As a person ages, there might come a time when they will need help with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). This would be an excellent time to evaluate if a caregiver should come in. Everyone has different situations, so there are different types of caregivers.

• Family Caregivers – A family member takes care of a person.
• Informal Caregivers – Similar to a family caregiver, but unrelated to the person they are caring for, this friend would come in to help care for a loved one.
• Independent Caregivers – Professional caregiver who has no affiliation with a caregiving agency that cares for a loved one.
• Private Duty Caregivers – Individuals with a medical background that could be independent or work for a caregiving agency. This person provides medical (administers medication, etc.) and caregiving help.
• Professional Caregivers – Individual that works for a caregiving agency whose primary purpose is to care for your loved one.
• Hospice Caregivers – This is a caregiver that comes towards the end of one’s life since they focus on care with prioritizing comfort and quality of life when possible.
• Virtual Caregivers – This type of care should be supplemental to in-home services. A person can use a tablet or screen device to interact with the caregiver online. The video call helps monitor patients’ health by reminding them of medications, health screenings, or companionship.
• Adult Daycare Centers – These centers stimulate social, cognitive, and physical activity outside the home for part of the day. Many Family or Informal Caregivers use this to allow them time to work or get things done around the house.

Most of the time, the payment for caregivers is out of pocket.

Hourly rate ($20 per hour – $50 per hour) varies depending on experience and location. Some insurance policies (long-term care or life policies) may help pay for these services. You should contact your financial advisor or insurance agent/broker for details. Some government agencies (MediCal or IHSS, aka In Home Support Services) may help pay for these services if the person qualifies and if this service is available where the person lives.

STAGES is here to educate you about the aging process.