Surveys show what most everyone already knows – seniors, by almost a 90% margin, desire to continue living in their current home rather than moving to an alternative living situation.  Many believe they can’t afford an equivalent senior living residence, but most do not want to leave the comfort and memories of their home.

Barring safety or health issues that would mandate a move, there are many ways to provide services that allow staying in the home – at least for awhile.  Some solutions are more expensive than moving to a senior living community, so if economics are an issue the alternatives need to be carefully compared.

The least expensive service (and not medically helpful) is a companion.  Hired directly, companions can be found in the $9 to $13 hourly range, and in the $14 to $20 hourly range if hired through an agency.  Important considerations including screening and background checking, back up for absences and vacations, supervision, taxes, insurance and turnover come in to play when making the decision between independents and agencies.  We have intervened in abusive companion cases as well as screened potential solo companions and agencies to help families arrive at the decisions they prefer.  According to the MetLife Mature Market Institute, the national average for agency-provided companion/homemaker services is $18 per hour.  Many times a companion can be utilized for shorter periods of time to provide assistance and friendship for shopping, errands, cooking or simply conversation. 

When higher skilled services are provided, they start with a certified home health worker and move up through Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nursed (RNs).  The national average is $19 per hour for home health aides (from licensed agencies) according to the MetLife Mature Market Institute.  In some areas, the average hourly rate is less than $13 and in other areas, it is more than $30. 

It’s important to assess the skill level and coverage needed to provide the necessary support for seniors living in their homes.  My Health Care Manager does this assessment using a Registered Nurse working with one of our 5,000 networked RNs throughout the U.S.  Using an unbiased professional helps in the analysis so the result is not skewed to a preferred alternative.

There will be more about this issue in my next blog.