Tag Archives: home care

Will Robotics and AI Be the Future of Elder Care?

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Adults 65 and older constitute the fasting-growing age demographic in the United States. When it comes to elder care, this expanding population is facing a scarcity in people equipped to support them as they get older.

One estimate predicts a shortage of 151,000 paid direct care workers and 3.8 unpaid family caregivers by 2030, increasing to a gap of 355,000 paid workers with 11 million unpaid family caregivers by 2040.

Technological advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence may be opening the doors to new possibilities for supporting aging people.

Innovations for Aging in Place and Beyond

Many older adults wish to stay in their homes for as long as possible. According to AARP, 77 percent of adults over 50 want to continue residing in their homes for as long as they can.

Yet aging can lead to challenges with mobility and memory, such that older individuals often need additional assistance to live independently. Innovations in robotics and artificial intelligence may have the potential to provide support on this front, allowing seniors to continue living at home as they age.

Developments in robotics and AI could also fulfill unmet needs in nursing homes and assisted living, increasing efficiency, helping caregivers complete tasks, and reducing the number of staff required.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence technologies may be able to help older adults manage health conditions from home as well as receive more efficient care in hospital settings.

Robots Helping Out in Health Care Facilities

How might robots help seniors in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and beyond? Here is a glimpse into some emerging products:

  • Panasonic has developed robotic exoskeletons designed to augment wearers’ abilities. This self-reliance support robot aims to help aging people perform everyday tasks, get in and out of bed, and sit on chairs or the toilet. The device could help individuals to perform physical tasks without assistance. Another portable exoskeleton, the APO, may be another type widely used one day in health care to help prevent falls in seniors.
  • The TUG robot is already assisting in hospitals by delivering medicine, meals, supplies, and tests, freeing nursing staff to focus on tasks requiring more education and expertise.
  • Social robots may prove another avenue for improving older adults’ mental health. Paro, a robotic seal, gives patients the benefits of pet therapy in health care settings and dementia wards where bringing live animals would be impractical. Similar to pet therapy, some individuals may find it easier to connect with robots than with people.

In the coming years, other kinds of socially assistive robots may become increasingly common in elder care. These types of robots engage with residents, provide entertainment and interaction, perform tasks, or help ensure safety:

  • A socially assistive robot called Stevie, designed at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, was tested at a Washington, D.C., nursing home from 2018 to 2020. Stevie entertained residents by telling jokes, playing bingo, and leading karaoke. It also provided reminiscence therapy using stories and music and could clean the facility with ultraviolet light. Recognizing commands like “help me,” the robot also can alert staff when residents needed assistance.
  • Pepper, a humanoid robot funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, is similarly designed for socializing with residents. Able to recognize faces and read human emotions, Pepper is being introduced into nursing homes and other elder care facilities.
  • Aeo, a robot created by Aeolus Robotics, interacts with residents socially. In addition to taking selfies with residents, it performs various essential functions, such as disinfecting surfaces, opening doors, pressing elevator buttons, and alerting staff when a resident has fallen or needs help.

Technology at Home

Older adults who live alone and people with disabilities can already use Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), also known as Medical Emergency Response Systems. These lightweight, battery-powered wearable devices allow individuals to call for help at the push of a button. For an installation fee and a monthly monitoring charge, users receive a device that contains a radio transmitter and a console that connects to a telephone. An emergency response center monitors incoming calls.

Technology using artificial intelligence, motion sensors, and camera monitors can also provide more comprehensive assistance and monitoring for seniors aging in place:

  • CarePredict, a device worn on one’s dominant arm, tracks the wearer’s activity. When it detects deviations from behavioral patterns, it alerts a caregiver.
  • With Envoy at Home, caregivers can place small sensors in their loved one’s home that alert them when their loved one could be at risk, such as when they leave home, exhibit disturbed sleep, visit the restroom frequently, or display inactivity.
  • Integrating AI with smartphone usage is one more emerging area in senior care. A 2021 survey by Pew Research Center found that the majority of older adults use smartphones. Technology utilizing smartphones could make in-home health monitoring more accessible, particularly for homebound seniors who may postpone doctor visits or rely on telehealth.
  • With AliveCor, older adults can monitor and track their heart activity on their phones. AliveCor is a wireless personal electrocardiogram (EKG) placed on the back of the smartphone. Using an application, individuals can view their EKG results and can share results with their cardiologists.
  • Using the smartphone’s camera, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, Healthy.io makes medical assessments of urine by analyzing the concentration of chemical elements and chemical compounds in urine.
    Healthy.io also empowers users to take photos of their wounds for a digitalized wound assessment, which can track healing and help doctors make recommendations.
  • Luminostics is a diagnostic platform that attaches to a smartphone. It can recognize bacteria, viruses, proteins, and hormones from bodily fluids.

