What Type of In-Home Caregiver Do You Need?

You think you or your loved one might need some help around the house, but you’re not sure what. You’ve done a bit of research, but the language can be confusing. What’s the difference between home care and home health care? What services does a companion provide? And most importantly, which services do you need?

Each type of service, from companion care to skilled nursing care, caters to different needs and offers varying levels of support. Knowing the differences can help you make an informed decision that’s best for your family. Here’s a breakdown of the primary in-home caregiver services available.

Companion Care (or “Sitter Services”)

Companion care, sometimes known as sitter services, mainly provides companionship for seniors or individuals who do not require intensive medical care but may need supervision and light assistance. This service is ideal for those who wish to remain in their home and maintain a level of independence. Companion care helps ensure the individual is safe in their home and gets regular social interaction.

Caregivers in this role engage in activities such as:

• Conversation and companionship, including hobbies, games, and walks
• Meal preparation and dining company
• Light housekeeping
• Errand services, such as grocery shopping
• Transportation to appointments or social events
• Medication reminders

Companion care is suitable for individuals who are mostly independent but may be at risk if left alone for long periods, such as those with early-stage dementia or limited mobility.

Personal Care (or “Home Care”)

Personal care professionals provide a more hands-on level of support, helping with the personal care of an individual. This service is often more generally called home care. These caregivers have more training than companion caregivers and can assist with the physical aspects of daily living. Their tasks typically include:

• Bathing and personal hygiene
• Dressing assistance
• Mobility assistance
• Incontinence care
• More detailed medication management
• Monitoring of vital signs under some circumstances

Personal care is ideal for individuals who need regular assistance with personal care tasks but do not require medical intervention. It’s a good fit for those with moderate disabilities or more advanced stages of age-related conditions. Home care visits are typically a minimum three-hour shift as often as needed up to 24/7 care and can continue as often as visits are needed.

Nursing Care (Home Health Nurses)

Nursing care at home is provided by registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). This type of care is necessary when an individual needs medical care at home, whether they’re recovering after a hospital stay or need help managing a chronic condition such as chronic lung or kidney disease.

Home health nurses perform a range of medical tasks, including:

• Wound care
• Administering medications, including injections
• Pain management
• Medical equipment operation
• Monitoring health status and adjusting care plans accordingly

Nursing care is suited for individuals with significant medical needs that require professional health monitoring. It’s commonly used for recovering from surgery, managing serious illnesses, or managing complex health conditions requiring regular medical attention. Home health visits are often intermittent and limited. They last until recovery goals are met or the health care provider certifies the visits can continue.

How To Decide What Type of In-Home Care Is Best

It’s common for care needs to cross over these categories. For example, someone who needs a nurse’s help managing their lung disease at home may also need the housework-type help provided by a home care aide. Here are some additional thoughts to help with the decision:

• Evaluate the individual’s level of independence and medical needs. The person with lung disease may not need help around the house.
• Consider the care recipient’s preferences and financial situation. Insurance (including Medicare/Medicaid) typically does not pay for in-home care or may pay only under limited circumstances.
• Consult with health care professionals for tailored advice and guidance. What kind of care does the primary care physician recommend? Patients who are being discharged from a hospital or nursing home may also receive recommendations from the discharge staff.

Remember, the goal for receiving care or assistance at home is to maintain the highest quality of life possible. If you are helping a loved one or friend decide on care, respect their wishes and needs as they age or recover in the comfort of their own home.

Questions To Ask When Considering In-Home Care Providers

As you research in-home care options, ask each provider these questions to ensure the company is reputable and will provide exceptional, quality care:

• Are Social Security, federal and state taxes, and unemployment insurance paid? Are the caregivers bonded/insured? Are workers’ compensation and professional liability insurance paid? A trustworthy company will pay the taxes and insurance for its caregivers, so you are protected from legal and financial responsibility.
• Is the required state licensing up to date? Have all caregivers undergone background checks, including references and criminal records?
• Are supervisory home visits conducted to verify that quality care is being provided?

Asking these questions will help sort out which providers have a good reputation and are highly regarded in the community and which do not have these qualities. Above all else, ensure that dependable, quality care will be provided by people you can trust.

How Right at Home Can Help

At Right at Home, our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve. Families have trusted us for decades for our expert guidance and experience to help them navigate every step of the aging journey. And we do more than support seniors or others who need regular assistance—we’re here to support and guide their families as well. Our in-home care services include transportation to appointments, help with household tasks, and assistance with bathing, grooming, and eating. We also provide memory care and aid for chronic conditions. Find Right at Home services in your area and speak with an aging expert to get more information.

Understanding all the options for in-home care and how to pay for it can be confusing. Download our FREE Ways To Pay for In-Home Senior Care Guide to find out about funding sources that may help you pay for in-home care.

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