Distinguishing between types of elder care
When considering elder care there needs to be a clear understanding between the types of services. There is private duty services and there is home health offered by Medicare. The two services have some differences that can help people in their decision process.
Basics of Medicare
The elder care offered by Medicare is free to the patient. However, patients only receive services under the orders of a doctor. And doctors will not order the care until certain events have occurred. One example is the hospitalization of the patient that lasts longer than two days. Or if the patient has a radical change in their overall health, then the doctor may order home health services. Once the doctor has ordered Medicare provided elder care a registered Nurse is required to make a visit to the patient's home. During this visit the nurse will ascertain if any other services are necessary such as physical therapy, dietary monitoring or social work.
Whether it is a nurse or other professional, the goal of Medicare is to offer assistance on a temporary basis. Visits by the nurse, aids and other workers usually do not last an hour per session.
Basics of Private Duty
Private duty elder care can occur in many ways. Patients may have part-time or full time assistance. Some people may even choose to have the care provider move into the home on a permanent basis. The type of care and the length of time it is offered depends on the patient's financial ability. Private duty is paid by the patient or by the Long Term Insurance plan if the patient has one. Most of the time the elder care will be provided for at least four hours at a time. Shifts of eight hours are much more common and they typically operate on a schedule similar to hospitals such as 11pm to 7am, 7am to 3pm and 3pm to 11pm. Since the people working for private care operate under general labor rules it is common for a patient to see two or more different workers in the course of one week. However, scheduling a regular amount of hours, on the same days each week, can help ensure that the same person is there to offer elder care.
Medical Help or Basic Assistance
One thing to keep in mind when comparing Medicare home health to private duty elder care is the need for medical attention. Some individuals definitely need the watchful eye of a nurse or other professional in order to make sure their health does not suffer. However, some people simply need help to get a bath and feeding themselves. Their condition does not warrant the care of a medical expert and this would point them in the direction of private duty care. Having a little help around the house to help with grocery shopping, cleaning and making sure that prescription medications are taken on the right schedule is the type of elder care that private duty can offer to many different patients.
Larry Chandler is a freelance writer for Visiting Angels a company that specializes in non-medical elder care and assisted living facilities. To find the nearest location and get more information about home care services visit their website at Visitingangels.com.
Article Source: Messaggiamo.Com
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