A Growing Market

Advances in medical technology are already helping health care providers manage, identify, and treat medical conditions in older adults.

According to Healthcare Dive, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized 91 AI- or machine-learning-enabled medical devices in 2022 alone. These include tools for radiology, cardiology, neurology, and more.

Going forward, AI may also become the norm for performing administrative tasks in clinical settings, giving health care workers more time to spend directly helping patients.

What Is Hospice Care at Home?

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Hospice care is a type of health care that patients with terminally ill conditions rely on at the end of their lives. This type of care focuses on pain management and emotional, spiritual, and familial support for patients nearing the end of their lives.

There are several options for receiving hospice care, including being cared for at home. The type of intimate care a patient receives while in hospice is more conducive to being received at the patient’s home. This becomes a team effort, and it helps to have a peaceful environment when receiving care.

Who Can Benefit From This Type of Care?

Patients with serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease, dementia, kidney failure, or other fatal conditions benefit from hospice care. This type of care can help the patient live a more comfortable life while decreasing the emotional burden of grief for families by preparing them for the loss of their loved one.

When Is Hospice Recommended?

Hospice care should not only be considered by those who have loved ones nearing the end of their lives. While most of these services are generally reserved for people with six months or less to live, early hospice care can be beneficial for patients and their families as well.

You may wish to consider such services in the following cases:

  • The patient has a serious decline in their physical well-being
  • After a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
  • You have decided to forgo any treatment to improve your physical treatment or care for your illness

Who Makes Up a Hospice Care Team?

Your hospice team can consist of many different types of people. Various professionals and volunteers may be involved in end-of-life care. Some of those you may see on your care team can include:

  • Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Social workers
  • Spiritual advisors
  • Trained volunteers

Who Pays for Hospice Home Care?

Like any other health care option, these services can quickly become very expensive. Fortunately, there are several ways to cover the cost, including:

Government Programs

If you qualify for government assistance, there may be insurance plans specifically designed to cover the cost of hospice care.

Seniors enrolled in Medicare Part A may qualify for a Medicare hospice care benefit. This benefit program allocates money to pay for such care at home.

For terminally ill patients on Medicaid, hospice care may be covered depending on the state.

The Department of Veterans Affairs may also provide coverage for these care benefits for seniors who have served our country.

Private Insurance

Check the terms of your insurance policy to determine if your health insurance covers hospice care. Your policy may cover all or part of your hospice care needs.

Options for Uninsured Patients

Even if you do not have health insurance, you may still have coverage options. There are charitable organizations that work with elderly and disabled individuals who need help paying for hospice care services. Hospice care organizations also often have internal departments that work with patients who qualify for this type of care but are indigent or do not have health insurance.

Is In-Home Hospice Right For You?

Making this choice is an important part of your end-of-life care plan. Be sure to gather as much information as you can before deciding whether this type o care is best for you. For example, you may want to consult Medicare’s hospice compare website or CaringInfo.org’s website for other hospice locator tools.

If you have questions about Medicare or Medicaid, contact your elder law attorney to learn more.

Bill Advocates for Seniors Who Seek At-Home Medicaid Care

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Seniors who need assistance with everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, and eating are eligible for Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS). Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of people who qualify for these services – but wish to receive them in their homes or a community setting – end up on extended waiting lists.

In many cases, these seniors then find themselves with no choice but to live in nursing homes or other institutional facilities for months, or even years, if it is the only way they can access the day-to-day support on which they rely.

A piece of legislation focused on meeting the needs of this population of older adults has recently been reintroduced to Congress by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI).

