Your loved ones were there for you over the years. Now it is your turn to be there for them. Their care needs may seem to be like a whole lot to take on personally. However, out of love, you make the best effort and do all you can to meet their personal requirements as much as possible. Nonetheless, the caring may seem overwhelming at times, and this is where getting some highly qualified assistance to come in and help out.

Are home health and home care one in the same thing?

There is a grave misconception that does exist about home health and home care. What is this misconception? It is that home health and home care are one in the same thing. They both are provided within the home. However, they are not the same at all. Please read on to learn what the differences between Home Health and Home Care are.

What is home health care and what does it entail?

Home health care is defined as being clinical medical care. This kind of specialized care for seniors and disabled people is provided by nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists or other skilled medical professionals. The type of home health care that an elderly or disabled person does receive is dependent on his or her medical condition and what their needs are for care. Home health care entails services such as wound care, medical tests, the monitoring of one's health status, the administration of medications that can include injections, and numerous other therapy and skilled nursing services. Mom’s Home Care does not provide home health care but we have sister agencies that we can suggest to you.

When should home health care be used for your loved ones?

Home health care should be done right after an inpatient hospitalization, some form of rehabilitation, or a stay at a skilled nursing facility to help a senior individual to make a transition back to being independent again. It can also be used if a senior citizen has been issued a medication change and he or she needs to be monitored for any side effects and determining that the new medication is effective.  Seniors will experience a decline in their independence and home health care can be the very thing to help them get their independence back.

What is home care and what does it entail?

Home care is defined as being care that is provided by caregivers and they are called home health aides. Home care aides help senior citizens and the disabled with any activities that are associated with daily living. They also offer very caring and friendly companionship for them as well. Home care is described as being unskilled and non-clinical. Home care aides are trained to fully understand the many nuances connected to senior care. Mom’s Home Care provides home care.

When should home care be used for your loved ones?

Home care should be used in situations where seniors or disabled people need help with the activities associated with daily living. These activities can be grooming to meal preparation to beyond. It should also be used in residences where seniors don't drive and have transportation. It can also be used for companionship when seniors live alone and may be at risk to suffer social isolation.