Home Health Care Agencies Offer Varying Care Levels for Client Needs

A person who becomes disabled because of an autoimmune disorder or a serious illness might continue living at home comfortably and safely with the assistance of a home health care agency. The family can feel reassured knowing that a visiting nurse or nurse aide will come over several times a week or even daily.

These agencies provide a variety of services to clients ranging from premature babies to elderly men and women. The senior citizen population is the largest client base for such services. 

Examples of Services

Some individuals have a distinct need for this service and would otherwise have to move to assisted living. Rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, can progress until the person is essentially crippled. Multiple sclerosis can cause weakness and balance problems. A stroke victim might never fully recover and must deal with a certain level of weakness or paralysis.

Cognitive disabilities caused by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia make being alone unsafe for the individual. Even if these men and women live with family, the relatives likely cannot be there all of the time. Home care workers provide discreet supervision and empathetic service.

A patient might be experiencing debilitating symptoms from a terminal illness but not yet qualify for hospice. Congestive heart failure, for example, can cause significant fatigue and weakness. Yet many men and women live a long time with this condition.

Preventing Family Caregiver Burnout

Scheduling home care also allows family caregivers to feel better about taking time for themselves. Doing so prevents caregiver burnout, which is connected to depression and substance abuse. The immediate family member may feel like they must spend every spare minute with the disabled person, but that is not psychologically healthy for the relatives or the one who needs assistance.

Nurse Aide Tasks

In some instances, a nurse aide comes by every day to help the patient with hygiene, to do light housekeeping chores, and to prepare nutritious meals. The person may need assistance in the bathroom. Providing companionship when relatives and friends can't be there is an important part of this service.

Licensed Nurse Duties

Depending on the person's medical needs, a licensed nurse also may visit daily. This can be advisable when a patient requires a large amount of medication and has trouble keeping the schedule organized. Some clients need intravenous medication or injections. 

Concluding Thoughts

With attention from home care workers, people can continue living in their familiar surroundings where they feel most comfortable. This service is a significant advantage for disabled individuals as well as their immediate family members. For reliable, empathetic, and trustworthy help, contact Comfort Keepers Home Health Care.