What is Home Care Assistance

Donna Nichols • October 9, 2020

Home Care Assistance – What Every Caregiver Needs to know.

Home care assistance is just that, assistance with care in your home.

Most home care assistants don’t provide any type of nursing, but depending on your loved one’s condition, a nurse may be what you need.

Home care assistants are there to help with bathing, cooking, feeding, dressing, and some will even run errands and provide transportation.

This can ease the mind of a working family member who has to work and cannot be home 24/7 to assist in their care.

There are many different types of home care assistance out there, and it depends on each circumstance as to which type is best for your situation.

If you need help in deciding which is the best assistance for you, schedule a FREE Consultation with one of our Compassionate Senior Advisors Today!

Personal care aide or senior companion.

These types of companions can usually be found on care.com, caring.com, or Angie’s list, this way you can see reviews and recommendations.

This is probably the safest way to find someone to stay with your loved one unless you know of someone personally who recommends a companion.

They can provide light housekeeping, transportation, meal preparation, and companionship.

A home health aide is needed should you require a little more assistance.

They can monitor their condition, check vital signs, and assist with bathing, and dressing. They also have to have a certain number of hours of federal training that must be met and they must be certified.

A licensed nursing assistant or certified nursing assistant.

They can observe and report changes, take vitals, set up medical equipment, change dressings, clean catheters, monitor infections, conduct range-of-motion exercises, help with walking assistance, and administer some treatments.

Licensed practical nurses.

They are licensed by the state and have met federal standards for health and safety. They can evaluate, manage, observe, and provide direct care that others cannot.

Examples are: administering IV drugs, tube feedings and shots, changing dressings, and diabetes care. Some are even trained in providing therapy.

Registered nurse.

They hold a nursing diploma or have an associate’s degree and have passed the National Council Licensure Exam. They provide direct care, administer medications, operate medical monitoring equipment, and assist doctors in procedures.

So, the level of declination of your loved one will tell which kind of home care assistance you will need.

How much is home care assistance?

The cost of home care assistance varies with the level of care needed.

Personal aides or companions charge anywhere from $12.00 – $17.00 per hour, they are not normally covered by insurance . Which means it is an out-of-pocket expense.

They set their own hourly rate.

Home health aides, licensed nursing assistants, and certified nursing assistants charge about the same as home companions and again are usually out-of-pocket expenses.

Some of them set their own rates as well unless working for a company.

Licensed practical nurses can earn more than the above aides and usually come to you from a doctor’s office.

Sometimes they have retired but kept their license active so they can provide a service to you on their terms. This is a great way for retired nurses to make extra income.

Registered nurses will come to you from a hospital or doctor’s office and they are usually always covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or your insurance.

You would need to check your specific policy to see what benefits are available. Again, sometimes registered nurses retire and keep their license up-to-date so they can assist clients as well.

If this is the case, they would NOT be covered by insurance.

How to qualify for home care assistance?

Once again, how you qualify depends on the level of assistance needed. If you live with a family member and they work and just want someone with you during the day, there is no qualification from you needed. Just make sure to do your research before leaving someone in the home with your loved one.

For more intensive care, you need to be under the care of a doctor who would write a referral for home health care assistance. You must also be homebound and unable to visit a doctor due to mobility issues.

What local agencies provide home care assistance?

There are many agencies around who provide home care assistance as well as private companions and caregivers.

They can be found on such websites as care.com, caring.com, and Angie’s list.

The websites will allow you to view reviews and references for the caregiver listed. Agencies will be registered with the state and follow certain guidelines, so you should be able to perform a google search on the specific company.

You could also give Assisted Living Made Simple a call at 386-847-2322 for a list of local companies and companions you may call to compare prices and services provided. This is a big decision, you don’t have to make it alone!!!

Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 4, 2025
Florida's paradise of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and tropical beauty—is also home to one of the most intense annual weather phenomena: hurricane season. From June 1 to November 30, Floridians remain on high alert as powerful storms brew in the Atlantic, each potentially bringing torrential rain, fierce winds, and coastal surges. Understanding hurricane season is crucial for residents and visitors, as it ensures safety and preparedness in the face of nature’s fury. The Impact on Florida Florida has experienced some of the most destructive hurricanes in history, including Andrew (1992), Irma (2017), Ian (2022), Debby, Helene, and Milton (2024). These storms left behind immense devastation, flooding homes, severing power lines, and reshaping entire communities. The economic toll of hurricanes is staggering, affecting local businesses, tourism, and infrastructure. Coastal regions, particularly the Florida Keys and areas along the Gulf Coast, often face the most significant risk. However, inland areas are not immune—wind damage and flooding can wreak havoc miles from the shoreline. Preparing for Hurricane Season Being prepared is the best defense against hurricanes. Here’s how Floridians can safeguard themselves: Stay Informed : Monitor local weather reports and emergency alerts. The National Hurricane Center provides real-time tracking and updates. Create an Emergency Kit : Stock up on essentials, including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and extra batteries. Don’t forget important documents and pet supplies! Have a Plan : Know evacuation routes and shelter locations. Discuss emergency plans with family members and establish a safe meeting point. Secure Your Home : Reinforce windows, clear debris from your yard, and consider investing in storm shutters if possible. Hurricane season is a reality in Florida, but with preparation and awareness, residents can confidently weather the storm. Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or a visitor experiencing the Sunshine State, staying informed and ready is key.  Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember—storms may come, but resilience keeps Florida strong.

