For Families Members & Caregivers

What is the benefit of home health care?

Over the last decade, the “aging in place” movement has changed people’s goals for their senior years. More and more people want to stay in their homes as they age, as opposed to moving to an assisted living facility. A home health agency makes this possible by providing skilled care that would otherwise not be provided in the home.

This allows our patients to age in familiar surroundings, where they feel comfortable and safe. Our clinicians create strong bonds with our patients, as they are able to spend more time with them in their own space. Many of our staff members started their careers in hospitals or assisted living facilities; they frequently comment on how much more they get to know and interact with our patients in the home setting.

If your loved one transitions to Family Care’s hospice program, many of the same clinicians will be part of their care. Having familiar faces in the home can be comforting during this time.

How will I be involved in my relative’s care?

If you are listed as a caregiver or emergency contact, you may be contacted in the event of a health emergency or change to the treatment plan. We find it helpful if a patient’s caregiver is present during some visits, so they can help carry out the patient’s care plan.

Our patients have a legal right to privacy when it comes to their medical records. This means we may be unable to share elements of your relative’s health information with you. This does not apply if a patient gives us permission to share their information, or if you have established a legal right to be part of their medical decision-making.

What if my relative doesn’t want home health care?

Bringing in outside help can be a difficult decision. It can be hard for seniors to acknowledge that they can no longer live independently. If this is a difficult discussion for your family, we recommend talking about it with your family’s doctor. Having a professional go over your options can help make the decision less painful. Sometimes, it’s easier to hear this advice from a third party.

Ultimately, a home health agency cannot force a patient to accept services if they are of sound mind. In that case, family members often have to accept that their loved ones are not going to employ a home health agency.

If you believe your relative is no longer able to decide on their own, there are legal avenues to gain control of those decisions. These include things like medical power of attorney, guardianship, and conservatorship. An elder law attorney can help you determine if one of these options is right for you.

I live out-of-state. How can I coordinate care for my relative?

We help long-distance caregivers and families in this situation all the time. Often, an out-of-state family member is the one who initially requests care for their relative. We communicate regularly with them about the patient’s treatment plan and progress.