Does Our Family Need Senior Care or Home Health Care in Springfield Missouri?

While many people use the terms senior care and home health care interchangeably, these two types of care are actually quite different. Home care and home health care in Springfield Missouri are both offered in the home setting, but clinical care is the key difference. In this guide, families can learn more about the differences between senior care and home health care.

What Is Home Health Care?

Home health care is clinical care offered by occupational therapists, registered nurses, physical therapists, and other medical professionals. In many cases, it is included in a senior's care plan after a hospitalization. Services may include:
• Skilled nursing and therapy services
• Administration of injections and oral medications
• Medical testing
• Monitoring of the patient’s health status
• Wound care

When Home Health Care is Used

Home health care services are recommended in certain situations. After a patient is in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or inpatient rehab center, home health care services can help them regain some independence. When seniors change their medication and need someone to monitor side effects, or when they experience an overall functional decline, a home health aide can help them become more self-sufficient or learn how to compensate for a deficit.

In-Home Care

Home care is typically provided by trained caregivers or in-home aides who have an in-depth understanding of seniors' needs. Home caregivers, such as those from Visiting Angels, can provide valuable companionship and activities of daily living. Unlike home healthcare, home care is considered companion care or personal care, thereby being non-medical.

When Home Care is Used

Families often consider hiring an in-home aide for an older adult who:
• Needs help with activities such as meal prep and grooming
• Does not drive and needs transportation to medical appointments, errands, and social events
• Lives alone and may be at risk of social isolation

Services Provided by In-Home Caregivers

Visiting Angels' caregivers provide many different services including:
• Meal prep and cooking
• Housekeeping
• Help with bathing, grooming, and dressing
• Transportation
• Medication reminders
• Help with banking and bill paying

A Combination of Services

In-home and home health services are often used in combination. Many families have discovered that using both types of services is the best way to help a senior relative recover after a serious illness or hospitalization. While home health aides address the patient's rehabilitative and clinical needs, an in-home caregiver helps them with personal care and household tasks. By understanding the differences between these two types of services, families can help their loved ones get the care they need.