Home Care – Who Needs It?
Everyone needs care at some point in their life; from toddlers to centenarians and everyone in between. Most of the time, when we need care, our families and friends provide it. However, some people require more care than family and friends can provide. Often in these cases, the person requiring care (care recipient) may be a new mother, have a disability, be frail, have a serious illness, or have a mental health problem. Depending on the person’s needs, particular home care supports will be put in place to help them live or manage at home. Many people receiving home care would have to live in a nursing home, hospital, or institution if that support was not available. Other terms such as ‘home health care’ and ‘home care’ are often used interchangeably with home care, but can also refer to care provided by a healthcare professional.
Home care – What is it?
There is a wide range of services and supports that come under the banner of home care. In short, the type of care provided is that which the person cannot do for himself. Some of the main ones are listed below with a brief description:
• Personal care – Refers to all care that attends to the caregiver’s personal hygiene. Personal care support may include; assistance with showering or bathing, dressing, toileting, changing incontinence devices, shaving, applying lotions and cosmetics, brushing hair, and brushing teeth.
• Domestic Assistance – refers to all maintenance and cleaning tasks. Services may include; clean the house, wash the dishes and do the laundry.
• Transportation– This can be driving the person to appointments and can also include accompanying them if necessary.
• Shopping– This may involve taking the person to the store and helping them do their own shopping, or the homecare worker may shop with a list.
• Respite– This type of support consists of staying with the person cared for while the usual caregiver has a break.
• nurse care– refers to home care that must be provided by a registered nurse. May include: medication monitoring, wound dressing, injections, and nursing evaluations.
• Case management – Case management involves a comprehensive assessment and development of a plan of care in conjunction with a case manager. Case management can be short-term or long-term depending on the needs and requirements of the recipient of care.
• Social support – refers to services that focus on the social needs of the client. This type of service may include companionship, visitation, and community access.
Home care – Who country?
Depending on the country you live in, there may be government-funded programs that help pay for home care costs. Some health insurance may cover some of these costs; check with your insurer for more information.
There are also a wide variety of home care agencies that can provide you with a home care worker for a fee.
Home Care – Who Provides It?
In most cases, friends and family of the person receiving care can provide home care. However, in cases where family and friends are unable to do so, or where the person receiving care prefers; a professional caregiver will provide care. Professional caregivers may also be referred to as: support workers, caregivers, community workers, personal care aides and attendants, and nursing assistants. Terminology will vary between countries. The skill level and qualifications required for professional care work will also vary by country. It is best to check with your care provider for the minimum requirements in your area.