The term, home care service, is commonly used to refer to non-medical or custodian care given at the home of the patient. Providers are usually persons who are not licensed medical personnel (not doctors or nurses) and hired directly or through an agency. Family and friends can also be caregivers, especially for seniors living with them.
Seniors comprise the majority of the recipients of home care. Of these, studies show that more women than men need in home senior care. There are other individuals who would typically use this service, such as people with disabilities or special needs and people recovering from major surgeries.
Home care makes it possible to remain at home and in the environment they are most comfortable with instead of using long-term institution-based nursing care. It allows them to be near loved ones and gives them a feeling of living a "normal" life as opposed to long term stays in a hospice or nursing home. There is also a variety of options available for home care services, depending on the type and frequency of assistance needed.
Professional health care or life assistance (or a combination of both) is included in the service. Professional health care covers services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological assessment, medication teaching, pain management, wound care and disease education and management. Life assistance refers to assistance with activities of daily living and is the most common form of home care. Seniors may find themselves facing limitations on their capacity to care for themselves and need help bathing, dressing, walking, eating and using the toilet.
Their need for assistance may also lie with daily tasks such as preparing meals, taking medication, light housework, using the telephone, shopping or managing money. With regards to money management, the patient will still be the one to make his own decision and sign his checks and financial / legal documents, although the home care provider will be there to educate and advise.
There are a variety of options for home care services available. Although it is basically available 24/7, caregivers on a shift, part-time, hourly, live-in or as-needed basis can be arranged. Having one dedicated caregiver or a team is also another option.
In home senior care is also less expensive than most nursing homes. An exception is live-in care, in which case assisted living facilities may be a more financially viable option. For home care, however, there are a number of factors to consider, including location and skill level of service requirements. For instance, caregivers hired through an agency will cost more than direct hires, as will certified medical personnel compared to informal help.
Home care services can have hourly, daily or weekly rates, and the cost can be paid by the patient and his or her family as an out of pocket expense or via public and private sources. Federal or private insurance, for example, can be used to cover professional health care services, which are usually ordered by a doctor. Financial assistance can also be obtained from community organizations such as the local cancer society or Alzheimer's association.
Seniors comprise the majority of the recipients of home care. Of these, studies show that more women than men need in home senior care. There are other individuals who would typically use this service, such as people with disabilities or special needs and people recovering from major surgeries.
Home care makes it possible to remain at home and in the environment they are most comfortable with instead of using long-term institution-based nursing care. It allows them to be near loved ones and gives them a feeling of living a "normal" life as opposed to long term stays in a hospice or nursing home. There is also a variety of options available for home care services, depending on the type and frequency of assistance needed.
Professional health care or life assistance (or a combination of both) is included in the service. Professional health care covers services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological assessment, medication teaching, pain management, wound care and disease education and management. Life assistance refers to assistance with activities of daily living and is the most common form of home care. Seniors may find themselves facing limitations on their capacity to care for themselves and need help bathing, dressing, walking, eating and using the toilet.
Their need for assistance may also lie with daily tasks such as preparing meals, taking medication, light housework, using the telephone, shopping or managing money. With regards to money management, the patient will still be the one to make his own decision and sign his checks and financial / legal documents, although the home care provider will be there to educate and advise.
There are a variety of options for home care services available. Although it is basically available 24/7, caregivers on a shift, part-time, hourly, live-in or as-needed basis can be arranged. Having one dedicated caregiver or a team is also another option.
In home senior care is also less expensive than most nursing homes. An exception is live-in care, in which case assisted living facilities may be a more financially viable option. For home care, however, there are a number of factors to consider, including location and skill level of service requirements. For instance, caregivers hired through an agency will cost more than direct hires, as will certified medical personnel compared to informal help.
Home care services can have hourly, daily or weekly rates, and the cost can be paid by the patient and his or her family as an out of pocket expense or via public and private sources. Federal or private insurance, for example, can be used to cover professional health care services, which are usually ordered by a doctor. Financial assistance can also be obtained from community organizations such as the local cancer society or Alzheimer's association.
About the Author:
Jen has done general studies on this subject in an effort to help anyone in their search for understanding. When suffering from diabetes, Alzheimer's or any kind of illness it helps to find outside assistance. Home care services can help you with your daily living. You can find reputable in home care for seniors in your local phone book, or on the internet.
