Live-In Help
Sometimes a sitter is needed round-the-clock for a frail senior. In this directory, in help” refers to a sitter (one individual) who lives full-time in the home of an older person to provide care. However, there is a shortage of staff to provide this kind of service. More often, agencies (see "Home Health Care," and "Homemakers, Sitters & In-Home Services") provide 24-hour care, which, in this directory, refers to different individuals who work in shifts to provide round-the-clock coverage.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each kind of service, depending on what the needs are. Not all agencies will use the same terminology that is used in this directory; know what kind of care you want, and ask specific questions when shopping for round-the-clock sitters. Private pay. This service is not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, TennCare, or private insurance. Some long-term-care insurance will cover patients who have a medical diagnosis that requires live-in help.
