A home care provider helps older adults and adults with disabilities, allowing them to live independently in their own homes. Unlike home healthcare workers or private nurses, home care providers do not offer medical care; they help with everyday activities that individuals may not be able to complete on their own.
Daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and meal preparation may not be practical for adults with limited mobility or impaired cognitive ability. In these cases, a home care provider may work full or part-time to assist with tasks such as bathing, grooming, and using the toilet.
Additionally, home care providers can help older adults move safely through the home, supporting them in the transition from bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to the toilet. Because falls pose a significant risk to older adults, home care providers also can help clients up and down stairs.
Meal planning and preparation fall within the scope of home care providers, as do light housekeeping and errands. In many cases, home care providers drive clients to doctor’s appointments and remind them to take medication.
Many older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia require supervision to ensure they do not wander off or engage in dangerous activities. Home care providers cover these issues and provide companionship and personal interaction to prevent isolation and loneliness.
While many insurance policies cover in-home nursing care, home care providers typically receive compensation directly from their clients in a private pay arrangement. Alternately, some long-term care insurance policies or Medicaid cover select home care services. Non-medical home care does not require a prescription from a physician.
When aging family members begin to require assistance, relatives often step in temporarily. As the family member’s needs increase, loved ones simply may not have the time or ability to meet the demand.
Outside professionals provide respite for exhausted family members and may have technical skills and experience that better serve patients. For example, some home care providers receive special training to deal with patients with memory loss, helping these people live safely at home.
Hiring a home care provider can allow family members to enjoy more quality time with their relatives without the need to tend to household chores or run errands. Home care also eliminates the necessity and expense of moving the adult into a skilled nursing home.
Along with substantial cost savings, home care allows adults to maintain their dignity. Rather than living in a care facility where they share a bedroom and bathroom and receive assistance from multiple caregivers, aging adults can remain in the comfort of their own homes. Further, they may develop meaningful relationships with their care provider while enjoying companionship and company.
Once seniors move into a long-term care facility, leaving may be difficult. Home care plays an essential role in the healthcare system, giving patients and their families greater control of their care. Family members can look for recommendations or consult home care agencies to find a reputable non-medical care provider for their loved ones.
