Resources
Helpful answers for the conversations families are already having.
Home care often begins with questions. What kind of help does someone need? How much is enough? Who pays for it? These guides are here to make those conversations a little easier.
01
When Is It Time for Home Care?
There usually isn't one single moment when a family decides it's time for help. More often, it's a collection of little things that start becoming harder to ignore.
Signs that extra help may be needed:
- Difficulty bathing, dressing, or grooming
- Trouble preparing meals or keeping food in the house
- Changes in mobility or increased risk of falling
- Missed appointments or difficulty keeping up with routines
- A home becoming harder to maintain
- Increasing isolation or loneliness
- Memory changes that affect everyday tasks
- A spouse, child, or other family caregiver becoming overwhelmed
Needing help does not always mean someone needs to leave home. Sometimes a little extra support is enough to make home work better again.
02
Home Care vs. Home Health
These two terms come up constantly, and they're easy to mix up. But they describe very different kinds of support.
Home Care (Non-Medical)
- Personal care
- Bathing and dressing assistance
- Companionship
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Respite care
- Support with daily routines
- Non-medical memory support
Home Health (Skilled Clinical Services)
- Skilled nursing
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Other medically necessary clinical services
Ardelle Health is a Pennsylvania licensed Home Care Agency providing non-medical in-home support.
03
Choosing the Right Level of Support
Families often know something needs to change before they know exactly what kind of help is needed. That's normal.
Companion Care
For someone who is largely independent but may benefit from company, supervision, errands, meals, or help maintaining a routine.
Personal Care
For someone who needs hands-on help with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility, or other daily activities.
Respite Care
Temporary support when a spouse, adult child, or other regular caregiver needs time away.
Extended or 24-Hour Care
For situations where someone needs significantly more supervision or assistance throughout the day or overnight.
The right amount of care can change over time. Families do not have to have every answer before starting the conversation.
04
Paying for Home Care
Understanding how home care is paid for is one of the first practical questions families ask. Here's a straightforward look at the most common options.
Private Pay
Families may pay Ardelle Health directly for non-medical home care services based on the care plan and schedule selected.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Some long-term care insurance policies may reimburse eligible home care expenses depending on the individual policy. Encourage families to contact their insurance carrier to confirm benefits, eligibility, waiting periods, and required documentation.
Coverage and reimbursement depend on the individual policy. Ardelle Health does not determine insurance eligibility or benefits.
05
Coming Home After a Hospital or Rehabilitation Stay
The first few days back home can feel very different from the days before the hospital stay. A little preparation can make the transition easier.
Before coming home, consider:
- Who will be at home during the first few days?
- Is the person able to safely move around the home?
- Will they need help bathing or dressing?
- Are meals prepared or easy to make?
- Are commonly used items within easy reach?
- Are walkways clear?
- Is transportation needed for follow-up appointments?
- Does the family understand the discharge instructions?
- Who should be contacted with medical questions?
Ardelle can provide non-medical support after someone returns home, but medical questions, medication changes, and clinical concerns should be directed to the person's healthcare provider.
06
Dementia & Memory Support at Home
When memory changes begin affecting daily life, families often find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory. Non-medical home care can help with some of the practical day-to-day challenges.
Ways non-medical home care can help:
- Maintaining familiar routines
- Reducing unnecessary changes in the environment
- Simple, calm communication
- Gentle reminders throughout the day
- Companionship and supervision
- Meal and hydration routines
- Personal care assistance
- Giving family caregivers regular breaks
Home care cannot stop memory loss, but consistent routines and familiar surroundings can sometimes make everyday life easier to navigate.
07
For Family Caregivers
Most family caregivers do not think of themselves as caregivers at first. They're a daughter stopping by after work. A husband helping his wife get dressed. A son handling groceries and appointments. Then, little by little, it becomes a second job.
Signs the load may be getting too heavy:
- Feeling constantly "on call"
- Difficulty leaving the person alone
- Losing personal time and sleep
- Work and family responsibilities colliding
- Feeling guilty about asking for help
Bringing in help does not mean stepping away from someone you love. Sometimes it gives you the space to be their family again instead of trying to do everything yourself.
08
Preparing the Home for Care
A few simple steps before care begins can make the first visit go more smoothly for everyone.
Home readiness checklist:
- Clear walkways and remove obvious trip hazards
- Improve lighting in frequently used areas
- Keep commonly used items easy to reach
- Make sure emergency contacts are easy to find
- Prepare information about routines and preferences
- Identify mobility concerns in advance
- Make space for caregiver notes or communication
- Secure pets when necessary
- Confirm how the caregiver will enter the home
Important Numbers
911
Emergency
For a medical emergency or immediate danger.
988
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for crisis support.
1-800-222-1222
Poison Control
Ardelle Health is not an emergency medical service. If someone is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Still not sure what kind of help you need?
You don't need to figure it all out before calling us. Tell us what's happening at home, and we can help you understand which Ardelle services may fit your situation.