Home health care is the daily assistance provided by skilled nurses or caregiving staff. The patient receives valuable care from the safety and comfort of their home. In-home care is provided to the elderly and people with chronic health issues, disabilities, or special needs. Patients recovering from surgeries and medical setbacks also need short-term and long-term care at home.
People in need of assistance in day-to-day tasks need to understand the different types of home health care services. Knowing the variety of services available to the patient will help them choose the right one depending on their needs.
Types of Home Health Care Services
Families opt for in-home care to ensure their loved ones receive the best possible care. Some seniors require assistance from an Atlanta home health care professional while others need a personal assistant for household chores and other basic needs.
Here are some types of home healthcare services to choose from
At-Home Doctor Care
Patients with chronic diseases often require a higher level of medical care. Therefore, these types of services offer frequent visits by a certified physician to review and monitor the patient’s condition. Licensed physicians make regular calls to check up on the patient and confirm if an appointment is needed for the diagnosis or treatment.
Family members can contact the physician to inform them about the patient’s health. This is a great way to make sure that the patient is in receipt of specialized care.
Skilled Nursing Care
This is the most common in-home health care service provided by registered nurses and their assistants. As per the instructions of the physicians, caregivers follow the treatment plan for the patient in need of care. These services include
- Wound care
- IV therapy
- Managing and administering medications
- Monitoring the health condition
- Other kinds of services specific to the patient’s condition
Medical Therapy
Following an injury or illness, patients often have to relearn certain daily duties. For this purpose, physicians often recommend therapy to regain their lost ability. These services include
- Physical Therapy – A trained physical therapist provides at-home therapy sessions to the patient to improve their endurance, mobility, and strength.
- Occupational Therapy – Family members unaware of the specialized care needed by the patients can benefit from an occupational therapist. These professionals will help you identify safety hazards and provide adaptive equipment.
- Speech Therapy – In-home care provided by a speech therapist will improve speaking capabilities, swallowing, and cognitive deficiencies.
Non- Medical Care
Personal helpers assist the elderly and patients with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, bathing, grooming, dressing, laundry, and grocery shopping. Personal care professionals do not have specialized medical training and can only assist with basic tasks.
Companionship Care
Many patients do not like spending time alone, therefore, acquire companionship services. They perform light household duties and listen to what the senior or patient has to say.
Dietary Care
At-home dietary care is for patients with specific dietary limitations. The dietician will ensure that the patient gets all the required nutrients by modifying their diet.