Patients

"The stairs are getting so hard to climb."

"Since my wife died, I just open a can of soup for dinner."

"I've lived here 40 years. No other place will seem like home."  

These are common concerns for older people. And, you may share an often-heard wish—"I want to stay in my own home!" The good news is that with the right help, you should be able to do just that.

What do I do first? 

Think about the kinds of help you might want in the near future. Planning ahead is hard because you never know how your needs might change. Maybe you live alone, so there is no one to help you. Maybe you don't need help right now, but you live with a husband or wife who does. Whatever your situation, start by looking at any illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or emphysema that you have. Then talk to your doctor about how these health problems could make it hard for you to get around or take care of yourself in the future. A little help getting dressed in the morning, fixing a meal, or remembering to take medicine may be all you need to stay at home.

What kinds of help can I get? 

You can get almost any type of help you want in your home—often for a cost. The following list includes some common things people need. You can get more information on many of these services by contacting one of our Meridian At Home Advisors.

• Personal care. Is bathing, washing your hair, or dressing getting harder to do?
  
• Homemaking. Do you need help with chores like housecleaning or laundry?
  
• Meals.  Tired of cooking every day or of eating alone?
  
• Money management. Are you paying bills late or not at all because it's tiring or hard to keep track of them? Are doctors' bills and health insurance claim forms too confusing?
  
• Health care. Do you forget to take your medicine? There are devices available to remind you when it is time to take your medication. Have you just gotten out of the hospital and still need nursing care or therapy at home for a short time? Medicare might pay for a home health aide to come to your home.
  
• Products to make life easier.  Is it getting harder to turn a door knob, get out of a chair, or put on your socks? There are things available to make these activities and many of the other things you do during the day easier.
  
• Getting around—at home and in town. Are you having trouble walking? Think about getting an electric chair or scooter. These are sometimes covered by Medicare. o     
  
• Safety.  Do you live alone and are afraid of becoming sick with no one around to help? You might want to get an emergency alert system. You just push a special button that you wear, and emergency medical personnel are called. A monthly fee is charged.
  
  

How much will this cost?

Thinking about how you are going to pay for the help you need is an important part of planning. Some things you want may cost more than others. Some may even be free. Some things may be covered by Medicare, private "Medigap" policies or other private health insurance, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance. Some may not. Check with your insurance provider(s). There is a chance that paying for just a few services out of pocket could cost less in the long run than moving into an independent living, assisted living, or long-term care facility. And you will have your wish of still living in your own home.

Where to turn for assistance?  

We understand how difficult it can be to arrange for the care and assistance that is required to manage your health at home. That's why Meridian At Home has taken the guesswork out of trying to obtain the right services at the right time. Whether its simple companionship, rehabilitative services, or around-the-clock assistance, you can rest assured that Meridian has a solution that's just right for you. In addition, we offer the latest technologies that can ensure self-reliance and independence at home.