by Linda J. Weaver
23. March 2011 21:35
Home Care is a service provided in an individual’s place of residence which may also include an assisted living facility, or a boarding home. The major goal of the Home Health Agency is to assist an individual with their everyday needs and challenges to live fully and comfortably in their own familiar surroundings.
Surveys demonstrate that people approaching their senior years desire to live in their own homes and maintain independence. Several factors have maximize the prospect of aging in the home such as advanced treatments for diseases, new and improved medications and various products to assist Seniors to live longer.
Selecting a Home Health Agency to assist not only the senior population, but those that are disabled, frail or sick is somewhat confusing as there are many to choice from. Selection should be based on many important factors such as the reputation of the agency, how long has the agency been in business of “Caring”, supervision of personnel, is the agency a Certified Home Health Agency and if the agency handles the payroll and taxes of its own employees. The Family and the Client will want to know if the agency accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay and other Insurances.
Services vary according to the needs of the individual. If the patient requires clinical intervention such as assistance with medications, wound care, infusion therapy, management of a disease process, or improved ambulation and activities of daily living, the skill services of a Nurse or a Therapist would be the appropriate clinical intervention. Non-medical assistance would be provided by Home Health Aides or Companions. This group may assist with activities of daily living to include not only bathing but meal preparation, shopping, light housekeeping; just to name a few of the services that are available.
At Firstat, our professional and compassionate team ensures a “Holistic Approach” to Care by working together with the client and their family in developing A Plan of Care with a focus on not only the physical conditions of the individual but also the mental and social conditions that may affect a “Love One” from reaching their optimal state of health.
If you or someone needs help with personal care, rehabilitation, medications, meal preparation, just to name a few, contact Firstat to discuss your requests or options. Please contact a member of our Professional Team at 651-288-0222 for our Minnesota Office or 602-279-000 for our Phoenix Office. We will contact your Physician to assess if you have any special medical needs.