UNDERSTANDING HOMECARE
CALIFORNIA OFFICE
TEL: (530) 828 - 6248 (24hrs)
FAX: (916) 419 - 8775
tenderhearts_sac1@sbcglobal.net
www.tenderheartshomecare.com
FLORIDA OFFICE
TEL: (954) 534 - 6513 (24hrs)
(954) 881 - 4418
(954) 971 - 3718 (fax)
tenderhearts_sac1@sbcglobal.net
www.tenderheartshomecare.com
UNDERSTANDING HOMECARE
Quality home care is essential in preserving the quality of life of the elderly or the
sick.
For many, the fear of dying too soon has been replaced by the fear of becoming
disabled through a lengthy though frail life. Becoming unable to walk, move from a
chair to a bed, perform bathroom functions, bathe, dress, and feed oneself is a
matter of immense concern to active adults. Moreover, when we lose these
functions, we want to be cared for. This, coupled with the fact that families are
geographically separated, makes it more difficult for seniors to receive the
traditional support from family members that they have enjoyed in the past.
Consequently, seniors are using more services of home health care than ever
before.
Time and Type of services Available
Understanding the different types of services available for homecare can be
confusing to say the least. The following list is designed to clear up some of the
confusion.
TIME
Hourly: Hourly care can be provided by a companion / homemaker, CNA/HHA, or
LPN. The caregiver can provide care available under their licensure/ certification
as well as companion / homemaker services. A minimum of 5 hours of care is
required. LPN and Bed and Bath visits are also available.
TYPES
Homemaker/Companions/Sitters: A homemaker/companion is a person who cares
for an elderly, handicapped, or convalescent individual or couple and can
accompany them on trips, outings, and appointments, as well as prepare and
serve meals. Companions are available for hourly, shift, or live-in care. Following
are some of the possible services of a companion.
· Companionship & conversation
· Sort and/or read mail
· Arrange appointments
· Assist with walking
· Letter writing and correspondence
· Reading
· Meal planning
· Meal preparation
· Make bed
· Assist with entertainment
· Answer the phone
· Answer the door
· Basic grooming
· Apparel selection assistance
· Care of indoor house plants
· Appointment reminders
· Discuss current & historical events
· Assist in decision making
· Participate in crafts
· Play games/cards
· Sewing assistance
· Monitor diet and eating habits
VISITS
A visit is when the health professional, aide or nurse, comes into a patient's home
or residence and performs certain specific tasks or duties. A visit can last up to an
hour, but is defined, time-wise, by the completion of the required duties. When the
tasks have been performed and completed, the visit is over. Home Health Aide
Visit Example: help the patient undress, help patient bathe or give patient sponge
bath, help patient get dressed and change bed linens.
LIVE-IN
24-hour live-in care can be provided by a companion / homemaker, or CNA/HHA.
The caregiver can provide care available under their licensure as well as
companion / homemaker services.
24 Hour Care: The home health professional will be available to attend to the
patient's needs 24 Hours a Day. A Home health Professional will be able to provide
care 24 hours a day.
