Home Healthcare
Home healthcare is care that you or your loved one gets in the home. Usually, home healthcare begins after discharge from a hospital or medical center, and takes the place of extended care in a nursing or rehab facility.
Keep in mind that companion care and home healthcare are not the same. Companion care includes services that help with daily living like housekeeping, meal preparation, and other chores. Home healthcare focuses on medical needs—such as caring for wounds, providing therapy and giving medicine. It could also include some companion care services, depending on the provider.
How to Choose Home Healthcare
Before deciding on a home healthcare agency or provider, it may be helpful to ask your doctor for advice. You may also want to call local agencies and ask them questions, including:
- How long has the agency been open?
- Does the agency have a current license?
- How much do supervisors oversee the quality of care?
- How are caregivers hired? Trained?
- What type of screening is done for employees?
Additional Resources:
American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation:
www.healthinaging.org
Eldercare Locator: eldercare.acl.gov