The Difference Between Home Health, Hospice Care, and In-Home Care/Caregiver Services

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November is National Home Care and Hospice Month. Home Care Solutions joins thousands of home health care and hospice agencies across America to honor the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists and social workers who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve.

Since November is National Home Care and Hospice Month, we thought we would touch on the differences that exist between types of care.

 

Home Health Care-Home health care is compassionate health care services delivered in the comfort of your own home. Nurses, and other medical professionals visit the patient in the home to help treat an illness, injury or chronic condition.  Home health care services provide a wide range of medical services, including medication assistance, nursing services, and physical therapy. The goal is help the patient get better, regain their independence, and become as self-sufficient as possible.

Hospice Care-Hospice offers special services to improve the quality of life for persons with a life limiting illness by controlling the symptoms of the illness and restoring dignity for the person until death. A team of professionals work collaboratively with the patient and family to meet physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. They provide medical and nursing care, pain management, social services, dietary consultation, to the patient, and also counseling, and emotional support to both the patient and the family caregiver.

In-Home Care-In-Home Care services provide professional caregivers that can also be a helpful addition in end-of-life care. Home Care Caregivers are able to stay as long as needed and provide for the everyday needs of a patient such as dressing, bathing, toileting, feeding, and rotating as well as other needed comforts such as companionship. Hospice is not intended for 24 hour care, therefore Hospice and In-Home Care Caregivers work well together as part of the team of professionals caring for someone at the end of life.

Elderly adults who want to stay in their homes as they age, also known as “aging in place”, can do so while receiving assistance, ensuring their safety, health, and happiness, with In-Home caregiver services. As aging adults start to find it hard to accomplish certain everyday tasks like grocery shopping or navigating tasks around their home, Caregiver services are available, and can assist 24 hours a day or as needed.

 

Some caregiving services Include:

  • Personal care
  • Transportation
  • Housekeeping
  • Errands
  • Companionship
  • Home safety & reduced fall risks
  • Medication reminders
  • Grocery shopping
  • Meal preparation
  • Overnight care
  • Dementia support
  • Hobby and special interest facilitation
    (concerts, sports, gardening, etc.)

Home care, home health care and hospice care can be confusing to sort out, if you need help distinguishing which option is best for your loved one, don’t hesitate to contact us at 504-828-0900. Home Care Solutions can connect you with the care your loved one needs.

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