Here is a true, yet common story:
A woman's loved one was diagnosed with an untreatable stage 4 cancer. The doctors said it was time to explore hospice options. She started looking for a hospice referral and a ‘home health’ referral. As she described her needs for ‘home health’, she described needing someone to be with him during the day, make sure he doesn’t fall, fix his meals, and take care of basic needs. It was explained to her that hospice will take care of his medical needs, while home care rather than home health will take care of his activities of daily living, or ADL's.
A common mistake when describing needs is to say you need home health rather than home care. They are not one in the same. As described in last week's blog, home health takes care of prescribed medical needs such as physical therapy and wound care. In addition, medical insurance usually covers home health. Home care meets non-medical needs and assists with ADL's . Non-medial professionals, or caregivers, provide home care services. Some caregivers have completed course work and an exam that allows them to be a state certified nursing assistant, or CNA .
The two types of home care are personal and companion. Personal care covers hands on assistance with ADL's such as dressing, bathing, and grooming. It also includes transfers such as helping someone in and out of a chair, or in and out of bed. Companion care includes cooking, light housekeeping, and running errands.
Home care is a key component on your CAREjourney. If you are caring for a loved one, hiring a caregiver can eliminate stress and give you more time during your day. In addition, a caregiver can improve the quality of life for the person needing care.
Your CAREjourney Guides,
Staci Witten & Liz Applegate
Friday the 19th, 2010 at 9 a.m.
