As people get older, many are choosing to age in their homes as opposed to transitioning to an assisted living or nursing home community. Most individuals feel more comfortable at home rather than being in a community where they have a schedule that must be followed. Usually, over time, individuals need more help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) and a friend or a family member will step in to help support them. However, as more help is needed, friends or family members may not be able to manage all the individual’s needs and may require additional support from a Home Care agency.
Home care agencies can provide the right type of Caregiver to help you or your loved one with their ADL needs. There are two different types of care individuals may receive as far as home care, including non-medical home care and home health care. They each have different offerings and the best one for your loved ones will depend on their unique needs. In this guide, we will explore each type of home care and what they offer.
Non-Medical Home Care
Non-medical home care is provided by certified Caregivers, usually a Certified Nursing Aide (CAN) or a Personal Care Aide (PCA). This type of care is also called personal care, companion care, homemaker services, custodial care, unskilled care, and non-clinical care.
With non-medical home care, individuals are provided help with ADLs as well as chores around the house, and the Caregivers also provide them with social interaction. Each individual has different needs when it comes to personal care, but they will likely need assistance with one or more ADLs. They may also need help with household tasks and have social needs that can affect their emotional well-being.
These are some of the services that non-medical home care offers to individuals:
- Companionship – reading together, in-home activities
- Assistance with ADLs such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting
- Shopping for groceries, meal preparation or delivery
- Cleaning and organizing
- Transportation to various places
- Help with mobility around the home
- Reminding them to take medications
- Care for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia
Personal Care for Individuals
Personal care offered by home caregivers includes physical assistance with:
- Toileting, bathing, dressing
- Incontinence
- Dressing
- Oral hygiene
Home Health Care
Home health care includes clinical or medical care. This type of care is provided by healthcare professionals including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and physical, occupational, and speech-language specialists. At times, there is also care provided by health aides who are supervised by registered nurses. Usually, this type of care is prescribed by a doctor and is temporary while the individual rehabilitates at home.
The following are home health care services offered to individuals:
- Administering medicine, IV’s, and injections
- Vital sign monitoring
- Taking care of wounds
- Physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy
- Care for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia
Who can benefit from Non-Medical Home Care or Home Health Care services?
Usually, both non-medical and home health care services are offered to those individuals who do not have a lot of medical concerns. This type of care is for individuals who need help with a recent injury, those who may be prone to falling, or have a chronic condition such as obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or diabetes for example. The care is temporary and may be prescribed by a doctor.
The following are examples of situations when individuals may need non-medical home care or home health care services:
- An individual has been discharged from a rehab or skilled nursing facility or a hospital stay.
- A senior needs to be monitored after a medication change.
- Those seniors with fragile health who are unable to travel to and from the doctor’s office by themselves.
- Individuals who have lessened function and need occupational or physical therapy to get stronger so they can be more independent.
Individuals and their loved ones should meet with a home care agency so that a proper care plan can be created and executed that fits their specific situation. When seeking home care, you should always take into consideration the care needed and what type of care is offered by the agency. Also, the needs of the individual will be changing periodically which means that eventually they may need even more help. It is always good to monitor these changes and adjust the care plan with the agency as the change happens so that the individual can be provided with the care they need at that time.
Assisting Hands Home Care
Do you think you or a loved one needs help while living at home? Assisting Hands Home Care Richmond can help with our senior care services in Richmond, VA, and the surrounding areas. We offer non-medical home care to individuals that have decided to remain at home and need daily help. Our agency will work with you and your loved one to create a customized care plan and provide you with best-in-class home care with our professionally trained Caregivers. For more information about the home care services we offer make sure to call us today at (804) 500-9787.
