Deciding to receive home care can feel like a big change. You may have questions about who will come into your home, what they will help you with, and whether you will still be able to follow your normal routine.
These are all reasonable questions. Starting home care should not mean giving up your choices or changing everything about your day. The goal is to provide the support you need to remain comfortable at home.
What Happens Before Your Care Begins?
Before services start, your needs and situation will be reviewed to determine what support you may be eligible to receive. Your approved care plan will outline the services you need and the type of assistance you can receive.
At Aging With Comfort, caregiver services are provided through qualifying programs, including Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices (CHC), Medicaid home care, and the Optum VA Community Care Network for eligible Veterans.
If you are eligible for services, your care plan helps guide the support you receive at home. Depending on your needs, this may include personal care, meals, mobility assistance, household tasks, medication reminders, and companionship.
You can learn more about our home care services and the support we provide at home.
Who Will Come Into Your Home?
Your caregiver may become a regular part of your daily routine, so feeling comfortable with that person matters.
At Aging With Comfort, our caregivers are trained to provide respectful, compassionate support. Your caregiver should listen to you, respect your home and routines, and understand that you have your own preferences about how things are done.
If you would feel more comfortable meeting a caregiver before services begin, we may be able to arrange a meet-and-greet. This gives you an opportunity to get to know the person who may be providing your care.
If you’re concerned about having someone unfamiliar in your home, finding a home caregiver you feel comfortable with can help you focus on what matters when choosing the right caregiver.
What Will Your Caregiver Help You With?
Your caregiver’s responsibilities will depend on your needs and approved care plan.
They may help you with personal care, preparing meals, light housekeeping, laundry, mobility, medication reminders, and other everyday activities. They may also provide companionship and spend time with you during the day.
You may need help with only a few things. Someone else may need more support. The goal is to provide the assistance that fits your situation.
For a closer look at the types of support a caregiver can provide, see what a home caregiver can help you with each day.
Can You Have a Say in Your Care?
Absolutely. You should be able to tell your caregiver what you prefer and how you like things done. You may have a certain morning routine, foods you enjoy, or ways you prefer to organize your day.
Sharing these preferences can help your caregiver understand what is important to you. It can also make it easier to build a comfortable routine together.
Your caregiver is there to support you, not to make every decision for you.
What Should You Expect During the First Few Days?
It may take a little time for you and your caregiver to get used to each other.
You will begin learning each other’s routines and communicating about what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or explain what you prefer. Small conversations can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel.
Over time, your caregiver can become familiar with your routine, the things you enjoy, and the areas where you need the most support.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re considering home care but aren’t sure where to begin, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Contact Aging With Comfort and our team can talk with you about your needs, explain the programs we work with, and help you understand whether you may qualify for caregiver services.