The phrases “home care” and “home health care” are often interchanged, but the services they provide are vastly different. Learn about the senior care programs provided by each to see which one is the best match for your needs.
Types of In-home care services
Identifying the gaps in a caregiver’s roles and obligations between non-medical home care and home health care choices is the first step in recruiting in-home care providers. This distinction is critical because the type of treatment you need will both direct your quest for the right caregiver and decide how much you will be able to pay for home care.
Non-Medical Home Care: What Is It?
Senior care aides offer non-medical in-home care, which is compassionate care that does not require medical expertise. Personal care, companion care, homemaker services, custodial care, unskilled care, and non-clinical care are all terminology used to describe non-medical home care. Professional care aides provide important social contact, assist with household tasks, and provide advice and assistance with everyday activities (ADLs). When it comes to licensing in-home care providers, some states make a strong distinction between personal care and companion care. Personal treatment entails hands-on assistance such as bathing and toileting, while partner care focuses on social needs and everyday household activities. When interviewing and choosing a home care provider, be clear about the services you need, as personal care services necessitate further assistance and training.
Companion Care & Homemaker Services for the Elderly
- Companionship and socialization
- Meal planning and preparation
- Laundry
- Light housework
- Shopping and errands
- Eating
- Transportation
- Mobility assistance
- Medication reminders
Personal Care for the Elderly
Personal Care for the Elderly is a service that provides assistance to the elderly.
In addition to hands-on physical assistance, personal care aides can provide all of the services of a partner caregiver, including:
- Bathing or showering
- Toileting
- Oral hygiene
- Feeding
- Dressing
- Incontinence care
What Is Home Health Care and How Does It Work?
Home health care is a form of medical care that is also known as clinical or skilled care. These services, which are delivered by healthcare practitioners such as registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists, may require a prescription from a doctor. Home health aides (HHAs) working under the supervision of a registered nurse can also provide services. Home health care is usually only needed for a brief period of time as part of a senior’s recovery or treatment as they recover at home.
Services for the Elderly in the Home
- Medication administration (including IVs and injections)
- Vital signs are being monitored.
- Wound treatment
- Assisting in the healing process after an illness or accident
- Physical therapy is a form of treatment that is used
- Occupational therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on
- Speech-language pathology is a type of speech therapy.
- Medical equipment is monitored.
- Relevant medical knowledge (such as Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias)
It’s worth noting that in-home care programs may overlap in some cases. If you recognize a need for household assistance in your care plan, a home health care provider can also offer non-medical homemaker and personal care services.
Over time, a senior’s skills will ebb and flow, and older people will differ in the types of treatment they are comfortable receiving. If you believe that a parent requires additional assistance, look for these signs that a senior might need assistance at home and contact a care provider to determine how to better meet those needs.
Think in-home care might be the right type of care for your situation? Contact Right Choice Live-in Home Care for a full and free consultation to all who are interested in and in need of quality home care for their loved one. No question is too big or small. Make the Right Choice!
