Welcome to your guide on understanding home care services! As our population ages and people want to remain independent in their own homes, home care has become an increasingly popular option.
From companionship services that encourage social interaction and emotional support to skilled nursing care that addresses medical needs with expertise, it is essential to examine the different types of home care services before making a decision.
Whether you are searching for home care service options for yourself or seeking guidance for a family member, this blog will explain the different types of home care services, the services provided, the benefits, and how to choose the right home care provider by exploring a diverse range of home care options that fulfill specific needs and requirements.
Table of Contents
What Is Home Care?
Home care, also known as home healthcare or in-home care, refers to the provision of medical, therapeutic, and non-medical services in a person’s home to aid in recovery, rehabilitation, or independent living. These home care services help seniors, adults with disabilities, those recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, or patients being discharged from a hospital or rehab facility.
Home care allows people to receive skilled nursing, therapy, and support services from licensed professionals in the comfort of their own homes, especially when they are unable to access care outside the home. This is often a preferred alternative to nursing homes or facilities. Home care extends beyond just physical assistance as it also takes care of the psychological and emotional well-being of the clients.
Types of Home Care Services
Before diving into the types of home care services let’s take a look at the proportions of Medical Vs. Non-Medical Home Care Services
Source : Medical and Non-Medical
1. Medical Home Care
Medical home care, including homecare in calgary, involves skilled medical services provided at home, often prescribed by a physician. This type of care is typically covered by Medicare and Medicaid. It includes
- Home health aides who assist with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, cooking, etc). This ensures the recipient can maintain a sense of independence and dignity while they continue residing in their own home.
- Physical therapy (PT) is a specialized part of medical home care. It helps to improve mobility, balance, and manage pain.
- Occupational therapy (OT) to help relearn daily living skills and routines.
- Speech-language pathology to help communication and swallowing disorders.
- Wound care for dressing changes and managing wounds or post-surgical incisions.
- Medical social work to provide counseling and connect patients with community resources.
Here’s a comparison of the utilization of different Medical home care services:
2. Non-Medical Home Care
Non-medical home care provides personal care, homemaker, and companionship services without any medical component. This type of care is not typically covered by insurance plans. It includes
- Homemaker services like meal preparation, medication reminders, and light housekeeping.
- Transportation to and from medical appointments and errands.
- Companionship care to reduce isolation through conversation, activities, games, etc.
- Personal care with activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Respite care provides caregivers with temporary relief.
Medical Home Care vs. Non-Medical Home Care:
To give you even more depth about the difference between Medical vs Non-Medical home care services here’s a table:
| Category | Medical Home Care | Non-Medical Home Care |
| Services | The services provided by medical home care are skilled nursing, therapy, and aide. | The services provided by non-medical home care are homemaker, companionship, and personal care. |
| Cost | Per day – $150-$200 | Per hour – $20-$25 |
| Duration | Short-term care – average 30 days | Long-term custodial care – no limits |
| Payment Methods | Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance | Private pay, long-term care insurance |
Benefits of Home Care
Let’s look at these main advantages of utilizing home care services in detail and before that here’s a visual representation of important reasons why people choose home care services:
1. Remain independent in a familiar environment – Staying at home provides comfort and familiarity, which can speed up recovery. The ability to still do the things you love in your own space is emotionally beneficial.
2. Recover faster when surrounded by family and pets – Studies show that the presence of family members and pets can improve outcomes. Home care allows your loved ones to participate in your care.
3. Avoid stress and risks of relocation – Moving to a facility can be emotionally and physically taxing. Opting for care at home avoids this stress and potential health complications. This also facilitates family members to play a more active role in taking care of their loved ones.
4. Reduce the risk of infections – Hospitals and facilities have more exposure to infections. Recovering at home limits these risks of contracting illnesses.
5. Lower cost alternative to nursing facilities – Long-term care facilities can be very expensive. Home care is often a more affordable option, even without insurance.
6. Receive focused, one-on-one care and attention – With home care, care plans are customized just for you versus trying to accommodate many patients.
7. Flexibility to customize services to meet specific needs – The right provider will tailor a care plan for your unique situation, preferences, and goals.
8. Care for chronic conditions from the comfort of home – Those with chronic illnesses can access medical services without leaving home.
9. Peace of mind for family – Knowing their loved one is safe and cared for at home gives family members comfort and reassurance.
10. Promotes engagement and activity – Boredom and inactivity can slow recovery. Home care encourages mobility and engagement.
11. Maintenance of strength and function – Home exercise programs and activities help maintain or improve physical abilities.
12. Medication management – Providers manage medications and ensure proper taking of prescription drugs.
Home care gives specialized medical and non-medical services while allowing people to age comfortably at home. For many families, it is the preferred choice.
How to Choose a Home Care Provider
The home care industry has many home healthcare providers to consider. Choosing the right home care provider takes research but is essential to finding quality and reliable care. Take your time evaluating options before deciding on the best fit. Here are some tips on choosing the right agency for your needs:
1. Do Your Research
Ask for recommendations from friends, doctors, and discharge planners. Also, review online ratings and reviews. If you are located in the Calgary area, a great option to consider is Home Care Calgary. This well established agency has been providing compassionate, professional home care services to Calgary residents for over 10 years.
2. Compare Services
Create a list of must-have services and prioritize your needs. This approach helps you to make well-informed decisions and ensure that the selected services are specifically tailored to meet your expectations.
3. Look for Licensed Providers
Agencies should be licensed according to your state’s regulations. This ensures that your providers meet standards, are compliant, reliable, and provide safe services to their clients.
4. Consider Accreditations
Accredited agencies have met industry standards for quality of care. Accreditations are a testament to dedication and professionalism, assuring clients of their dedication and proficiency to provide excellent care.
5. Check Backgrounds
Agencies should thoroughly screen and train employees. Ask about the hiring process to gain insight into how they select and train their employees to know the safety and efficiency of the home care provider’s service.
6. Communication
Make sure you connect well with the agency’s representatives and care team. This aids in a better understanding of expectations, goals, and responsibilities and promotes an integrated and supportive environment.
7. Schedule a Consultation
Many agencies provide free in-home assessments specifically designed to analyze and understand individual needs and requirements.
8. Compare Costs
Get detailed price quotes in writing from multiple agencies. Most accept private pay and long-term care insurance. This approach helps you ensure that you have documented and accurate information to evaluate and compare the expenses associated with the services you received.
Final Thoughts
We hope this overview on the types of home care services and how to select a provider were helpful as you explore options to receive care in your own home. Home care allows people requiring assistance to age gracefully and safely at home when skilled nursing facilities or hospitals may not be necessary. With many service options available from reputable providers, finding affordable, professional home care for elderly or disabled family members is very possible.
If you are considering home care services, the next step is to talk to a representative from a home care provider in your area to evaluate your specific needs. We are here to help you or your loved one regain independence at home through our comprehensive care services.
