A personal care attendant and a professional that provides home health care are two distinct professionals although both provide care in a home environment. Many people are not aware of the differences between the two, and they commonly use the words interchangeably. However, the major difference is that an in home personal care attendant provides non clinical care, and a home health care professional provides clinical care.
Home Health Care
As previously mentioned, this is clinical care that may be provided by several medical professionals including physical therapists, registered nurses and other skilled and licensed medical professionals. It is often prescribed by physicians as part of a continued care plan after the patient has been discharged from the hospital.
The services that are included with this type of care include:
• Medical tests
• Medication administration
• Wound care
• Therapy
• Frequent monitoring of health condition
• Skilled nursing services
Home health care is generally prescribed after a patient has been discharged from a rehabilitation center, hospital or a nursing facility. The main objective for home health care at this stage is to help the senior regain their independence.
Another situation that may warrant home health care is when a senior has had a change in their medication. They are monitored for any potential side effects and/or the medication is effective.
Home Care Provided by a Personal Care Attendant
Home care is non clinical care that is provided by a personal care attendant or a home care aide. These professionals are trained to effectively handle the nuances associated with senior care. These caregivers can assist seniors with daily activities, or they can be hired just to provide the senior with companionship.
You may want to consider hiring this professional personal care attendant to assist your loved one in the home if your elderly loved one does not drive, if they need assistance with meal preparation or they live alone and need companionship.
Other services may include:
• Housecleaning
• Medication reminders
• Assistance with paying bills
• Personal care assistance (bathing, grooming, dressing)
Hiring a personal care attendant and a home health care professional in tandem can often help seniors recover faster.
For example, it is ideal for a senior who is recovering after being hospitalized and requires additional therapy and housekeeping assistance. The home health care professionals will address the clinical needs, and the PCA will assist with personal care needs.
Find out more about our home care and home health care services by contacting our office and speaking with one of our friendly representatives.