Aging seniors usually need some form of assistance in their day-to-day lives. However, it can be hard to decide which care is right for you or your loved one. It is important to talk to your loved one about what they need help with each day. It can also be helpful to ask other family members what areas they believe your loved one needs assistance with. What are the different home care options? That is a great question, let’s take a look.
Non-Medical Home Care
There are two types of non-medical home care. The first is companion care and the second is home health aide care. Companion care provides companionship and conversation to their clients. This is important for seniors as they need mental stimulation. This can also help with loneliness as many seniors who live alone need human contact in their lives this can help keep their health in good condition. Companions also assist with grocery shopping, driving, cooking, and other light housework. Companion care does not aid with grooming or other hands-on care.
Home health aides are certified professionals who also assist seniors with day-to-day tasks. They provide the same care that companions do and much more. Home health aides give more hands-on care and do assist with tasks such as grooming, bathing/showering, and feeding. Home health aides also remind clients to take their medications. They may also provide live-in around the clock care to their clients.
Medical Care
Medical Home Care is provided by a registered nurse. This is the least common form of home care. This type of care usually only needed when a senior has had surgery or recovering from an injury and healing at home. Medical care home care generally completes tasks such as IV medications, tracheotomy, or colostomy care. Skilled nursing care is also ordered by a physician along with a specific care plan that is usually no longer than two months. These nurses do not provide any non-medical care, so patients generally need a family care giver or a home health aide in contingency with a registered nurse.
Hospice Care
Hospice or end of life care is specifically for those who are terminally ill. People who qualify for hospice care generally have a life expectancy of less than six months. Hospice care does no provided curative treatments of therapies. The sole purpose of hospice care is to focus on make the patient as comfortable as possible. Hospice nurses generally come in for a few hours per week to monitor a patient’s vital signs and to administer pain medications.