Many Options Are Available For Those In Need Of Home Care Services

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.

A person's health history will play a large role in determining which type of assistance is the most suitable choice. Many individuals who are not incapacitated or disabled can receive help in their own dwelling. This option is frequently selected by those who want their family member to remain at home, but at the same time realize that the person must have assistance on a daily basis.

In most cases, prior to an individual being enrolled in services of this type, a medical evaluation is completed by a visiting nurse in order to pinpoint the exact type of services that are necessary. In some instances, only basic help is needed. However, in other cases, skilled services are required, which must be performed by an experienced nursing professional working under the direction of a doctor or other licensed healthcare practitioner.

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.

It is essential for an ill or disabled individual's family members to talk over each alternative prior to making a final choice about the best course of action for the aforementioned person. It can be a challenging task to determine which type of care is most appropriate, and therefore hasty decisions should be avoided. Ultimately, those who wish to live independently for as long as possible should pursue quality home care services.




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