Elderly Home Care Services

Home health care means a mix of skilled and non-skilled nursing or in-home personal care services which allow senior and disabled others to remain independent at home as long as feasible. There are various options available for this type of senior care. Most senior home care agencies offer skilled nursing care by contract through Medicare. Some agencies also offer custodial and non-custodial care services, depending on the situation. They may even provide services for special needs or medically disabled elderly. These are just some of the services that bright star care provides.

A bright star health care program offers many services which are aimed at keeping the elderly at home as much as possible, enhancing their regular health, and preventing falls. A bright star care calculator can help in determining and monitoring various senior care costs. Based on certain inputs, the health and other needs of an elder can be accurately determined. This helps to design an effective senior care plan, which can save money, both for the agency and for the senior. A health and lifestyle examination is often part of the assessment process.

The cost of home health care can vary according to the level of assistance provided and the extent of the assistance required. The cost can also depend on the number of residents in a household and the frequency with which they require nursing home care. Services include adult daycare, assistance with housework, assistance preparing meals and shopping, transportation, housekeeping, and exercising. Some agencies even provide help with exercise and fitness activities, occupational therapy, physical education, and medical and dental care. Some offer only partial assistance.

There are two main types of senior home health care services offered by agencies that contract with communities in which seniors reside. In one type, the agency takes care of the elderly in their own homes. In another type, the agency provides only nursing home care. In this case, the agency will provide meals, baths, assisted living, adult daycare, and transportation. In some cases, the agency may provide home health care services as well.

With home health care services, both the safety of the senior and the convenience of the family are protected. The senior may be sedated with a pain killer, but is not under medication while in the home. Senior home health care services employ licensed practical nurses (LPN) and certified nurse assistants (CNA). Some states require that LPNs and CNAs have background checks, certification from national and state boards, and continuing education training annually.

Licensed practical nurses (LPN) perform basic nursing functions. They assist the senior in walking, moving, bathing, dressing, and bathing. Home health aides and their families also help with bathing, eating, crating, and retrieving items used by the patient. A physical therapist (PT) helps the senior maintain strength, flexibility, and muscle endurance. Speech therapy can also be offered in home health care. The PT will teach the patient how to perform tasks such as grooming, speech therapy, and massage to relieve tension and promote healing.

A benefit of home health care agencies is that the agency develops personal relationships with the seniors and their family. These relationships can lead to improved communication, and greater satisfaction with the services provided. Elder care agencies also take the time to meet with each caregiver, discuss the client's needs and preferences and create an individualized plan of care. These services also allow the caregiver time alone, allowing them to take a break from the daily grind, and even enjoy a nice vacation.

Home health care agencies provide many benefits for the elderly. While many of these agencies focus on the elderly who do not require hospitalization, many provide services to individuals with various types of health conditions. Whether individuals need nursing homes or skilled nursing care, home care agencies are an effective way to ensure that seniors remain in the comfort of their own homes, and receive the personal care they desire.