Quick answers on home health care

For seniors with health issues, home health care could mean greater independence. But is it a viable option? To help you better understand if home health care can meet your needs, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q: What is home health care?
A: Home health care is an alternative to a hospital, long-term care facility or a retirement residence. Services are varied and include nursing care, personal care, home support and companionship. These are services that can literally change people’s lives.

Q: Where is it available?
A: Services are delivered right in the home or care facility. No travel is required by the individual.

Q: Who is it for?
A: Home health care is for people with a wide range of health conditions who live in their own home or in an institutional facility. Home health care is available for people of all ages including seniors, the chronically ill and people living with disabilities.

Q: Why will it make a difference? A: Staying in your home preserves independence and dignity while enhancing quality of life. It can also reduce the pressure felt by family members to provide care during challenging times.

Q: When is the right time?
A: The need for home care is generally triggered by an on-going health issue, release from the hospital or a sudden event such as a fall or stroke. It can also be used by seniors who need help with daily activities or companionship.

Q: How is it funded?
A: Payment can be made privately or funded through government care programs, personal and group insurance plans and workers’ compensation insurance.

To learn more about the benefits of a personalized home health care plan, please call our Sudbury office at 523-6668 or visit www.bayshore.ca.

Bayshore Home Health has been enhancing the quality of life, dignity and independence of Canadians in their homes since 1966. Canadian owned and operated, we offer a wide range of home and community health care services through more than 50 offices across the country.

Jeff Sampson is area director with Bayshore Home Health.