When you hear Home Care, you may think about an elderly person needing assistance at home. Although this is true and one of the most common reasons that a home care agency is utilized, there are other types of home care available to assist anyone in need, regardless of age or type of condition, including home-based nursing. Home Care is a broad term that includes professional and paraprofessional supportive care services. This care is beneficial to allow someone to stay in the comfort of their own home and may prevent extended hospital stays or the need to move in with a family member or move to an assisted living facility. Home Care and Home-Based Nursing can provide temporary or ongoing care. 

Home Care

Non-clinical care that is often provided by a Home Health Aide, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Services that are provided are based on the individual needs of the person receiving care and include socialization, companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation, errands, pet care, help with walking and transferring, and assistance with hygiene, bathing, and toileting. 

Some of the most common reasons that someone would benefit from Home Care may include:

• Feeling lonely or isolated
• Falling behind on household chores
• Finding it challenging to prepare meals
• Struggling with medications
• Difficulty with walking 
• Fear of falling or had a recent fall
• Changes in memory 
• Needs assistance with bathing or toileting
• Difficulty with driving
• Frequent illness or hospitalizations
• Safety and Supervision
• Provide a break for a family member or loved one
• End of Life Care

Home-Based Nursing, also known as Private Duty Nursing

Skilled Care that is ordered by a healthcare professional with prescribing authority, such as a Medical Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. Nursing care may include but not limited to: Disease Education, Chronic Illness Management, Medication Administration including Nebulizer, IV Therapy, IM injections, PICC Line Dressing Care, Specimen collection such as Blood or Urine, Foley Catheter Care including insertion and removal, Wound Care, Home Safety Assessment, Coordination with healthcare professionals and community resources. 

Some of the most common reasons that someone would benefit from Home-Based Nursing include:

• Chronic Illness Management
• Medication Management including Filling Medication Pill Box and/or Medication Administration
• Collection of Lab Specimens 
• Wound Care
• Ostomy/Urostomy Care
• Foley Catheter Care

Some of the most common diagnosis that would benefit from Home Care and/or Home-Based Nursing include but are not limited to:

• Alzheimer’s/ Dementia
• Diabetes
• COPD/Pneumonia 
• Congestive Heart Failure
• History of Stroke
• Paralysis
• Amputation
• Injury from Fall or Accident
• Multiple Sclerosis
• UTI and other types of Infection
• Bowel and Bladder Incontinence
• Ostomy or Catheter Use
• Terminal Illness

It is important to mention that Short Term or Temporary In-Home Care and/or Home-Based Nursing can also be beneficial for adults of any age for a wide variety of reasons, such as:

• Post-Hospitalization or Rehabilitation Stay
• Inpatient Surgery
• Outpatient Surgery
• Injury/ Accident
• Dental Procedures
• Cosmetic Procedures
• Eye Surgery or Procedures
• Acute Illnesses 

Navigating through the process of finding the right type of home care can be challenging and overwhelming. Home Care and Home-Based Nursing Care are both available at HOME CARE, RECHARGED.  

Our team of Home Care Specialists are always available to discuss what in-home care solution may be right for you or your loved one. Call now to speak to one of our Home Care Specialists: (352)565-7155.