Home Care

Home Care is a term that encompasses a wide range of health and social services. These services are delivered at home to recovering, disabled, chronically or terminally ill persons in need of medical, nursing, social, or therapeutic treatment and/or assistance with the essential activities of daily living.

Overview

Generally, home care is appropriate whenever a person prefers to stay at home but needs ongoing care that cannot easily or effectively be provided solely by family and friends. More and more older people, electing to live independent, non-institutionalized lives, are receiving home care services as their physical capabilities diminish. Younger adults who are disabled or recuperating from acute illness are choosing home care whenever possible. Chronically ill infants and children are receiving sophisticated medical treatment in their loving and secure home environments. Adults and children diagnosed with terminal illness also are being cared for at home, receiving compassion and comfort in the end-of-life experience.

Types of Home Care

Home care services are generally available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be paid for directly by the patient through private resources, an insurance company, or through public funds. Depending on the individual patient's situation, care can range from nursing care to specialized medical services, such as laboratory workups. You may need care from more than one type of provider.

Home Health Aides

Home Health Aides can help the patient with his or her basic personal needs such as getting out of bed, walking, bathing, and dressing. Some aides have received special training to assist with more specialized care under the supervision of a nurse.

Companions

Companions may keep the patient company when family and friends are not able to be present. They may also perform certain household tasks if needed.

Nurses

Nurses are the largest group of providers. They can provide a full range of services, including assessment and management of the patient's condition, education of patient, family, and caregivers, direct care and performance of medical procedures.

Therapists and Therapist Assistants

Therapists and Therapist Assistants can provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy to patients.

See Also

• Nursing Home Care
• Assisted Living
• Hospice Care

Home Care Resources
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