Right at Home Review

Allen Hager, a former hospital administrator, founded Right at Home in 1995, in an effort to help seniors released from hospital find a path to health and wellness at home. From its start as a single location serving seniors in Nebraska 25-years ago, Right at Home has expanded to include more than 500 locations throughout the United States and internationally. Allen works directly with potential franchisees to find individuals passionate about senior care when adding new, independent operators to the Right at Home network. 

Right at Home offers companionship and assistive services to seniors and adults with disabilities. Whether the client is someone with mobility challenges in their younger years or a senior that needs some homemaking help as they age, Right at Home was founded to help. From short-term, rehabilitative care to long-term, around-the-clock skilled nursing, clients and their loved ones can create a care plan that works for them and their situation.

When aging at home, there comes a point where seniors need a helping hand. Whether that hand cooks meals, cleans the house, or helps with other activities of daily living depends on the needs of each client. Right at Home offers a variety of non-medical care options for seniors that are otherwise independent but may need a little assistance. 

Whether help is needed for a few days, a few months, or for years to come, Right at Home can provide the following personal care services:

• Bathing/dressing/toileting
• Companionship
• Exercise tailored to meet the ability level of each client
• Laundry
• Light housekeeping
• Medication reminders
• Meal planning and preparation
• Oral and personal hygiene
• Transportation for medical and social activities

After a personal assessment and the creation of a personal care plan, Right at Home starts the matchmaking process to find the right caregiver for each senior client.

The Right at Home RightCare Dementia and Cognitive Support Program is specifically tailored to assist seniors with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. Services cover the most commonly needed by people with these conditions and are available in short or long time blocks, as needed by family caregivers. This program takes a four-pronged approach to care, empowering, engaging, encouraging, and educating both seniors and their caregivers about dementia and evolving care requirements. 

Caregivers empower clients to make and reach their own goals for home life, engaging them as active participants in their care. By encouraging participation and educating clients about their disease, caregivers are able to stimulate cognitive abilities and slow the decline that comes with dementia.

Right at Home memory care providers receive a minimum of 12 hours of specialized training in how to assist those with dementia and create a positive experience at home. 

Caring for a loved one as they age can become a full-time job. From helping them get dressed in the morning to making all of their meals to scheduling doctors’ appointments and transportation, the to-do list can seem endless. Respite care services through Right at Home are available to give family caregivers a break. Take a night off to spend with a spouse, catch up with friends, or make it to a doctor's appointment using respite care.  

Right at Home respite caregivers are available for a few hours, here and there, or for 24/7 care during a more extended time period. Respite care may encompass general personal care or skilled nursing care, depending on the needs of each client. Caregiver burnout can be a major issue, so arranging respite care is an important part of being a long-term care provider. 

After a needs assessment, Right at Home will offer a care plan designed to help family members get the breaks they need to continue to provide excellent and loving care. Respite care might be for an hour or two once a week or several times every week. Regardless of the number of hours, this time is designed to allow full-time caregivers the opportunity to rest, recharge, and relax. 

For some seniors, at-home care requires assistance from a licensed nurse. Any senior that requires medication administration or care after a surgical procedure might require medical care delivered at home. While state law may limit availability for some of these services, Right at Home offers skilled nursing care at home, wherever it is allowed by law. Some examples of medical services that may be provided include: 

• Medication administration, including injectables
• Wound care and dressing changes
• Catheter care
• Ostomy/Colostomy care
• Hospice services

By making skilled nursing care available in a familiar atmosphere, Right at Home allows seniors to age in place for as long as possible. 

Right at Home routinely gets 5-star reviews, and clients and their loved ones often mention the compassionate and caring staff. Professionalism at the office means that caregivers show up on time and as scheduled, ready to help. As one reviewer mentioned, "Right at Home provider, Nytia, is a very positive, caring, and professional caregiver to my mother-in-law during her final chapter in her life. We appreciate having someone we can trust giving personal care and compassion to our mother-in-law/mom!"

Clients often develop relationships when signed up for long-term care services, and say things like, "My caregiver, Natalie, is an outstanding aide. She has such a warm and nurturing disposition, a fabulous sense of humor and she understands what my needs are medically and attends to them very professionally. I can't say enough about Natalie, but her devotion is very obvious and her love for people is so impressive. My husband and I feel very fortunate to have her in our lives!"

Home care costs vary based on several factors, including the type of services required, how often one needs assistance, and the timing of the services (i.e., overnight vs. daytime care). Where you live also has a significant impact on the cost of home care, as national chains scale their local prices to the cost of living in a given area.

When planning for home care costs, keep in mind that the national average cost is about $24 per hour, though prices in your location may be higher or lower. You can contact a Family Advisor at (800) 973-1540 to learn more about home care costs and payment options in your area.

Right at Home was established to lend a helping hand to those in need of help at home. From short-term rehabilitation help to respite care, there is an option available. Right at Home is a good choice for seniors who need:

• Memory care: Seniors with Alzheimer's disease often benefit from being able to move around in familiar spaces and with a good frame of reference, making aging at home preferred. Right at Home employs professional caregivers that can work with clients with Alzheimer's, even during challenging moments of anxiety or anger. 
• Mental health care services: Making the transition from an active lifestyle to a more restricted social calendar due to an injury or disease can lead to a variety of mental health difficulties. Right at Home works with other healthcare providers to help minimize the effects of isolation and change. 
• Skilled nursing care: Seniors who need more medical care can receive skilled nursing care at home, avoiding the feel and lifestyle of an institution. 

Contact a Family Advisor at (800) 973-1540 for more information about Right at Home's offerings in your area and to connect with a local home care provider. Our knowledgeable Family Advisors can provide one-on-one guidance to help you find the best home care service for your needs and budget, all at no cost to you. No matter where you are in the process of choosing a home care provider, a Family Advisor can help.