Aging in Place: When You Want to Live Independently

Living at home as you grow older can have a positive impact on your physical and emotional health, as well as on your wallet. According to one 2022 study, aging in place includes such benefits as the following:

  • Maintaining a sense of independence and autonomy in one’s community
  • Living in a familiar setting
  • Enjoying a more fulfilling social network
  • Decreasing feelings of loneliness
  • Saving on the cost of long-term care facilities

Where Does the Medicaid Waiver Fit Into HCBS?

Older adults qualifying for Medicaid LTSS who wish to receive services in their home or community generally must wait to be granted a waiver before Medicaid will cover the cost of their home care.

As each state administers its own Medicaid system and waiver program, the wait time can vary depending on where you live. The income and asset thresholds for waiver programs can also differ from state to state, as can the types of home care that are covered.

These are among the main reasons why you may want to consult with your elder law attorney, who knows the rules and regulations specific to the state where you reside.

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Access Act

The Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Access Act, originally introduced in 2021, seeks to secure for these seniors a real choice between receiving care at home or in an institution.

A one-page PDF summary of the HBCS Access Act outlines six specific steps that the proposed legislation is designed to provide:

  • Enhanced Medicaid funding for HCBS
  • Grant funding for states that would develop their capacity to serve individuals who prefer to receive home care
  • Resources for states meant to ensure professional caregivers have stable jobs and wages
  • A stronger workforce in home care
  • Training for family caregivers
  • Improved methods for evaluating the quality of HCBS

According to a 2021 report from Justice in Aging, 25 of the 50 states spend twice as much on institutional care as on HCBS for seniors and people with disabilities.

In addition to seniors eligible for Medicaid LTSS, many people with disabilities would benefit from the legislation if it is passed.

Support From Others

Sixteen U.S. representatives are co-sponsoring the HCBS Access Act, and numerous advocacy organizations for older adults have endorsed the legislation as well.

“I’m helping introduce the HCBS Access Act, which expands Medicaid HCBS funding that will help ensure Americans don’t have unnecessary delays in accessing the care they need,” U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), one co-sponsor, said in a news release about the Act. “This bill is an important investment not only in the accessibility of care, but also in creating better jobs for home care workers and support for family caregivers.”

Earlier this year, Sen. Casey and Rep. Dingell also reintroduced a related bill, the Better Care Better Jobs Act. The goals of this legislation are to boost funding for HCBS, make millions more individuals on Medicaid eligible for these services, and create new jobs for home care workers.

Because Medicaid can be such a complex system to navigate, be sure to consider consulting with your elder law attorney.

What Is Respite Care? Can It Help With Caregiver Burnout?

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It is easy to burn out when you are responsible for providing full-time care to an aging or disabled loved one. In some cases, caregiver burnout can result in resentment toward the individual they care for, despite their love for them.

The fact is, we all need a break sometimes. That is why respite care exists. If you are a caregiver who needs to take time for yourself, read more to learn about respite care.

What Does Respite Mean?

Taking respite means having a temporary period of rest. For primary caregivers, this typically refers to securing short-term care for your loved one – even several weeks or months – so that you can recharge amid the very real burdens of caregiving.

In finding respite, you also might make time to practice self-care, from going to the gym to connecting with friends. Do not forget to find ways to maintain your sense of self while you are in the midst of giving so much of your time and attention to someone else.

Caregivers Want Information About Respite Care

In a 2022 survey of caregivers, Caregiving in America found that most were unaware that respite care was available. Many caregivers need more education about their options for respite care and how to build a network of support to share the load of providing financial and emotional support to an ailing loved one.

Here are some of the study’s findings:

  • Fifty-nine percent of respondents reported that they were the primary emotional support system for a sick or impaired loved one.
  • Twenty-two percent of respondents said they worked more than 40 hours per week as the primary caregiver to a disabled family member.
  • Forty-eight percent of respondents disclosed they needed emotional support for themselves.
  • Forty-four percent of respondents shared that they wanted information about where to find respite care.

Caregivers need information about maintaining their own health while supporting a family member. It is essential to prioritize yourself when caring for an aging or disabled relative.

