Kansas Home Care: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Care, Licensing and Questions to ask
The senior community in Kansas is growing quickly. Generally, across the state the cost of living is lower than the national average, which makes it an appealing place for retirees and other aging adults. The state of Kansas is also know for excellent hospitals providing some of the best healthcare services in the United States. Of the nearly 3 million residents of Kansas, 17% are aged 65 and older and will likely need care at some point. With the passage of time, challenges of aging may cause living at home to become increasingly difficult. Typically, senior citizens prefer to age in place as long as possible, rather than move into a senior living community. When most people think of senior care or housing they envision a nursing home. However, nursing homes are far from the only option when it comes to caring for a loved one. Kansas Home Care (or In home Care) is designed specifically for aging adults who only require some basic assistance at home.
Kansas has several states which provide excellent healthcare for residents of the state: Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, Lawrence, Dodge City, Overland Park, among many others.
- Kansas Home Care: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Care, Licensing and Questions to ask
- Home Care may (In Home Care) is called attendant care services in Kansas
- How do you know it may be time for Home Care?
- What Assistance do In-Home Care Aides Provide?
- What are the different Home care options?
- Laws and Regulations
- How much does home care cost in Kansas?
- Questions and inquiries about home care
- Resources and Links – Kansas
- Search other areas for Home Care
Home Care may (In Home Care) is called attendant care services in Kansas
Home Care (or In home Care) is suited for seniors who may only require some basic assistance at home. Home care does not involve medical care, it is non-medical assistance. The home aides may support with activities of daily living (ADLs), which include medication reminders, assistance with bathing and eating. Home Care may be an excellent care option for family members if they must leave town or just need a break from caring for their loved one. The Home Care aides bring a sense of personalization, providing companionship and socialization, and a sense of connection.
Home care and aging in place
In home care services include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). These in-home aides may assist with personal care and monitoring like they would receive in a long-term care community. All while they remain in the comfort of their own home.
How do you know it may be time for Home Care?
What are the signs to look for?
Have you noticed your loved one is spending less and less time managing their hygiene or personal appearance. They may stop brushing their teeth or let their facial hair grow in an unkempt fashion when they didn’t before. Are they going longer periods of time in the same clothing, or neglecting relatively scheduled eating habits? Grooming and hygiene live under the umbrella of ADLs, and as such a Personal Care Assistant may help with these tasks.
Is your loved one forgetting things more frequently? Typically, people forget things sometimes, but if you notice they are forgetting simple tasks they normally perform regularly, this may be a a sign that assistance is necessary.
It is not uncommon for elderly adults to experience trouble walking, getting up from a seated position or need help getting in and out of bed. Signs like this can be dangerous. The risk of a fall increases as mobility declines. The aide of a home care caregiver may assist with moving around the house safely.
Did you notice your loved one’s home is in disarray? Have they usually shown signs of tidiness or regular cleanliness, and now the home is disheveled and dirty. In Home Aides may assist in normal household maintenance like dusting and sweeping, cleaning the kitchen or doing laundry.
What Assistance do In-Home Care Aides Provide?
Home Care Aides provide a variety of services and assistance. Depending on the individuals condition, elderly adults may require different types of care.
Attendant care services include:
People generally think of nursing homes or retirement homes as the only places for senior care. As we’ve discussed earlier, there are multiple care options. And even within home care, there are levels of care suited for an individuals needs. The specific services offered in home care will vary state by state, but are almost exclusively non-medical services.
What are the different Home care options?
Personal Care Assistant
- Companionship as well as assistance with activities of daily living, (non-medical personal care) toileting, dressing, grooming, and bathing.
- They can help with grocery shopping and meal preparation.
- A personal care assistant can help with family difficulties. If a family caregiver must leave town or be away from the home overnight the caretaker can stay with the individual and monitor and assist as needed.
- If a spouse is too heavy, a personal assistant can be a great asset in helping the individual move without risk of injury.
- These care assistants cannot perform any medical care.
Companion Care
- These companions spend time with older adults. Providing companionship is especially relevant for people who live alone, or do not leave the house due to cognitive impairments or frailty.
- These companions are there to look after the person, keep a watchful eye, act as an extension of the person to help with mobility and general physic functions.
- They may drive the person to appointments, prepare light meals and snacks. They may even play games or read and listen to music together.
- Companion care is a great way to bring social interaction and assistance to a person who may otherwise spend long periods of time alone.
Laws and Regulations
Licensing
The Department of Health and Environment governs all home care agencies, but these agencies are not required to be licensed by the state of Kansas.
Staffing
There are no training requirements so long as employees only assist with non-medical services.
Medication management
In home care providers may take on some responsibilities beyond ADLs, if approved by a physician or a professional nurse.
Grievances
In the sate of Kansas all employees are mandatory reporters, meaning they must report any suspected abuse to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disabilities Services.
The individual under care has the right to file a complaint with the agency:
- Regarding their treatment and care provided.
- The failure of the agency to provide certain care.
- The lack of respect for property and/or person.
- Individuals have the right to participate in and be informed about, and consent to or refuse care in advance of and during treatment.
How much does home care cost in Kansas?
The cost of home care in Kansas is less expensive than the national average. The average cost for one month of in home care in Kansas is $4,585, whereas the national average is $5,000. Kansas tends to be the least expensive for the region.
- National average cost of home care per month: $5,000
- Kansas: $4,585
- Missouri:$4,775
- Oklahoma: $4,875
- Nebraska: $5,150
- Colorado: $6,850
The cost of home care will vary within the state of Kansas.
- Topeka: $5,650
- Kansas City: $5,000
- Wichita: $4,775
Questions and inquiries about home care
Agency Information
- Is the agency RN operated?
- Is the agency a franchise or locally owned and operated?
- Is the agency licensed by WA State Department of Health?
- Is the agency licensed for both home care and home health?
- Does the agency have liability insurance?
- Can the agency respond to you 24/7?
Caregiver Information
- Are employees licensed, bonded & insured? Or are they independent contractors?
- Does the agency test skills, conduct behavioral interviews and verify caregiver credentials?
- Are caregivers required to have current certifications for First Aid, CPR, and TB?
- Are caregivers provided continuing education/training?
- Can authorized individuals monitor care and make requests online in real time?
- Does the agency offer caregiver replacement when the “fit” may not be right?
Documentation and Supervision
- Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager conduct a free home care assessment?
- Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager create a home care plan?
- Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager supervise the caregivers?
- Do caregivers receive client orientation before arriving at a client’s home?
Policies and Cost
- Can services be cancelled with a 4-hour notification?
- Does the agency offer flexible scheduling, custom care plans, and a continuum of care?
- Does the agency have weekly or monthly minimums?
- What is the hourly minimum per shift?
- Does the agency offer home care discounts?
- What is the required deposit?
- Will the agency accept long-term care insurance?
Resources and Links – Kansas
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Administrative oversight of state and federal programs. Many services are provided by AAA’s.
Kansas Protection Report Center Prevention and Protection Services offers a variety of services to children, families and vulnerable adults including protection services, family-based assessments, family support services.
Kansas Dept for Aging and Disability Services Adult Care Hotline This hotline is made to report abuse, neglect or exploitation occurring in an adult care facility, medical care facility or home health agency
Kansas Department of Health & Environment Any complaint regarding nursing homes or residents of nursing homes.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) is administered by the Kansas Department on Aging. Volunteers are available for all counties.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
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