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Provider Types
How Do I Pick A Provider Type?
When trying to decide what aging services are right for you or a family member the decision can be a daunting one. With so many options available it can sometimes be hard to decide on what services are needed for optimal care. Below we have listed some common services available to seniors and provided an explanation about them so that you can better understand what each service is all about.
Home and Community
Based Services
Home and Community-Based Services provides services and supports for individuals so that they are able to remain in their homes. Among the services that may be available are assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, grooming, meal preparation, housekeeping, counseling, help with arranging medical and other support services, therapy and relief for caregivers. Each program is designed to help people who qualify for institutional or other specialized care remain in the community or return home.
Adult Day Care
Adult day care provides a variety of health, social and related support services in a safe setting during the day.
Care Managers
Care mangers work to help people figure out what services they need and where those services are available.
Congregate Meal Programs
Offer free or low-cost meals in a group setting-often in a senior center or senior housing.
Home Health Care Programs
These services include part-time nursing services, personal care, medical supplies or equipment and different kinds of therapies (physical, occupational, and speech) to help a person recover from illness or surgery.
Homemaker/Chore Services
Provides help with different chores around the house such as cleaning, preparing meals and doing laundry. They also help with harder tasks such as washing floors, washing windows, etc.
Hospice Care
Hospice care provides comfort, nursing care and other services such as grief counseling to people who are dying and their families. Hospice care is provided in your home, in a nursing facility or in a free standing hospice.
Home-Delivered Meals
A service that delivers meals to individuals who cannot prepare them on their own.
Information and Assistance
Information and assistance provides seniors and caregivers with information about available community resources and/or referrals to particular service programs or agencies.
Personal Care Services
Includes assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, grooming, meal preparation, housekeeping, counseling, help with arranging medical and other support services, and therapy.
Respite Care
Respite care is the provision of short-term, temporary relief to those who are caring for family members who might otherwise require permanent placement in a facility outside the home. Respite care can take place in the older person’s or caregiver’s home.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides comprehensive long term services and supports to Medicaid and Medicare enrollees. An interdisciplinary team of health professionals provides individuals with coordinated care. For most participants, the comprehensive service package enables them to receive care at home rather than receive care in a nursing home.
Rehabilitation Services
Therapies (physical, occupational and speech) that are offered to help a person recover from an illness or surgery.
Senior Centers
A place where people can come together for social and recreational activities.
Telephone Reassurance
A daily call and check on someone on a regular basis.
Transportation Services
Helps people get to and from shopping centers, doctor’s appointments, senior centers and other places.