Weathering the Storm: A Senior’s Guide to Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 3, 2025
Hurricane season in Florida, running from June to November, is a time for preparation, not panic. While these storms bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding, a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference—especially for seniors. Taking proactive steps ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind when the storm arrives. Let’s explore how you can best prepare, stay safe, and recover after the storm. For seniors, hurricanes present unique challenges. Mobility concerns may make evacuation difficult, medical needs require careful planning, and power outages can disrupt essential healthcare devices. Knowing the potential risks helps guide preparation efforts. Flooding: Heavy rain and storm surges can cause rapid water level rises, making roads impassable and homes vulnerable. Strong Winds: Hurricanes can bring winds exceeding 100 mph, toppling trees, damaging homes, and cutting off power. Extended Recovery Time: After a storm, essential services may be limited, making access to food, medications, and transportation difficult. Essential Preparations Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with the following essentials: medications, medical records, flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and water (enough for one gallon per person per day) – sufficient for three to five days. Evacuation Plan: Find nearby senior-friendly hurricane shelters that provide accessibility and medical support. Arrange Transportation: If you don’t drive, organize transportation with family, friends, or local emergency services. Communication Strategy: Stay connected with family, neighbors, and emergency contacts. Sign up for emergency alerts through local weather services.  Staying Safe During the Storm When the storm arrives, stay indoors and follow safety guidelines. Shelter Wisely: If you are staying home, choose an interior room away from windows. Monitor Updates: Use a battery-powered radio or phone to stay informed on conditions. Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety. What to do After the Storm Once the storm passes, careful steps ensure safety. • Assess Damage before venturing outside—watch for fallen power lines or debris. • Seek Assistance for cleanup, repairs, or financial aid through FEMA or community organizations. • Emotional Resilience: Recovering from a hurricane takes time. Connect with neighbors, friends, and local support groups to help ease the process. Conclusion Preparation is the best way to weather the storm—both physically and emotionally. By taking proactive steps, seniors can remain safe, informed, and in control during hurricane season. If you or a loved one needs additional support, contact your local emergency management office or organizations like the Red Cross. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember that every storm eventually passes.

What do Seniors Want?

By Donna Nichols • May 7, 2025
Aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about living more deliberately. As people age, their priorities shift from chasing time to cherishing it. So, what do seniors truly want? The answer is as diverse as the individuals themselves, but some clear themes emerge when we listen closely. 1. Connection and Community One of the most important things seniors crave is connection. Meaningful relationships bring joy and purpose, whether with family, old friends, or new acquaintances. Many seek social opportunities through clubs, senior centers, classes, or online communities. Loneliness can be a silent struggle, so companionship is a deeply valued part of life. 2. Respect and Independence Seniors want to be seen for who they are: individuals with a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and stories. Being treated with dignity and not being "talked down to" matters. So does having the freedom to make choices about their own lives. Maintaining a sense of autonomy is key when deciding how to spend their day, what to eat, or where to live. 3. Health and Wellness Staying healthy is more than just avoiding illness—it’s about having the energy to enjoy life. Seniors are increasingly proactive about fitness, mental health, and nutrition. Access to quality healthcare, fitness programs tailored to their needs, and mental stimulation are all top priorities. 4. Purpose and Meaning Retirement doesn’t mean retiring from life. Many seniors want to stay active through volunteering, mentoring, or even starting new ventures. Purpose drives fulfillment, whether taking care of grandchildren, learning a new skill, or contributing to a cause they care about. 5. Security and Peace of Mind Financial stability, safe housing, and access to reliable services give seniors peace of mind. Many are concerned about outliving their savings, dealing with unexpected health issues, or navigating complex systems. Clear information, supportive resources, and a sense of safety help ease these worries. 6. Fun and Adventure Yes—seniors still want fun! Travel, hobbies, music, food, and laughter never go out of style. Joy is ageless, whether it's a road trip, gardening, or dancing to old tunes. Seniors want to experience life, not just watch it pass by. Start by Listening Ultimately, the best way to understand what seniors want is simple: ask them. Every person, no matter their age, has unique preferences, needs, and dreams. When we listen with empathy and engage with respect, we create a world where aging is celebrated, not feared. Let’s build that world together. Call us to help each other enrich the lives of our seniors. 386-847-2322.
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