As seniors age, they may need help at home with daily tasks and medical care. If you and your loved one’s goal is to remain at home as long as possible, it might be time to bring in some help. When you start researching to find the right option for your loved one, however, it can be hard to decide which solution is right, especially when it comes to the difference between caregivers and home health aides.
Both types of caregivers are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who are still able to live at home, but there are a few key differences that can help you make an informed decision.
What is an In-Home Caregiver?
The major point to understand about in-home caregivers is that they do not provide medical care of any kind. They are trained instead to assist with daily tasks like helping with meals, running errands or hygiene routines.
Since in-home caregivers do not provide medical services, they’re a great option for seniors who manage fairly well on their own but need minor additional support. In-home caregivers also help to provide companion home care and consistency for the senior who may not have regular access to friends, family or community.
Services in-home caregivers may provide include:
- Assistance with day-to-day living
- Appointment escort/transportation
- Housekeeping
- Meal preparation
- Companionship and conversation
What is a Home Health Aide?
The key difference between a home health aide vs. an in-home caregiver is that a home health aide is able to provide low-level medical support. This type of care is ideal for the senior who needs assistance with daily tasks plus help with things like taking medicine or monitoring blood pressure.
Home health aides are a great option for the senior who doesn’t need the comprehensive medical care of a home health nurse but could benefit from day-to-day medical-based activities.
Home health aides provide everything an in-home caregiver provides, plus support with the following:
- Medication monitoring and reminders
- Taking temperature
- Checking pulse and respiration rates
- Helping with walking aids or artificial limbs
- Bathing and toileting
Both in-home caregivers and home health aides can be a valuable resource in a senior’s overall care. These in-home helpers alleviate some of the side-effects of aging and help seniors to continue to feel the comfort of home.
When these caregivers support your loved one, it can also add a layer of protection and safety. Both of these vital team members are trained to note a senior’s overall wellbeing and notice when there are outward changes in health, attitude, eating habits or other signs of aging.
If you’re still not sure which caregiver is right for your loved one, talk to them, their healthcare provider and their social worker. When you use a team approach, you will be able to determine which option will be the best solution for your loved one’s current needs.
Senior Home Health Aides & Companions in Akron, Ohio
Our goal is to help seniors enjoy living at home for longer. My Family Home Health Care in Akron, Ohio offers a variety of in-home skilled nursing services and other home health care options. Let My Family take care of your family. Contact us today for a home health care assessment.