In-Home Care near Muncie, IN

Home Care in Muncie, Indiana

According to home healthcare industry statistics, about 70% of people using home healthcare are age 65 and older. Experts believe the home health industry will jump at least 50% in the next five years, and then grow annually at a steady rate. That means that as more people age, families will need to make decisions about the care of their loved ones. For those who are not keen on living in a facility, there is another option. Home care provides seniors with a caretaker who assists with daily tasks such as meals, cooking, cleaning, and medication. The assistance could involve more in-depth care, such as walking, bathroom assistance, and bathing. Whatever the needs of senior loved ones, Muncie, Indiana has the right care provider to assist them.

The Highlights of Muncie

Most people don't know it, but Muncie was the birthplace of the comic strip "Garfield." Although it is rarely mentioned, the story is set in Muncie where Jim Davis, the series' creator, lives. That's a big attraction for fans of Garfield, and many seniors love it. The city is also big on the arts and sports, and is home to the NCAA Division I Ball State Cardinals, as well as several performing arts theaters and art museums. The city is proud of its heritage with the Ball brothers, who brought their glass manufacturing business from Buffalo, New York to Muncie in the 1880's. The town named the local college after the brothers, and it continues to draw more and more students every year. This rich cultural city cares about its history, and still believes in old world values, such as caring for the elderly. As a result, Muncie offers several home care options to those who have reached that phase of their lives.

Home Care Options in Muncie

Home care is an option for seniors who need assistance, but don't want to give up their freedom. Caregivers are usually paid privately, by either the family or the senior themselves, to live in the home and provide care. There are two sides to this process: the first is to assist with ADL's, or activities of daily living, and the second is to assist with home care activities. ADL's include bathing, dressing, eating, and walking, among others. Home care activities include cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping.

Not all caregivers cover both facets of the job. In some cases, the senior may choose to have one person for each job. It really depends on the senior's needs, and what their budget looks like. The cost of hiring home caregivers depends on the hours and services needed. Other factors that play into the cost of a caregiver include cost of living, location, and whether the caregiver is certified. In general, the average hourly rate for caregivers is roughly $15-$25, and the overnight care is roughly $120-$200 a night. For those who require 24-hour care, rates range from $200-$350 per day. Families and seniors can find caregivers through state certified home health agencies and referrals from doctors.

Services Provided in Muncie

In general, services range from companionship to skilled nursing functions, and depending on what the senior's needs are will depend on the certification the caregiver needs to have before signing on to care for an individual. Most agencies offer services such as:

• meal preparation
• bathing and grooming
• toileting and incontinence care
• medication reminders
• mobility assistance
• laundry
• grocery shopping
• transportation
• housekeeping
• live-in and overnight care

The Case for Home Care in Muncie

It's understandable that seniors wish to keep as much of their freedom as possible, and not all assisted living options give them that freedom. Structure is important to facilities like that, which means that seniors get a schedule decided by the facility rather than themselves. Even if the only freedom they have is living in their own homes, it gives them something to hold on to. Home care providers offer seniors a safe, effective way to receive the assistance they need while also giving them a little freedom to live their life. Often times, the stress of leaving their homes can set back their progress. That's why Muncie's options for home care are so important. They provide peace of mind to both the seniors and the family members.