Services in Senior Housing Keep Tenants Independent

Services in Senior Housing Keep Tenants Independent
Services have become a key part of most senior housing communities, as they help tenants in such settings remain independent. No matter where a senior lives--an apartment or other residential setting--assisted living services can be provided. The services are generally broken down into two types: supportive services and health-related or home care services. Supportive services can include meals, emergency call and security systems, scheduled transportation, housekeeping, service coordination, help with laundry or personal funds, and more. Health-related (home care) services include professional nursing services, help with dressing, grooming and bathing and other home care services provided by paraprofessionals, medication administration and central storage of medications. Such services, particularly home care services, are a key reason so many more seniors can remain independent in senior housing settings.

In nearly any setting, seniors can receive home care services. In general, home care services include a wide array of services provided to people in their house or apartment when they are ill, disabled, or have some physical limitation. Some buildings provide a coordinated package of home care services, commonly known as "assisted living" or "personal care" services, which can range from the tasks provided by paraprofessionals to skilled nursing care provided by a registered nurse. There also is an "in between" step where a registered nurse delegates tasks--such as baths, dressing, grooming and some forms of medication administration--to an unlicensed but trained person (paraprofessional) who works for a home care agency.

Under Minnesota law, most agencies or individuals regularly providing home care services to clients for a fee are required to have a Minnesota home care license. Of course, family members and volunteers providing services without charge generally do not need a license.

Why should home care providers be licensed? The Minnesota home care and hospice law provides some safeguards for consumers who use these services. Simply put, the licensing requirements assure that those who provide home care services are qualified to do so. One of the key elements of the law is a consumers’ bill of rights, which must be given to each person receiving home care services and which all providers must follow. To find out if a home care provider is licensed, or to request a list of licensed providers, consumers can contact the Minnesota Department of Health at (651) 215-8700. "It is important to use a licensed home care provider when receiving personal care," according to Mary Youle, director of housing and community-based services for the Minnesota Health & Housing Alliance, a statewide group representing long-term care and senior housing providers. "It assures that the person providing the care is properly supervised and trained and understand the rights of the home care client."

Another important information resource on home care services, licensing and payment sources can be found in "Home Care Services in Minnesota: A Guide to In-Home and Community Services," available from the Minnesota Board on Aging by calling (651) 296-0382. Consumers may also wish to contact their county for information on the Elderly Waiver or Alternative Care programs. These are state programs for persons of limited means who need home care services and meet certain eligibility requirements for receiving such assistance. In addition, the Medicare program and private health insurance may cover some home care services, and consumers should check with their health care provider or insurance company on the specifics.

Source: Minnesota Health & Housing Alliance

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