Caring at Home: How to Find Help: Part I Home Care

[ABSTRACT]

Anyone caring for someone with dementia needs a lot of support. As a patient’s needs expand, it is not uncommon for the primary caregiver to fall ill from the stress and exertion required. Bringing help into the home can alleviate caregiver burnout. But it takes time and a plan to find the right person to be a regular part of your family’s life.

HOME CARE OR HOME HEALTH CARE?

To be clear, this article offers advice on selecting someone to provide home care services, which is not the same thing as home health care, even though the terms are often used interchangeably.

Home care services are sometimes referred to as companion care. No skilled medical care is involved and no license is required. Home care services include assistance with activities of daily life (such as bathing, eating, dressing, grooming, and transporting). It can also include errands, light housework and driving duties.

Home health care services are medical services that must be performed or overseen by licensed health care professionals, such as nurses, physical and occupational therapists. A physician must prescribe these services. They include medication management, diabetes management, and physical and occupational therapies.

For the full post on this first part of this series please visit: http://whiteoakcottages.com/caring-at-home-how-to-find-help-part-i-home-...