In-home care can be utilized to help older adults remain independent longer. Learn more about the different types of care and caregivers.
When a senior or an adult child is searching for in-home care options, they frequently come across home care agencies. Some utilize certified home health aids, and others employ only non-medical caregivers. Older adults and their families are often unaware of the difference between the two.
What further complicates the issue is people may use the terms interchangeably when they are, in fact, very different types of care. Let’s talk about each one in a little more detail.
What are Certified Home Health Aids?
Certified home health aids and personal care aids must undergo specialized training and pass a test to become licensed. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. At The Wesley Community, certified aids deliver care under the direction of a registered nurse.
Certified home health and personal care aids typically provide assistance with the following tasks:
- Tending to personal hygiene needs, such as bathing, grooming, dressing
- Transferring in and out of bed, walking, and using a walker or wheelchair
- Performing simple tests, like measuring and recording fluid intake and output
- Providing medication reminders to clients
- Aiding with physician prescribed in-home exercise regimes
- Assisting with oxygen therapy
This type of care and services are often used after an older adult has been hospitalized for an injury or serious illness.
Non-Medical Home Care in Saratoga Springs?
By contrast, non-medical home care teams help seniors and people with disabilities manage their activities of daily life. Home care may also be referred to as private duty care or companion care.
Staff are available to provide clients with a wide range of services that support independence. Here are a few of the most common services:
- Provide transportation to and from physician appointments, the grocery store, the shopping center, and more
- Act as an escort during medical appointments, recreational activities, and other outings away from home
- Assist with tasks around the house such as light housekeeping, linen changes, and laundry
- Help with menu planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation
- Provide sensitive companionship to a homebound senior or person with a disability who may be lonely
Some non-medical aids may also be able to give medication prompts at dosage time.
In-Home Care Options in Saratoga Springs at The Wesley Community
At The Wesley Community, we are pleased to offer older adults both types of in-home care. Our caregivers are available to assist seniors on a short-term or long-term basis around the clock.
It starts with an in-home needs assessment to best determine what type of care a potential client might need. Once a new client is on board, our team works together to create an individual plan of care for them. Call (518) 584-1200 to speak with a Wesley Senior Solutions specialist and learn more.
We also encourage you to take a few minutes to watch this short video and see what one of our dedicated in-home caregivers has to say about working with older adults.