Preventing Caregiver Fatigue

The challenges of taking care of an ailing loved one can be extremely stressful. More than that, the strain of serving as a caregiver – often unpaid – can make a real and lasting impact on your own health if not kept in check.

Symptoms of burnout among caregivers may include the following:

  • Losing sleep and extreme fatigue
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Having a quick temper
  • Lack of interest in your favorite activities

If you or someone you know has taken on the responsibilities of caregiving, be aware of the signs of burnout and actively seek support. Respite care is among your potential options.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care gives caretakers a chance to relax and take a break from the responsibility of providing full-time care to loved ones who are aging or disabled. Respite programs offer short-term replacement care. These providers will step in for a short period to take on the responsibility of caring for your loved one.

The types of care you can expect them to take on may include the following:

  • Bathing and dressing
  • Cooking and cleaning
  • Helping your loved one eat, drink, and take their medication
  • Getting into and out of bed
  • Assistance with the restroom
  • Spending quality time with your loved one
  • Helping with exercise and personal care

How Much Does Respite Care Services Cost?

The cost of respite care varies depending on how long you use the service. You can schedule respite care for several days, weeks, months, or longer.

Who Pays for Respite Care?

Private insurance will typically not cover respite care, unfortunately. If your loved one is covered by Medicare or Medicaid, you may be able to secure five consecutive days of respite care. Your loved one must be receiving hospice care benefits for Medicare to cover respite care.

Finding Respite Care

Several organizations provide respite care. If your family member is covered by Medicaid, you can speak to a Medicaid planner in your state to determine what programs may be available. As mentioned above, Medicare covers respite care under its hospice benefit.

If your loved one is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid, don’t worry; there are private organizations that provide this service. These organizations include:

In addition, connect with your attorney to talk through your options.

Becoming a Family Caregiver for an Ailing Loved One

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Taking on the responsibility of providing full-time care for an aging or disabled loved one can be a rewarding experience. Being a primary caregiver helps you rest assured that your loved one is receiving compassionate care from someone who will go above and beyond to ensure they are comfortable and looked after.

Despite your good intentions to create a comfortable environment for your loved one, full-time caregiving is a significant time commitment. There is also a financial reality that the caregiver must face. Fortunately, family members who want to serve as caregivers may have options to help cover the expense.

What Is a Caregiver, and What Do They Do?

Professional caregivers work intimately with seniors to meet their needs as they age. As individuals get older, their needs change and they may need more help going about their day.

Examples of the kinds of help caregivers provide include:

  • Bathing and grooming
  • Help with toileting
  • Medical appointments and medication compliance
  • Transportation
  • Companionship
  • Cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping
  • Care for animals
  • Laundry
  • Coordinate benefit care/speak to insurance companies on the senior’s behalf, if authorized

Family Caregivers: Know the Downsides

Having a family member serve in the role of caregiver can make for a better experience for your loved one and, in some ways, give you peace of mind as well. However, there are some downsides to be aware of if you are considering becoming a family caregiver.

Your own health, both physical and emotional, can be negatively affected when taking on the burden of caring for a family member. Be sure to engage in self-care, maintain a healthy diet, and watch out for signs of stress and burnout. When you do need a break, consider looking into respite care.

If your loved one has specific medical issues that will require the attention and expertise of a professional health care provider, you may want to reassess whether you should take on the role of family caregiver.

Taking care of a loved one who is getting older or who is disabled will likely require a great deal of your time, too. You may find yourself not performing as well at work or having a longer commute as you fulfill the needs of your ailing loved one. Not to mention that your own immediate family may be missing out on valuable time with you while you are caregiving elsewhere.

In turn, this could mean you will have less time to hold down a full-time job. In fact, a 2020 AARP survey showed that about 20 percent of family caregivers reported experiencing a high level of financial stress. Nearly 30 percent of them stopped saving altogether as a result of providing care for their loved one.

In these challenging economic times, you must be able to support yourself while ensuring the best care for your aging family member.

Can Family Members Get Paid for Their Work as a Caregiver?

Fortunately, certain programs are available to help family members care for ailing relatives. You may need to do a bit of research to find the right option for your circumstances.

