Comparing Non-Medical and Home Health Care in Springfield Missouri
Seniors often find they need help with daily living activities as opposed to medical care. With this assistance, they can stay in their home for a longer period of time. Families looking to obtain this type of care for their loved one often turn to Visiting Angels. We provide this care to our clients every day and would love to meet with your family to determine if we are the right fit.
Home health care differs from non-medical care in a variety of ways. Home health care is provided by trained medical professionals who have obtained a license in their field. In contrast, in-home caregivers provide basic assistance, such as help with grooming tasks or light housekeeping.
Home Health Care
Home health care is of benefit to individuals who require regular medical care. Physicians may refer their patients to a home health care provider, a licensed vocational nurse or a home health aide. Services provided can include:
- Educating patients on how to manage their disease
- Care for wounds
- Rehabilitation following a surgical procedure, occupational and/or speech therapy and mobility training
- Planning for the discharge of a patient
- Investigations and reporting of abuse
- Counseling following the death of a loved one
- Infusions and injections
- Care of a ventilator and/or tracheotomy
- Diabetes management
- Medication administration
- Skilled assessments
-Durable medical equipment needs
Non-Medical Care in the Home
Licensed providers such as Visiting Angels offer non-medical care in the home to allow seniors to remain independent if possible. Tasks taken on by our in-home caregivers include help with daily hygiene, companionship, transportation and light housekeeping duties. Families may request assistance for their loved one with:
-Daily activities such as feeding and getting dressed
-Help with errands, the preparation of meals, laundry, reminders to take medication and laundry
-Respite care
-Companionship
Which to Choose?
Home health care is best for those who are frail, but don't wish to move to a new residence and those who have health care requirements that aren't expected to last for a long time. Individuals who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and want to remain in their home often turn to a home health care agency, and the same is true of those who have recently been discharged from a facility and need additional care to fully regain their independence.
Non-medical care is of benefit to numerous individuals. Adults looking to maintain their independence, however, remain the most frequent clients. Our caregivers help with daily tasks while providing companionship. This is a valuable option every family should consider for their loved one.
Families need to recognize their loved one may benefit from both types of care. This depends on the individual and their needs at any given time. The major difference between the two is that home health care providers typically only work with clients for a short period of time. On the other hand, non-medical caregivers can stay with their clients for the long term, developing a relationship that is built on trust and respect. To learn more, please contact Visiting Angels. We’ll help you decide which option is right for your loved one.