There are many ways for you to help your parents or loved one remain in their home indefinitely. Not every person is required to move to assisted living and beyond.
Remaining at home gives your loved one peace of mind. However, for you to have peace in your life, it’s important for you to get the required care your loved one needs and not attempt to do it all on your own.
That’s where a lot of people mistake the differences between in-home care and home health care. Both are required. Both offer a variety of options and distinctions.
In-Home Care
In-home care is provided by caregivers who are trained to understand the daily aspects of home care. In-home caregivers provide a wide variety of services usually associated with daily living. In-home care is classified as personal care or companion care, and is considered “unskilled” or “non-clinical”.
In-home care is often used by family members who understand their loved one requires a little extra attention.
- They need assistance with daily activities.
- They live alone and may be at risk for isolation.
- They do not drive and require transportation.
In-home care covers a full spectrum of activities. And the good news is you can hire a caregiver for as much or as little time as needed. Some full-time family caregivers hire in-home care to supplement their activities and give themselves a little breathing room during the day. If family lives far away or are leading busy lives, they may find around the clock in-home care the best choice for the situation.
Home Health Care
Home health care is medical care provided in the comfort of a home. It’s provided by a registered nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, or other skilled medical professional as prescribed as a part of the care plan. Home health care can include:
- Wound care
- Medical tests
- Therapy
- Medicine administration
- Monitoring of health
Home health care is usually more short term and more specific by nature. Home health may be administered after a hospital stay, for instance. It may also be used when a doctor changes a medical play, in order to monitor side effects and ensure the new routine is effective.
In-home care and home health care are not mutually exclusive services. Many families find themselves needing a combination of services that best fits their needs.
If you have a question about the best course of action for your loved one, we’re here to help.
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