  • Medicaid Self-Directed Care

For individuals on Medicaid, the Medicaid Self-Directed Care Program is one option that gives them the authority to manage their services. In certain states, this program offers recipients the ability to use the resources allocated for home care to pay a family member to help them with their daily needs. The Medicaid Self-Directed Care Program lets seniors have more autonomy over their care.

Note that such programs vary by state, however, and not all states will have an option like this. Each state may also use different criteria to define who qualifies as a “family” caregiver. Find your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more about the possibilities, or call your local Medicaid agency.

Note that, generally, Medicare will not cover the costs of caregiving by a family member.

  • Veteran’s Benefits

If your loved one is a military veteran, there are special benefits available to cover their home care, including the Veteran’s Directed Home and Community Based Services program. This program gives veterans a flexible spending budget that the veteran can use to pay a family member to act as their caregiver.

  • National Family Caregiver Support Program

Note that this program does not pay caregivers directly. Rather, it helps fund several different types of services for family caregivers, from training in caregiving to respite care. Learn more about this program.

  • Long-Term Care Insurance

If you are thinking ahead to who will care for you as you age, you may consider long-term care insurance when creating an estate plan. Certain long-term care insurance policies allow the policyholder to pay family members to work as caregivers. However, that is not true for every policy. Some policies do not allow policyholders to pay family members to work as caregivers if they live in the policyholder’s home.

Before taking out this type of insurance policy, you should speak to your attorney to ensure you are properly advised.

Aging Care: 6 Tips for Caring for Elderly Parents

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Many adult children wonder what their aging parents may need and how can they can help provide it for them.

You may constantly worry about your parents or other older loved ones, especially if you live far away from them. You can, however, take some simple steps to ensure your parents are safe as they age.

Tip No. 1: Recognize the Risks Older Adults Face

Knowing the risks seniors face can help you begin an action plan for your parents. It may be difficult for some older adults to complete tasks they could do before with ease, particularly if they live alone. Examples of those tasks can include:

  • Taking medication correctly and on time
  • Remembering things, keeping up conversation, or multitasking
  • Getting help in a medical emergency, such as a fall
  • Eating healthfully
  • Moving safely around their home

Being aware of these common concerns can be an important first step in doing everything you can to protect your parents as they age.

Tip No. 2: Ensure Medication Compliance

If your parents have health conditions that require them to take medication regularly, you should take time to make sure they are adhering to their prescription instructions. It may be a good idea to routinely review the medications your parents take, the name of the medications, and any potential side effects.

You may consider creating a medication schedule that you can both follow, so that you (or a home care provider) can check in and confirm your loved one is remembering to take medications when necessary.

Tip No. 3: Prepare for Cognitive Decline

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect more than 5 million adults aged 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Keep your parents safe by understanding their current cognitive abilities and any risks they may face for future decline.

Consider setting up a routine for your parents’ day-to-day lives. This might include social engagement and spending time with you and other family members, which may become even more crucial if their cognitive health has deteriorated.

Tip No. 4: Equip Aging Parents for Medical Emergencies

Older adults that live alone are vulnerable to falls and other medical emergencies. If you live out of state, you may have concerns about your parents being able to act quickly in ensuring they get emergency medical attention when they need it.

To help your parents respond to emergencies, consider using a medical alert system. With a medical alert system, your parents will have emergency assistance at the push of a button. Many different companies offer this type of service. An online search can help you narrow it down.

Tip No. 5: Plan for Meals

Seniors, especially those that live with memory issues, may not eat regularly. Without adequate nutrition, older adults may fall ill, or any current condition may worsen. Many seniors across the United States are food insecure. Fortunately, there are certain Medicare Advantage grocery benefit programs as well as other free or inexpensive meal delivery services, such as Meals on Wheels, that deliver nutritious meals to seniors.

Tip No. 6: Prevent Household Injury

Household injury is a major risk for seniors, especially those who live alone. You should do a sweep of your parent’s home and remove all potential hazards, including unsecured electrical cords, household products and chemicals, or loose rugs. Fix broken handrails on staircases, install grab bars in bathtubs, and ensure there is adequate lighting in their home. Taking each of these steps, and any others you see fit, can help avoid a preventable injury.