There are many services that work within the homes of aging individuals. Two of the most common are home health care and private duty care. Sometimes, these two are confused, after all, there are many moving pieces and parts to successful aging.
Home Health Care
Home health care is a skilled set of services provided to you or a loved one from the comfort of your own home. Home Health care is provided to you via Medicare Part A. Care is provided to homebound patients who are recovering from illness, injury or surgery. Home health care includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and skilled nursing care.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most common prescriptions as it relates to home health care. In this case physical therapy is utilized to help homebound patients regain their strength to normal levels.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is typically prescribed alongside physical therapy. Your physical and occupational therapists will work alongside one another to ensure you are meeting both sets of goals. Occupational therapists are trained to help individuals perform everyday tasks after a life changing event.
Skilled Nursing Care
Skilled nursing care will be utilized to oversee your health journey. The nurse will provide services such as wound care, patient and caregiver education, medication management, as well as medical oversight and communication with your physician.
Private Duty Care
Private duty care is caregiver or companion care provided in a private home or residence. Caregivers carry out duties within the home setting in order to ease the daily tasks of those in need. This type of service is often called into the home during a transition period from the hospital or when an individual chooses to age in place.
The individuals providing the care, often called caregivers, are typically home health aides or certified nursing assistants. Therefore, they have the ability to help with many non-medical tasks.
How Do They Work Together?
Home health care and private duty can work together by supplementing services in order to help the patient. Private duty will aid with everyday household activities while the recovery process continues with the home health care professionals. Caregivers often provide assistance with the activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toileting, eating and transferring. They may also complete light house work and meal preparation. All of which would be especially challenging after recovering from illness or injury.
Many home health care agencies will have established relationships with private duty care agencies should the need come about. If not, we’ve curated a list of both. Use the links below to find the provider that’s right for you!
