The Independence Center (The IC) is widely known in the region for its Independent Living services. However, its commitment to people with disabilities doesn’t stop there. Through its Home Health division, it helps senior citizens, as well as other adults and children with disabilities, live full, independent lives in the community by providing in-home health care. But not everyone understands what Home Health is or how it can benefit them or a loved one.
What is Home Health, in a nutshell?
Home Health is long-term care for clients who need assistance in their homes. The IC is both a skilled and unskilled agency.
Can you tell us more about activities of daily living?
TH: Those are the things we all do on a daily basis. So, every day you get up, you get dressed, you bathe, you have to eat, you have to use the restroom. But depending on the situation, you may need some help doing those things, and that’s where caregivers come in.
What are the different types of caregivers and what do they each do?
TH: At The IC, we have PCAs, PCWs, and Homemakers. A PCA has duties very similar to a CNA, although they have more flexibility in the care they can provide. The duties of a PCW are more of a stand-by assist. For example, the client may be able to get dressed on their own, but they may have a hard time with buttons or zippers. A Homemaker does tasks like laundry, meal prep, general housekeeping, and going to get groceries.
How do people pay for in-home care?
IF: At The IC, we mainly work with people who have Medicaid and Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. But we have some clients who have long-term care insurance and we also accept private pay. Vets who are part of Veteran in Charge can have their in-home care paid for by the VA Health System.
Is there a difference in working with a nonprofit like The IC versus a for-profit agency?
IF: Yes. We have a full array of Independent Living services that clients can access, including peer support groups, assistive technology specialists, plus employment services and independent living skills classes. And from a caregiver perspective, we offer benefits that not every agency does.
TH: Our benefits package is very competitive. We offer paid time off, and those who work 30 hours or more a week qualify for health insurance. I also think we give excellent customer service and go above and beyond for both our clients and our caregivers.
What do you like best about your job?
TH: The people! I love the population that we serve. My number one reason for why I do what I do is the impact we make. I love keeping people at home. And I love the caregivers, too.
IF: Like Tracy said, I enjoy being able to actually see the impact on the people we serve. I come from the finance world and you don’t see that impact. It’s the whole reason I moved into the nonprofit sector, to know that my role is contributing to a larger impact.