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Nurse's Week - What Are the Differences Between Home Care and Skilled Nursing Care?

May 8, 2018
Amy Adaniel
From May 6 to 12, National Nurses Week is celebrated throughout the U.S. It's a time when you pay thanks to the nurses who make such a big difference in the lives of all ages. Senior citizens in need of skilled nursing care see a higher level of care than a senior getting home care from a caregiver.

When you sign up for home care services, there are things that caregivers cannot do. You may find your mom or dad needs skilled nursing care. While home care isn't often covered by medical insurance, some skilled nursing care services are covered. 

Things Home Care Services Offer

Caregivers who work for home care agencies can help your parent with non-medical care. Your parent might need help with laundry. That's a non-medical chore, so it falls under the range of home care services. Things like light housework, meal preparation, transportation, and companionship also fall under the services offered by caregivers.

Caregivers can remind your parent to take his or her medications, but caregivers cannot administer medications. If your parent has injectable medications, such as insulin, your parent has to give himself or herself the shot. The caregiver cannot do it for your mom or dad.

Services Skilled Nursing Care Adds

If your mom or dad needs care that requires specific medical training, it's likely they need skilled nursing care. Only licensed nurses and medical personnel can offer skilled nursing care.

After a surgery, your dad may need someone to help change the dressings and monitor the incision site for infection. That's a duty a licensed nurse performs. Your mom may need IV medications. A home care worker can't do that, but a nurse can. Nurses can also give injections.

Skilled nursing care professionals can take your mom or dad's temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. They monitor pain levels and administer medications as needed. Because licensed nursing staff provide this level of care, there is more communication between you, your mom or dad's doctor, and the nurse.

Your parent might need skilled nursing care after a stroke, surgery, serious illness, or major accident. If it's necessary, your mom or dad's doctor will tell you to look for skilled nursing care or consider having your parent recover in a nursing home for a few weeks.

Home Care Works Best For Daily Activities of Living

Home care is the best choice when your parent needs elder care services to complete daily activities of living. If your parent has a hard time pushing a vacuum or carrying a laundry basket up or down stairs, home care helps. Caregivers prep and cook meals and remind your parent to take medications. Transportation and companionship are other benefits of elder care at home.

Call us today discuss your mom or dad's immediate needs. Elder care services can always be changed as your parent's needs change. 

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elder Care in Boca Raton, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At BrightStar Care Today! 561-921-0550.