The Difference Between Home Health Care and Home Care

Most seniors prefer and feel comfortable retiring to their homes as much as possible when the need for long-term care arises, regardless of their health condition. They would choose to receive home care even if their health becomes physically exhausting and financially devastating.

Everyone must have heard about home health care and home care, but they cannot understand the difference between the two. The two services seem so connected to each other, even if the differences could be very insignificant. The home health care service is directly related to medical services in line with household chores, while the latter is limited to cleaning and other personal care for the patient. Home health care can be used to help a person recover from illness or injury. This may also include, but not limited to speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy that patients with chronic conditions may need. Home health care requires registered nurses, therapists and health assistants to ensure patient health and safety.

Perhaps the biggest question is how to determine if you are getting quality home health care services. There are so many agencies where you can find help, but you could end up in a bad company if you can’t understand the qualities of good home health care.

When you hire an independent home health care provider, make sure you conduct a thorough check on that person to make sure he has no criminal record. It is necessary to interview the applicant and ask for references that can be verified later. Before the interview, make sure you have prepared a detailed list of what a sick spouse or loved ones need, so ask them what specific services they can offer. The projection will be less tiring if you know what to expect and the qualities you are looking for.

Hiring a home health worker through an agency would be more efficient, because it could reduce the screening process. Normally, these agencies have personnel ready for work when the customer needs the services. The positive aspect of this agreement is that you can meet that person and discuss everything you expect from the job before you formally start working. You must tell the supplier all the details about your loved one:

• Health conditions – diseases or disabilities
• The drugs or treatments used and how they should be taken
• Behavioral problems – if the elderly person has an unmanageable depression, fear, anger, etc.
• Nutritional requirements
• Likes and dislikes
• Special needs

In addition to these things, there may be other special requirements that your loved one may need. For example, tell the caregiver what kind of clothing he needs every day to prevent any discomfort. The healthcare provider should also know the contact number and other immediate family members in the event of an emergency. Common things like where to find food, emergency kits and how to repair appliances or medical devices need to be educated to reduce worry. Anticipating all the possible risks and changing needs of your loved one can help you become more prepared when unexpected events occur.

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