Home Care & Home Health

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Rachel cRisp philips

When it comes time to find home health assistance, a solid plan for quality care is invaluable in order to sustain independence at home. Home health and home care are two distinct types of medical care that take place in the patient’s home. The distinction lies in that 'home health' is clinical care provided by a skilled medical professional, while 'home care' refers to aid from a nonclinical caregiver.

Often originating as part of a care plan following a hospital stay, home-based care giving plans can be adjusted to provide what is best for each patient’s overall health and comfort. Learning the details and differences between these two caregiver options is a vital step to take well in advance of any serious decline in health.

HOME HEALTH

The phrase ‘home health’ refers to a wide range of health and social services that take place in a patient’s home. These services can range from administration of medications and injections, wound care, physical therapy sessions, medical tests, monitoring of health status, speech-language pathology services, one-on-one care from a registered nurse, or any number of other treatments provided by skilled medical professionals.

After an inpatient hospitalization, rehabilitation, or stay at a skilled nursing facility, home health treatments may smooth the transition back to life at home. A home health treatment plan may also be prescribed after a change in medication occurs. This is usually done to ensure the effectiveness of new medications and to monitor for any side effects.

Another instance where home health may be the best option is when seniors begin to exhibit an overall decline in function. In this case, a home health professional can use therapy or teach new skills so that the patient can achieve further independence.

HOME CARE

When the skills of medical professionals are not required for a care plan, the term ‘home care’ is used. In contrast to home health, home care is classified as personal, or companion, care. This means that it is considered ‘non-clinical’ or ‘unskilled’; although skill is certainly necessary. It describes the services provided by caregivers, also known as home care aides. These professionals are trained to assist seniors with daily living, to understand the details of senior care, and to dole out doses of friendly companionship.

In addition to giving care that targets the individual’s specific needs, a home care worker can assist with housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, house cleaning, and other household tasks. They are also able to help dress and bathe, remind about medications, pay bills, and be present for companionship - reducing the risk of social isolation.

MAKING A CHOICE

While home care and home health are both excellent options to aid an individual in their return from the hospital, there’s no need to commit to any one method of assistance. Care plans such as these are flexible, and are intended to be altered as medical conditions and life events change.

Sometimes, in order to achieve the best possible care, a family may choose to combine care services for their loved one. For example, home health staff can address medical concerns and provide rehabilitation or therapy treatment, while at the same time a home care aide maintains running the household and providing all other, non-clinical, assistance.

Whatever direction the patient ultimately takes, learning about the options can provide both them and their loved ones with the certainty that they’ve done everything in their power to provide the best possible care and easiest transition. MT55

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