Home care: Combining Affordability and Convenience
When it comes to health care, cost is an important consideration to take. No one wants to sacrifice quality to save a few bucks, and luckily there are options to suit every individual’s unique needs and limitations. The infographic above outlines some of the key factors that point to at-home care as a reliable, convenient and affordable option. Here are also a few things to remember when making the home care decision for yourself or a loved one.
Inpatient Facilities vs. Home Options
According to statistics from John Hancock, a nursing home with a private room can cost more than $94,000 per year, a rate that’s rising by about 3.6 percent each year. A semi-private room offers some of savings, but at $82,855 annually may still be expensive for some families. Assisted living facilities, which provide mentally challenged individuals with care tailored to their needs, can cost more than $41,000 each year, with prices rising by 2 percent yearly.
Individuals with developmental disabilities who need daily help getting dressed, bathing, cooking and carrying out other day-to-day activities but don’t necessarily need regular medical care may be best suited for a home health aide. In 2013, a professional caregiver cost American families on average about $29,600 each year – or roughly $19 per hour. Additionally, the cost of an aide is only rising by 1.3 percent yearly, meaning that families can budget ahead securely. Further, statistics show that an at-home caregiver may actually save patients with chronic mental disorders up to $300 per month as a result of reduced trips to the emergency room and fewer hospitalizations.
Maintaining a Quality Life
For many older people, keeping a good quality of life trumps cost. People with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities must be able to lead the life they choose so that they can have a quality of life that is meaningful to them. This kind of understanding allows individuals with developmental disabilities to maintain their relationships and homes while still getting the attention and help they need. Additionally, when they are being taken care of as soon as the need arises, they tend to have better health outcomes down the road, according to the DODD.