Home care and agency care are two distinct types of care which are both provided in a home setting. In fact, most people are not aware of the difference between these two terms and use them interchangeably. The key difference between the two services is, home care is non-clinical care while agency care is clinical. That’s why it is important for a homeowner to be aware of the differences between these two services when faced with a situation to find the right personal health care for his/her elderly family member. This article provides information on home care vs. agency care.
You might find it challenging to find the right home care aide when you are faced with a difficult and emotionally trying situation. When you know the difference between these professions, you can easily pick the right professional to care for your loved one. Agency care is a clinical service provided by a registered nurse, physical therapist, skilled medical professional, or an occupational therapist. The major services provided by such a professional include therapy and skilled nursing services, monitoring the health status of your loved one, medical tests, wound care and administering medications including injections. There are certain situations where agency care is essential. Some of these situations include:
- When a senior has had a medication change. He/she will require the services of an agency care specialist to monitor the side effects of the new medication and report if it is effective.
- Soon after an in-patient hospitalization or rehabilitation. The senior will require the services of an agency care specialist to help him/her transition back to independence.
- When a senior finds that he/she cannot function independently. They may need to regain independence through the process of learning new skills and compensating for their deficit.
Since agency care is considered medical care, it is covered by medical insurance most of the time. In fact, both Medicare and Medicaid cover the process. Medicare covers the process when it is prescribed by a physician. On the other hand, Medicaid covers the process for qualified individuals. Private Pay is possible when agency care is not prescribed but a senior desire it.
Home Care –
Home care is a non-clinical service provided by caregivers who are known as home care aides. These professional are well-trained to understand the nuances of senior care. They will help adults and seniors with activities relating to their day to day living. They also offer friendly companionships for seniors who require such services. Hence, home care is classified as a type of personal care which is non-clinical or unskilled. Home care is usually needed when an adult needs assistance to perform day to day tasks such as grooming and meal preparation.
On the other hand, if your senior doesn’t drive and require assistance in transportation, a home care aide is the best option for him or her. If your senior is living alone and needs some kind of companionship, then again, a home care aide comes in handy. Private Pay is the best method of payments to home care aides. There are also other means of payments such as long-term care insurance and Medicaid (only for qualified low-income seniors). Some of the major services offered by a professional home care company include meal preparations, transportation, grooming, help with paying bills, reminders to take medications, companionship, grooming assistance, house cleaning, and any other non-clinical service required by a senior citizen.
Finding the right home care or agency care service on the market is not an easy task with hundreds of such services operating out there. That’s where your extensive research and patience are essential. You should not be in a hurry to pick the best care service without doing the necessary homework on the company. The reputation, experience, qualifications, customer testimonials, and a host of other factors need to be taken into consideration when picking the right home care/agency care on the market. The Internet facilitates your search with a list of providers operating in your area. You can easily find a reliable senior care company by searching Google.
The aforementioned article provides information on home care vs. agency care. It facilitates your decision when choosing the right service for your loved one.
