Caregiving Challenges, Assistance Living at Home

Your loved one wants to continue living at home, independently, and you have concerns. But you can't be available all the time.

 Read
Join Helpful now
Get more personalized support for free with Helpful.

Get insurance benefits, legal documents, and medical records in one place

Assistance at Home

Helpful Highlights

Maybe your loved one has expressed they need some assistance at home, though more likely you have noticed changes in their ability to live at home safely. Your concern may also be the result of a recent health crisis or hospitalization. Whatever the reason, you feel your loved one may need help to stay in the home they love.

It’s never easy for your loved one to accept your help. They know you are busy with your own work, home, and family.  There are, of course, also financial considerations. Can they afford assistance? Though the bigger question for you may be, can they afford NOT to have assistance?  

When you start this discussion with your loved one, remember to put their wishes and desires first, and do this from the very beginning of the conversation. Consider opening with something like:

“You have told me you would like to continue living in your home. I want to help make that happen for you, safely and happily. Can we discuss both our concerns and explore the options? Would you like to start? Maybe tell me about the things you feel you need help with around the house.”

Starting with what they feel they need help with around the house tells you a few things: where and when you can insert yourself to help, exactly what kind of assistance they need (do they just need a handyman, or do they need ongoing personal care?), and most importantly - it will reveal what's most important to them and the things they really care about, whether that's yard work, kitchen and bathroom cleaning, shopping and cooking, or personal hygiene.

*Remember that their top priority may not be your top priority, but they are telling you what they need. Getting them what they need first then helps you get what you need!

Once you have identified their concerns and desires, you can work the following into the conversation and come up with potential solutions.

Family member(s) assistance

Caregiving isn't restricted to just you. Other family members can help. Come up with a schedule and assigned tasks. For example:

Friend(s), neighbor(s), and other assistance

Have people check in when possible.

Cost-based care (hired help)

Medicare and Medicaid have little to no coverage for personal care and housekeeping.  Housekeepers and personal care assistants are covered privately (out of pocket) or with long-term care insurance (if your loved one has it). Some Medicare Advantage plans have limited coverage.

No content in this app, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Join Helpful now

Get more support and guidance on insurance benefits, medical records and legal forms.

Helpful brings together your insurance benefits, legal documents, and medical records in one personalized place — so you always know what you have, and never have to search again.

banner

Simplifying Healthcare, Supporting Mental Health

An all-in-one solution to help navigate the complexities of healthcare and support for mental health, for you or your loved one.

sync

Manage All Your Health Info in One Place

Learn More

therapy

In-Network Mental Healthcare

Find a Therapist

legal

Create Legal Documents to Guide Your Care

Learn More

call insurance

Let Us Call Your Insurance So You Don't Have To

Learn More

insurance

Maximize Your Insurance Benefits

Learn More

money

Manage a Health Condition with Confidence

Learn More