How to Select a Care Agency

What Level of Home Care Do You Need?

Figuring out how to select a care agency can be a little confusing because they differ in the level of care they provide. Non-medical in-home care agencies (usually referred to as “in-home care” or simply “home care”) provide companionship and supervision (especially important for the elderly with alzheimer’s disease or other mental impairments). They also offer in-home assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, as well as offer help with meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation.

Home health care agencies provide skilled nursing care for patients in need of significant medical attention. Other home health providers include specialists in hospice care, physical therapy, pharmaceutical and infusion therapy, and home medical equipment.

The Right Care for Your Loved One

(Does Someone in my Family Need Home Care?)

Knowing the ADLs and IADLs and looking for patterns of behavior and neglect within those areas can help determine the level of care needed. The IADLs (managing finances, transportation, shopping, meal preparation, housework, communication and taking medications) are usually the earliest to suffer, so look for difficulties with those first.

Watch for trouble with ADLs (personal hygiene, dressing, transferring, toileting, eating, ambulating) and for other warning signs including increased isolation and changes in attitude or in cognitive abilities.

Knowing exactly which activities you need help with will make it easier to choose the appropriate home care provider.