How to Apply for Home Care Services Tacoma, WA

Are you constantly worried about the well-being of your elderly loved one? If yes, you’re not alone. Understandably, juggling your daily commitments such as work and caring for your loved one may be a considerable challenge. As a result, you may feel overwhelmed with numerous responsibilities or uneasy when leaving your loved one home alone. Fortunately, there’s a reliable solution to solve this problem; applying for home care services Tacoma.

However, the application process may seem complicated if it’s your first time. This is because there are so many factors you must consider. For instance, you must determine your loved one’s care needs to help you choose the ideal home care agency.

This article explains what it takes to apply for home care services Tacoma, Washington.

Applying for home care services in Tacoma may be easier than you know. Pierce County’s official website actually has a list of licensed home care agencies you may want to check out. 

For this reason, you don’t have to surf the internet for “aging and disability services near me” to find a licensed home care agency in this city. 

Pierce County’s official website has a comprehensive list of home care agencies and home health providers found in different cities within the county. In addition, the website lists the services each agency provides, making it even easier for you to find exactly what you need. 

After selecting agencies that match your needs, the next step is to contact them for more information on their application processes. Fortunately, the website also includes the agencies’ contact information, such as physical addresses, phone numbers, and emails. 

Tacoma Home Care Services With Vibrant Health Homecare

Each agency has its application procedure designed for different purposes. 

For example, Vibrant Health Homecare outlines four easy steps to apply for their home care services. These services include but are not limited to personal care, companionship, light housekeeping, and meal assistance.

Here’s how to apply for home care services with Vibrant Health Homecare:

Contact the Agency

Firstly, contact the agency to discuss your loved one’s care needs. During the initial phone call to the agency, you’ll inform them about your expectations and ask any questions regarding their services or any other concerns. 

Schedule a Free In-home Assessment

Next, you’ll need to schedule a free in-home assessment with a registered nurse or care manager from the agency. The purpose of the evaluation is to evaluate your loved one’s care needs before creating a care plan. 

Customize Your Care Plan

Every individual has unique care needs. As a result, not all care plans work best for everyone. After the home visit, the nurse will help you customize your loved one’s care plan to ensure that it caters to all of their needs. 

Start Receiving Care

Finally, the nurse or care manager will assign a caregiver to care for your loved one, per the care plan. 

In addition, the nurse will routinely follow up on the caregiver’s services to ensure everything runs smoothly. 

This process doesn’t end there. You can also monitor the caregiver’s activities through the Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system. This portal gives you access to real-time updates on the care services your loved one receives. As a result, your mind will be at peace knowing that your beloved is in good hands even when you’re away from home.

FAQs

We’ve answered some of the most common questions about home care services in Tacoma, WA.

What Are the In-Home Care Services Costs in Tacoma, WA?

The costs of in-home care services in Tacoma vary from one agency to another and also depend on an individual’s care needs. Therefore, the best way to find out how much it would cost you or your loved one is to contact an agency and discuss your care needs.

You can schedule a free home assessment with a nurse or care manager at Vibrant Health Homecare to evaluate your loved one’s care needs. This assessment also helps us to determine how much it would cost you or your loved one. 

What Should I Look for in Home Care Services Near Me?

There are several factors to consider when searching for the right home care agency. For instance, if you’re seeking aging and disability services for your loved one, here’s an informative read about how to get in home care for the elderly and disabled individuals and the factors to consider when choosing the ideal agency.  

What In-Home Care Services for Seniors Does Vibrant Health Homecare Provide?

Vibrant Health Homecare provides a wide range of care services, including:

  • Personal care
  • Companionship
  • Alzheimer’s and Dementia care
  • Light housekeeping
  • Community engagement 

What Are the Benefits of In-Home Healthcare? 

In-home healthcare is becoming an increasingly popular choice for people who need care. This option offers benefits that most traditional healthcare facilities can’t match. These benefits include but are not limited to the following:

  • The convenience of staying in your own home and receiving care right there 
  • The intimate nature of in-home healthcare 
  • Avoiding exposure to sick patients and hospital-acquired infections
  • Lower cost than traditional hospital care
  • In-home healthcare can be tailored to meet your specific needs 
  • More flexibility to accommodate your schedule.

What Insurance Covers In-Home Care?

There are many benefits to in-home healthcare, but one of the most important is that it can be covered by insurance. This means you can receive the care you need without worrying about how you will pay for it.

Most insurance plans will cover at least some of the costs associated with this type of healthcare. Some examples include nursing care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. You may also get coverage for equipment like wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts, and walkers.

