Do you need a nurse along with your home health care? One thing that can confuse people about home healthcare is what kind of care comes along with it. Not everyone needs a nurse, but some do. You may not realize if you need professional care over general care.
Do You Need General Care?
General care is any kind of care that doesn't require a nurse.
General caregivers / Personal care aides – These are the people who can help you with day-to-day living. They can prepare meals, and do your shopping. They can perform housekeeping duties and errands for you. These general caregivers can do a lot for you, but they don't necessarily need a medical background. That's why they can only offer you general help.
Home health aides – The home health aide can do all of what a general caregiver does, but they have actual training. In most places, the HHA title implies some school or other state training, and maybe certifications as well. This training allows them to not just help you with the day-to-day things, but also with recognizing potential health issues.
They will know what's going on and how to deal with any health emergencies. HHAs are also more likely to have thorough background checks. If they are a part of an organization or agency, they may also have very up-to-date training.
Do You Need Skilled Care?
If you need any actual medical care, then you have to go beyond general care and into skilled care.
Licensed vocational / practical nurses – LVNs and LPNs can help you if you need actual medical attention along with your home care. They can do things like treat wounds, administer medication, give you needed injections, and check vital signs. These services vary from place to place, and occasionally, help from an LVN isn't fully considered skilled care unless an RN supervises it.
Registered nurses – A registered nurse can provide a full suite of medical for you. He or she can also supervise care, which instantly turns it into "skilled care." The RN can also plan your care, and then let a LVN, LPN, or nursing assistant carry out the day-to-day duties. The RN not only provides care, but can educate others around you on how to properly administer care on your behalf.
What Do You Need?
You have to consider what kind of in home care will work best for you. Sometimes, an HHA can give you all the care you need and then some. Depending on the qualifications of the caregiving service, an HHA may even be able to offer you some of the services that you may think only a nurse can.
Speak to the potential caregiving service like Accu-Care Nursing Service Inc frankly about your needs. It's possible they can find a suitable caregiver that can help you with all of them.
Share3 June 2015
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