A Variety Of Home Care Services Are Available To Consumers

By Tiffany Gill


Those facing the challenge of locating health care services for aging parents or other family members may find the task somewhat daunting. This is because the broad range of options available in today's modern world may cause an individual to quickly become overwhelmed. Different types of assistance can be found for elderly individuals, such as visiting nurses, long-term care establishments, and home care services.

A person's health history will play a large role in determining which type of assistance is the most suitable choice. Many individuals who are not incapacitated or disabled can receive help in their own dwelling. This option is frequently selected by those who want their family member to remain at home, but at the same time realize that the person must have assistance on a daily basis.

Typically, before a person is enrolled in such services, a medical assessment is made by a visiting nurse in order to identify the type of help the individual needs. Sometimes moderate assistance with one's basic activities of daily living is all he or she requires. However, skilled care is sometimes necessary, which must be administered by a licensed nurse who works under the direction of a physician.

The aforementioned visiting nurse will also typically complete a safety evaluation. The objective of this task is to determine whether or not dangerous or unsanitary conditions exist in the dwelling. The individual who conducts this evaluation will also make suggestions regarding the amount of assistance the client needs, and these recommendations will be communicated to the person's family.

Even those who are sick or disabled typically prefer to remain at home, but in certain cases this is simply not possible. When it has been determined that it is no longer safe for an older person to live independently, families will quickly discover that they have a broad range of options for their loved one with regard to healthcare facilities. Personal assistance is sometimes available in a group home setting, and this is often the choice for individuals who are not disabled or incapacitated, but nevertheless cannot live alone.

It is important to understand the difference between skilled nursing facilities and assisted living homes, however. The latter do not typically provide skilled medical care. Instead, they help those who live in the home with their daily living tasks. The latter may include personal hygiene, assistance with eating, and transportation to appointments with various healthcare practitioners.

Certain older individuals cannot function without skilled nursing assistance. With this point has been reached, the person's family should give thought to a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home. Registered nurses are employed at such establishments, who can regularly assess the health of various residents and assist them with taking any necessary medications. Most establishments of this type are also visited by doctors who offer checkups to disabled or ill individuals.

Prior to making a final decision, it is essential for all family members to talk over each option and determine the one that is most suitable for their loved one. It can be a challenging task to choose the best type of services for a family member, and therefore avoiding hasty decisions is always in one's best interest. Ultimately, those with the goal of remaining independent should consider pursuing home care services.




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