Looking for the right in-home care provider can be stressful. You are searching for someone who can care for your loved one while you’re not there. In-home care includes a wide range of services that can be provided at home rather than a hospital or long-term care facility. This allows your loved one, who is unable to care for themselves independently, to remain at home. However, not all in-home services are the same. Before you can hire a provider, it’s important to understand the exact type of services you’ll need and the type of provider expert at delivering this care.
Personal Care Assistants or Companion Services
These individuals are not licensed and often have varying levels of expertise and training. They may be available for bathing and dressing, light housekeeping and meals. They can offer transportation and prescription pick up. Training requirements vary by state and some do not have any formal requirements. Although the least-expensive care providers, they are typically not covered by Medicare or other types of health insurance. Oftentimes a personal care assistant is an out-of-pocket expense.
Home Health Aides and Licensed Nursing Assistants
These professionals may perform some light medical care such as monitoring the patient’s condition, checking vital signs or assisting with daily living skills. Just like personal care assistants, home health aides may do light housekeeping and prepare meals. However they are trained and certified, although requirements will differ between states. Certified nursing assistants, or licensed nursing assistants, may be certified to set up medical equipment, change dressings, clean catheters and help the patient go through range of motion exercises. These medical-related tasks are done under the direction of an RN or nurse practitioner.
Skilled Nursing Providers
These individuals meet federal standards and are licensed by the state in which they practice. They can provide direct care often received within a hospital setting, such as administration of intravenous drugs, changing wound dressings and providing patient education. Services that are part time or intermittent may be covered by Medicare or other health insurance carriers.
Registered Nurses
This level of in-home care is administered by an RN who has a degree in nursing and has passed state nursing boards. An RN has also met other licensing requirements, such as continuing education credits, mandated by the individual State Board of Nursing. In-home RN care is used in specific circumstances to assist physicians in medical procedures, monitor and operate medical equipment and administer medications. This is the highest level of in-home care available. Registered nurses may or may not be covered by Medicare or insurance companies depending upon your loved ones physical needs.
Trust in Anodyne
To find the right person for your family, it’s important to first evaluate the level of care needed and the assistance expected. Contact Anodyne to help evaluate the level of care needed and to find the right care giver for your family.
