By Cindy Erwin, B.S.

Media Marketing Specialist

VNA Plus Home Care & Hospice

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What does independence mean to you? Waking up in your own bed? Working in your garden? Preparing a special meal for your family?

Independence can be defined in many ways, but as people grow older, maintaining that independence can become more challenging. Everyday tasks such as housekeeping, fixing meals, running errands and doing laundry may become more taxing as energy and optimum health decline. Personal care, such as bathing, can also be more difficult and increase the risk of falls and injury.

A form of in-home care known as “private duty” is the solution many older adults need to successfully age in place.

Private duty encompasses a broad range of services including home management, personal care assistance, technology options and nursing care. This type of care is customer-directed, meaning that the client and family decide what they want, how often they want it and for how long the care will continue.

People are generally familiar with the concept of a “sitter” for older adults; however, that term is a misnomer, as most companion caregivers do much more than “sit” with their clients! Their duties can include housekeeping tasks, accompanying customers to appointments and activities, and providing a reassuring presence for those who don’t want to be alone.

A personal care assistant is another type of private duty caregiver that has received additional training to provide hands-on help with bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, continence care and medication reminders. They may also perform all the tasks of a companion caregiver.

Private duty nurses and home care aides can also provide care in the convenience and privacy of home. Routine services such as injections, blood draws, foot care and post-operative care — under the direction of the customer’s physician — is often a lifesaver for those who have difficulty accessing care on a regular basis.

Respite is another important component of private duty care. Family members caring for a loved one may become overwhelmed, exhausted and isolated by their responsibilities; a few hours of respite each week allows them the time they need to care for themselves and regain their energy and strength.

Finally, for those who do not yet need an in-home caregiver, technology options offer an extra measure of help to live safely. Medical alert services (also known as personal response systems), medication dispensers and other innovations are continually being developed and refined to assist seniors who want to stay in their homes as long as possible.

Many people mistakenly believe that Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance will pay for private duty care; unfortunately, that is not the case under current guidelines. Private duty means private pay—either out-of-pocket or through the benefits of a long-term care insurance policy or some veterans’ programs. Limited funding is also available through various state and federal programs, but income guidelines do apply, and the waiting list is usually long. Most private duty agencies offer care on an hourly basis with a minimum number of hours required; and they will work with customers to develop care plans that meet both needs and budgets.

It is important for people of all ages to think about their personal aging goals and how they will accomplish them before a crisis occurs. It’s never too early to start planning for aging in place!

Cindy Erwin is a member of the planning committee for the Mid-America Institute on Aging, co-sponsored by the University of Southern Indiana and SWIRCA & More. More information is at http://health.usi.edu/chaw/default.asp

Salas O'Brien