Methods of Home Care

If an individual requires assistance, options exist besides institutionalizing. Home assistance is a viable alternative, so a person does not have to leave the comfort of home. Many levels of assistance are available, from simple companionship to advanced medical care. A "one-size-fits-all" approach should never be taken, but rather each individual's level of care has to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Non-Medical Assistance

• The lowest level level of home care is from a non-medical assistant. These assistants are more like housekeepers, doing household chores and running errands. They also provide companionship and social interaction. This assistant is ideal for an individual with no medical concerns who can perform activities such as walking around or eating unassisted. As a rule of thumb, non-medical assistants are not authorized to do semi-medical procedures, such as bathing or providing mobility assistance.

Nursing Assistants

• If an individual requires more advanced care, a nursing assistant is usually employed. These assistants have various titles, such as Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNA) or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA). Nursing assistants are usually licensed by the state, and belong to various associations, such as, for example, the Home Care Association of New Hampshire. They are authorized to do semi-medical procedures, such as bathing, providing personal hygiene assistance or taking vital signs. They must also know CPR, and what to do in an emergency.

Skilled Nursing Home Care

• If an individual has more advanced medical concerns, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN) is usually employed. These assistants are licensed by the state to perform advanced medical procedures, such as catheter insertion or starting IV fluids. LPNs and RNs usually belong to various medical associations, such as the American Nurses Association. A person who requires skilled nursing care will have a home fitted with the correct medical equipment, such as lifting beds or patient transferring hoists.

Time of Service

• Time of service is important when considering the method of care. If the individual just needs assistance while family members are at work, set hours are appropriate. If an individual requires assistance 24 hours per day, various shifts of workers are contracted. Each individual is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the method of care and the time of service is matched according to the circumstances.