Types of Care

Types of Care

If needed care is non-medical in nature and is either recommended (not ordered) by a physician or is deemed necessary by the patient/patient's family, then attendant, companion care is required. This is usually provided by a Home Care Aide Organization.

If needed care is medical in nature and ordered by a physician, then a Home Health or Hospice agency provides such care.

Homemaker/Companions/Sitters:
A homemaker/companion is a person who provides care, accompanies the patient on trips/outings, takes patients to an appointment, prepares/serves meals. Companion are available for hourly, shift or live-in care. Following are some of the possible services of a companion:

CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) and HHAs (Home Health Aides) have a nursing assistant certificate. A person receiving care from a CNA/HHA should be under the care of a physician and/or supervised by a Registered Nurse. These aides assist with bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, eating, physical transfer, and those normal daily routines the client/patient could perform for himself or herself where he or she physically capable. Aides can also perform all the services of a companion or homemaker and are available hourly, for shift-work or on a live-in basis.

RNs (Registered Nurses) are licensed and maintain clinical records for clients receiving nursing care. An RN develops medical plans for treatment and can maintain them or supervise their maintenance. An RN supervises LPNs and CNAs/HHAs. An RN can manage client medications and is available on an hourly, shift, visit or live-in basis.

LVNs (Licensed Vocational Nurses) have practical nurse licenses and are under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. An LVN maintains the medical plan of treatment created by the registered nurse and approved by the physician. An LVN can also perform the services of a CNA, homemaker, and companion.

PTs (Physical Therapists) are licensed and under the supervision of a physician. A PT provides services to a patient who has suffered an injury or illness affecting motor skills or function.

OTs (Occupational Therapists) are licensed and under the supervision of a physician. An OT provides services to a patient who has suffered an injury or illness which has affected perceptual motor skills or the ability to perform activities of daily living, such as dressing, eating, etc.

Speech Pathologists provide services to a patient who has suffered an illness or injury which has affected speaking or hearing ability and/or language skills.