Home health care varies from patient to patient, as the elderly need different care than the convalescing injured, who in turn need different services than patients bedridden with diabetes-related complications. With so many difficulties requiring support, Michigan State has over 135,000 professionals dedicated to providing home health care.
Jobs
Those who work in Michigan home health care have a variety of jobs. According to the U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services, almost half were personal care/nursing aids in 1998. Registered nurses made up 16 percent of jobs, and licensed practical nurses another 6 percent. Physical therapists took 2 percent of the available jobs, and non-health professionals a notable 16 percent. Other health professionals, specializing in diverse areas, made up the last 7 percent.
Government Care
Under the Older Services Act (OSA) of 1981, Michigan offers in-home care, mostly through Medicaid/Medicare (though, there are other options, such as the Veteran Directed Home and Community Based Service Program and the Community Living Program, designed to aid self-sufficiency) to its elderly citizens. Of 1.8 million older Michigan residents in 2007, the government performed chores for 3,252, acted as a homemaker for 6,876, and gave "personal care" to 4,216; 58 percent of those clients lived alone.
In total, Michigan had 12,400 "home care aids," 32,210 "home health aids," and an additional 42,000 independent providers of in-home care in 2007, plus additional private contractors.
Job Growth
Positions for home health care specialists continue to open; by 2010, another 10,740 new home health aids will need to be hired, increasing the workforce by 33 percent.
Unfortunately, poor wages, unpredictable hours, absent benefits and a shrinking number of available young people to take the jobs leaves the future of these positions in doubt.
Common Conditions
The wide variety of different health professionals is necessary due to the number of conditions requiring home health care. Kroger reports the most common are osteoarthritis, diabetes, hypertension, chronic skin ulcers and heart failure.
Caution
Whether hiring a home health care aide through Michigan state or through a private contractor, there are always people to be cautious of. To be licensed, a home health care agency only needs its services covered under Medicare and Medicaid. With many untrained people finding their way into the market, checking references and credentials before hiring is prudent.
Elder Abuse
The reality of elder abuse exists in Michigan. About 80,000 senior victims of financial or physical abuse are identified each year, according to the Elder Abuse Prevention Society of Genesee County, and while most perpetrators are family members, a senior living alone is an easy target for an unscrupulous con man or even an incompetent professional. In 1999, crime rates fell in Michigan except against the elderly, where theft was up 17 percent, and non-aggravate assault raised 18 percent.
Again, this makes checking references and credentials essential.
