Home Health Nurse Vs Home Health Aide: Do You Really Know The Difference?
Posted on: 5 January 2015
People often assume that home health nurses and home health aides from companies like First In Care Home Health Agency Inc are one in the same. However, while both of these professionals can provide elderly care inside the comfort of your home, the role that each of these professionals play can be quite different. Understanding these differences is key to ensuring that your elderly loved ones get the type of care that is best for their specific needs.
Recognizing The Similarities Between These Professions
There are several services that both a home nurse and a home health aide have in common. These services include assistance with:
- bathing
- dressing
- wound care
- moving from one location to another within your home
Identifying The Differences Between These Professions
There are also many differences in the services that a nurse and a home aide are able to provide. For example, a home health aide will offer services such as:
- companionship
- assistance with daily errands (shopping, banking, etc.)
- basic cooking tasks
- providing medication reminders
A home health nurse on the other hand, will offer more medically relevant services, such as:
- assistance with completing physical therapy exercises
- administering medications
- assistance with adjusting to new physical limitations
- coordinating with your primary doctor to develop and execute a long term care plan
Determining Which Services Are Right For Your Loved Ones
In order to determine which of these professionals is best suited for the needs of your elderly loved ones, you will need to first assess your loved ones medical condition. If your loved one simply requires assistance with a few basic daily tasks, the services of a home health aide will be sufficient. However, if your loved one is dealing with chronic medical problems or is recovering from a recent surgery or illness, the services of a home health nurse will be a better fit for their needs.
You may also wish to consider your ability to pay for these services when determining which option is best suited to your needs and the needs of your loved ones. This is because while some insurance companies will not cover the cost of a home health aide, most insurance companies will cover the cost of a home nurse if your loved one's physician determines these home care services to be medically necessary. If you will require insurance coverage in order to pay for your loved one's home care services, opting for the services of a home care nurse can help to ensure you receive the coverage that you need.
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