There comes a point in many adults’ lives when they realize that their elderly parent or other loved one can’t care for themselves like they used to be able to. In order to remain in the comfort of their home, they need assistance. Making a decision about what to do for your loved one is difficult. You want to be certain your loved one receives the care they need without infringing on their independence.
As you start to research your options, you may find yourself confused by the differences between a home caregiver and a home health aide. Is there really one? While a home caregiver and home health care worker do have quite a bit of overlapping responsibilities, there is a key difference between the two professionals.
What are the differences between a home caregiver and a home health aid?
The primary difference between home care services and home health care comes down to medical care. Whether due to a degree in higher education or additional licensure, home health aids can offer seniors medical support. This could be in the form of medication administration, pain relief services, or physical rehabilitation. They also are able to operate medical equipment.
When considering which kind of professional to hire for your elderly loved one determine whether or not they require regular medical help or supervision. If they have a condition that needs to be monitored, a home health aide is the better option for them.
What does an at-home caregiver do?
Home caregivers are not permitted to assist with any medical concerns, but they can support seniors with any other activities of daily living they require assistance with. These services can include:
- Personal care. These tasks refer to any of the activities one must complete to remain healthy and clean. At-home caregivers provide dignified assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, and other grooming needs.
- Medication reminders. While they cannot help with administering medication, caregivers can create a system of medication reminders so that their client knows exactly what medications they need to take and when.
- Meal preparation. For many seniors, conceptualizing a meal, doing the grocery shopping, cooking the meals, and then cleaning up afterward is exhausting. Thankfully, caregivers can take over the meal preparation process from start to finish.
- Light housekeeping and laundry. Cleaning the home is time-consuming and exhausting. Caregivers can manage light housekeeping and laundry so the home is clean and sanitized.
- Errands. Whether due to limited mobility or because they choose not to drive, seniors are often overwhelmed by running errands. Caregivers will take the trip for their client so they can stay comfortable at home.
- Brain games and activities. Keeping mentally sharp is essential to the well-being of seniors everywhere. Caregivers offer aid with brain games and activities that help keep seniors mentally fit.
- Companionship and social interaction. Living at home alone can be lonely. From thoughtful conversation to just acting as a listening ear, caregivers are more than hired professionals. They are companions too.
For seniors who do not require regular medical assistance but do need help to stay at home, a caregiver is a fantastic option.
Superior at-home care in Phoenix, Arizona
If you’ve determined a home caregiver would be the best option for you, we would be happy to help. For 30 years, Home Care Powered by AUAF has served the greater Chicago area, and we are positively thrilled to extend our services to Arizona. Our dedicated staff offers assistance with all the above services as well as dementia care. We even offer private care for those who need it.
To learn more about our home care programs, give us a call at (623) 526-6367. We would love to help your loved one live the happiest, healthiest life possible.