Of course, every insurance plan is different, and you’ll need to check with your provider to see what exactly is covered. But if you’re considering in-home healthcare, it’s worth looking into to see if your insurance will help cover the costs.

At Vibrant Health Homecare, we can help determine whether or not your insurance provider will cover your in-home care costs. All you need to do is fill out our free pre-assessment form

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care?

In-home healthcare services are typically covered by Medicare Part A, and Part B. 

Here’s everything you need to know:

Part A covers hospitalization, while Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and some preventive services. Most in-home healthcare services are considered medically necessary and therefore covered by Medicare. However, there are some limitations to what Medicare will cover. For example, Medicare does not cover long-term care or non-medical services such as housekeeping or cooking.

If you are a senior on Medicare, in-home healthcare can be an excellent option. However, it is advisable to talk to your doctor about your options and what services would be covered by Medicare before making any decisions.

How Much Does the VA Pay for In-Home Care?

In order to get coverage by the VA, you will need to have a doctor prescribe in-home care and then work with a home healthcare agency to set up services. The covered benefits may include the following:

  • Nursing care
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy 

Home health aides can also provide some personal care services paid for by the VA under certain circumstances. These services might include help with bathing, dressing, using the toilet, ambulation, and eating.

How Much Does In-Home Care Cost Per Hour?

Given the many advantages, in-home care is a very affordable option for those who need assistance with activities of daily living. The cost of in-home care varies depending on the type of services needed. However, this option is cheaper than nursing home care, which can cost upwards of $100 daily. 

At Vibrant Health Homecare, we understand that you may be concerned about how much in home care costs an hour. For this reason, the best way to determine the costs involved is by filing our pre-assessment form. One of our care managers will review your care needs and get in touch with you to discuss the costs involved. 

How Much Does 24/7 In-Home Care Cost??

There is no final answer to this question. This is because the cost of 24/7 in-home care will vary depending on different factors, including:

  •  the specific needs of the individual being cared for;
  •  the location of their home, and;
  •  the availability of qualified caregivers. 

Contact Vibrant Health Homecare today to learn more about the costs of 24-hour in-home care for you or your beloved. We will review your unique care needs and provide a quote that works for you. 

Does Medicare Cover Hospice In-Home Care Services Tacoma?

If you or a loved one is nearing the end of life, hospice care can help make the transition more comfortable. Hospice care is designed to provide supportive care for people who are terminally ill. It can be provided in the home, a hospice facility, or a hospital.

Medicare will cover hospice care if it is determined that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less. The patient must also elect to receive hospice care. To do this, they must sign a statement that they understand that they are receiving palliative care rather than curative treatment. Once these two criteria are met, Medicare will cover the cost of hospice services, including in-home care.

In-home hospice care can include nursing care, social work services, chaplain services, and more. Hospice care mostly focuses on comfort rather than cure. This can be an invaluable resource for patients and their families during this difficult time. If you think you or someone you love might benefit from hospice care, talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for you.

We’ve also discussed this question in detail in this article

Is In-Home Care Services Tacoma Tax Deductible?

Many of the costs associated with it in-home care are tax deductible. This can include the cost of hiring a home health aide and any medical equipment or supplies necessary for care. Additionally, many expenses associated with in-home care are eligible for tax deductions,. This also includes mileage if you drive to and from medical appointments.

The Bottomline 

Applying for home care services for the first time can be stressful and overwhelming. First, you’ll need to outline the home care services your loved one needs before searching for a home care agency. This process may be cumbersome, especially if you have no idea where to start. 

In addition, you’ll need to consider many other factors to ensure that you find the right agency. 

However, Vibrant Health Homecare further shortens the process of applying for home care services Tacoma. In four easy steps, your loved one can start receiving care as soon as possible. And when that happens, you’ll have more time to take care of your daily commitments without worrying about your loved one’s safety or well-being.

 So take the first step and contact us today; we may be able to help. Other than Tacoma, we also provide in-home care services in Puyallup, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, Spanaway, Bonney Lake, Graham, Sumner, University Place, Parkland, Orting, Fife, DuPont, Steilacoom, Edgewood, Buckley, Ruston, Fircrest, Eatonville, South Hill, Fife Heights, Summit, Clear Lake, Lake City, Prairie Ridge, and throughout Pierce County.

About Author: Annet Asio-Pasquali

vibranthomecaredigital@gmail.com

Annet is a Registered Nurse in the state of Washington, she holds a Bachelor's degree in nursing from Olympic College in Bremerton, WA. She is also the founder of Vibrant Health Homecare, a company that supports the elderly and individuals with various disabilities to have an enhanced quality of life. Prior to starting her agency, Annet worked as a bedside nurse at Tacoma General Hospital for 7 years.