How to Get In-Home Help for Disabled Adults

Navigating the world of caregiving can feel overwhelming. You’re balancing the desire to provide the best support for your loved one with the complexities of finding the right help. You’re not alone in this journey. For the nearly 40 million Americans caring for an adult with disabilities, finding reliable in-home help is a critical step toward ensuring quality of life, for both your loved one and yourself. This guide breaks down the process into clear, manageable steps to help you make a confident decision.

Understanding Your Options: What Kind of Help Do You Need?

The first step is to clarify the type of support required. “In-home help” isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it generally falls into two distinct categories. Understanding this difference is key to finding the right fit.

Personal & Community-Based Support

This is non-medical assistance focused on helping with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and promoting independence. It’s about empowering individuals to live full lives in their own homes and communities.

Services often include:

• Daily Living Assistance: Support with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Household Support: Help with meal preparation, laundry, and light housekeeping.
• Community Engagement: Assistance with errands, transportation, and participating in social activities.
• Respite Care: Providing primary caregivers with a much-needed break to prevent burnout.

This type of support is what helps a person maintain their independence and dignity, a preference for over 90% of adults who wish to remain at home.

Home Health Care

This is skilled medical care prescribed by a doctor and administered by licensed professionals like nurses or therapists. It’s designed to treat an illness or injury.

Services often include:

• Skilled nursing care (e.g., wound care, injections)
• Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
• Medication administration

Many individuals need a combination of both. At Covenant, we focus on creating a comprehensive support system that addresses the whole person, integrating daily living assistance with coordinated care management to ensure all needs are met.

A Practical Guide to Arranging In-Home Help for Disabled Adults

Once you’ve identified the type of care needed, you can move forward with finding a provider.

Step 1: Assess Your Specific Needs

Create a detailed list of the tasks and support required. Consider medical needs, personal care routines, household chores, and social goals. A clear assessment will help you communicate your needs effectively to potential providers.

Step 2: Explore Funding and Costs

Cost is a significant factor for every family. The national median rate for non-medical in-home care is around $33 per hour, which can add up quickly. Fortunately, several programs can help offset this expense:

• Medicaid Waivers: Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers are a primary funding source in states like North Carolina, helping eligible individuals receive care at home rather than in an institution.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits: Programs like Aid and Attendance or the Veteran-Directed Care program can provide financial assistance to eligible veterans.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: If a policy is in place, it may cover in-home services.

Step 3: Choose a Trusted Provider

Look for an organization with a proven track record of compassionate, reliable care. When vetting a provider, ask about their caregiver training, check their Google Reviews, background check process, and approach to creating personalized care plans. The right partner won’t just provide a service; they will become a part of your support system, dedicated to enriching your loved one’s life.

Finding the right in-home help for disabled adults is about more than just checking tasks off a list, it’s about fostering independence, ensuring safety, and providing peace of mind. By understanding your options and following a clear path, you can find a solution that truly supports your entire family.
Ready to explore personalized support options? Discover our services to see how we empower individuals and families across North Carolina or reach out to our team for further assistance.