Those Who Require Home Care Services Will Find That Numerous Options Are Available

| Saturday, December 7, 2013
By Tiffany Gill


It may be somewhat overwhelming when one discovers that he or she must find help for aging parents or other family members. This is because there is a broad range of options available when such services are necessary. These alternatives include long-term care facilities, visiting nurses, or home care services.

In order to choose a suitable option, a person's health history must be taken into consideration. Receiving assistance at home is one alternative for those who were not incapacitated or disabled. This option is frequently selected by those who want their loved one to stay in his or her own dwelling; however, they know that daily help is required.

In most cases, prior to an individual being enrolled in such services, a visiting nurse is called upon to complete a medical evaluation. This helps the agency to determine what kind of assistance the person requires. In certain cases, moderate help is all that is needed, such as assistance with daily chores. In some cases, however, skilled services are required, which must be given by a qualified nurse working under the supervision of a doctor.

The aforementioned visiting nurse will also typically complete a safety evaluation. The objective of this task is to determine whether or not dangerous or unsanitary conditions exist in the dwelling. The individual who conducts this evaluation will also make suggestions regarding the amount of assistance the client needs, and these recommendations will be communicated to the person's family.

Almost every ill or disabled individual prefers to stay in his or her own dwelling, but this is impossible in some cases. When a person can no longer safely live alone, loved ones will quickly find that there is a wide selection of alternatives regarding health care facilities. Assisted-living establishments are one of these options, and make a great choice for those who are not disabled or incapacitated.

Personal care homes are not skilled nursing facilities, and do not typically provide medical help or assessment. Rather, they help residents with their daily living activities. Such assistance may include help with meals, personal hygiene, and transportation to and from doctor's appointments.

Certain older individuals cannot function without skilled nursing assistance. With this point has been reached, the person's family should give thought to a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home. Registered nurses are employed at such establishments, who can regularly assess the health of various residents and assist them with taking any necessary medications. Most establishments of this type are also visited by doctors who offer checkups to disabled or ill individuals.

Prior to making a final decision, it is essential for all family members to talk over each option and determine the one that is most suitable for their loved one. It can be a challenging task to choose the best type of services for a family member, and therefore avoiding hasty decisions is always in one's best interest. Ultimately, those with the goal of remaining independent should consider pursuing home care services.




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