Home Care Services Guide

If your loved one is dealing with a chronic illness, facing the more difficult challenges of growing older or needs a little extra attention, you may be asking yourself, “What is home health care and could it be right for my family?”

Many families come to realize that in-home care services are just what their loved one needs in order to experience the quality of life they deserve. Yet it can be difficult to determine if (and when) you need in-home help and what type of home health care services will be most beneficial. The resources provided here will help you get started.

Some people are surprised to learn that home care services aren’t just for elderly care – they can include child care for those with special needs, young adults that need physical or occupational therapy, and just about anyone who needs support at home. In-home care…

• supports independent living
• prioritizes safety
• can be less expensive than other care options
• provides one-on-one attention
• lets loved ones remain in their familiar environment
• offers family support

What Are the Different Types of Home Care?

There are three general categories of at-home care, as well as specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care that meets the unique needs of those with memory loss, personality change and confusion. In addition to the main care category descriptions below, we’ve included a chart so you can easily compare them.

Companion Care helps meet the social, mental and emotional needs of individuals, while also keeping an eye out for their safety. Companionship services includes meal prep, light housekeeping, activities like puzzles or writing letters, transportation to and from medical appointments, general assistance in the home, medication reminders and providing a family member with respite (a break from caregiving).

Personal Care provides some of the same services, along with support for activities of daily living (ADLs). Common personal care services include assistance with bathing, toileting, grooming, eating and dressing, as well as care needed before or after surgery.

Skilled Care services, also called Home Health Care services,* are provided by a nurse who addresses certain medical needs a child or adult may have. Wound care, blood draws, medication administration, intravenous drug therapy (including infusions like chemotherapy), G-tube and other feedings, assistance with medical equipment (ventilators) and other interventions fall under this category.

Individuals with chronic conditions or those who are home-bound may be able to receive treatments from a trained nurse or physical therapist instead of going into a facility for care. In fact, there is a growing number of services you may be able to receive at home, rather than going to a physician’s office, lab or hospital.

The best way to meet your loved one’s needs is with a personalized plan that adapts to their evolving health changes. Although some agencies have offerings in just one or two of the categories below, others (like BrightStar Care®) provide services across a continuum of care.