Choosing a Quality Service ProviderSelecting an assisted living or home health agency requires careful consideration. One key factor is whether the agency directly hires its own staff. Some agencies operate as registries, connecting clients with caregivers who are technically considered domestic workers. By law, payroll taxes must be paid for anyone working inside the home, so these caregivers cannot truly be treated as independent contractors—placing added responsibility on the client to manage taxes, insurance, and worker’s compensation.
Choosing a reputable agency with permanent staff ensures that all compensation, taxes, and benefits are handled by the agency, not you. Plus, a professional agency can provide relief staff if a caregiver is sick or on leave, ensuring your loved one’s care is continuous and reliable.
Assisted Living Services Agencies Partnering with HospiceUsually, hospice does not provide 24/7 service in the client’s home. To address the need for uninterrupted services, we turn to family members and professional personal attendants to fulfill the client’s needs. Personal attendants can also monitor the client’s health changes and report any significant developments to the family or the physician.
Assisted Living Services Are Not Typically Covered by InsuranceAssisted living services are generally paid out-of-pocket or through a reverse mortgage, as they are non-medical in nature and usually not covered by insurance. However, some services may be covered by long-term care insurance, depending on your policy. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage and make informed decisions when choosing an assisted living services provider.