Does Your Family Need An In-Home Caregiver or Home Health Aide in Springfield Missouri

The time may come when your loved one can no longer live alone without assistance. In many cases, help isn't needed around the clock and families begin researching in-home caregivers and home health aides in Springfield Missouri. Many people don't realize that these two professions take on different tasks. Understanding the role of a caregiver and that of a home health aide makes it easier to determine which person will be of most benefit. This ensures that the individual receives the appropriate care at all times. The key difference between the two is the home health aide provides medical care while a caregiver provides non-clinical support.

In-Home Caregivers

Home care aides and in-home caregivers take on the same duties. They work to assist the senior with daily living tasks and provide the individual with companionship. As they do not take on any medical care, they are known as non-clinical workers. What types of duties will the caregiver take on?

This depends on the needs of the client and their family. A caregiver may be asked to assist the senior with basic housekeeping, meal preparation, and grooming tasks. Our caregivers often provide transportation to and from doctor appointments, salon visits, activities out with friends, and more. Furthermore, our caregiver is there to ensure your senior does not become isolated from society, as this can be an issue as people get older. Finding it more difficult to get around easily may cause your senior to stay at home without much human interaction. Our caregivers ensure that this vital interaction occurs.

Home Health Aides

Unlike in-home caregivers, home health aides are trained to provide medical support. The aide may be trained as a physical therapist, a registered nurse, or an occupational therapist or may play another role in the medical industry. Often, a doctor prescribes the home health aide when a person leaves the hospital and needs follow-up care.

A home health aide has the medical training needed to conduct medical tests, provide injections and other medications, and monitor the health status of the patient. They may also care for wounds, help the client control their pain, or manage any prescription medications that must be taken.

Individuals who have been recently released from the hospital benefit from this type of care, yet it may be used in other situations also. For example, a person who has witnessed a decrease in their mobility or another area of functioning may turn to a home health aide to help them become independent once again. Medication changes may also lead to a home health aide being prescribed, as the aide works to ensure any side effects are properly managed and the patient is receiving the expected benefits from the new medications.

Families need to understand when a loved one will benefit from the companionship of an in-home caregiver and when a home health aide will be required. However, both types of aid may be needed, and caregivers and home health aides often work together to ensure the individual has everything they need. Contact us today to learn more, as we want to ensure every senior remains independent as long as possible while having a full and happy life.