Healthcare vs. Home Care in Philadelphia: Which is the Best Option for Your Loved One?
Getting care for your loved one is a big move. Many families ask themselves, which services does my loved one require? When considering healthcare vs home care in Philadelphia, they must typically choose between home care and healthcare.
So what’s the difference between the two? This article will outline what each involves so you can make the right choice for your family.
What Does Home Care Entail?
Home care entails the essential services people require to complete daily tasks. It includes:
- Light Cleaning
- Meal Preparation
- Medication Reminders
- Transportation
- Companionship
- Self-Care Assistance
An unskilled worker typically provides the service. The worker may be trained to perform their tasks, but they will have no additional training in the medical field.
Home care is recommended for people who do not have a serious medical condition but may have mobility issues. For example, someone with arthritis may require home care. The service may also be recommended for someone recovering from a surgery or injury.
What Does Home Healthcare Entail?
Home healthcare services are more comprehensive. They include home care duties, but they also extend to medical services. For example, a home healthcare worker may offer:
- Vital Sign Monitoring
- Wound Cleaning
- Medication Administration
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
- Behavioral Health Services
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care
- Pediatric Care for Children with Disabilities
- Specialized Care for Medical Conditions Like Diabetes, Heart Conditions or Cancer
Home healthcare is typically provided by a skilled medical professional such as a registered nurse (RN) or certified nursing assistant (CNA).
Which Service Does My Loved One Require?
Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine which services your loved one would qualify for:
- Can I provide the services myself? Generally, home care can be performed by family members, while home healthcare requires additional skills. Although family members can provide most home care services, they typically hire an agency to reduce the stress of caregiving.
- Does my loved one require special care? If your loved one has been diagnosed with a condition that goes beyond basic skill levels, they may require a home healthcare provider.
If you are unsure, you may also consult with a home care agency. They will recommend the right services based on your loved one’s needs. When comparing healthcare vs home care in Philadelphia, it’s essential to choose an option that ensures both comfort and medical support.
You may also partner with an agency providing both home care and healthcare. That way, you can easily switch from one care plan to another. These agencies will customize their services to provide your loved one with the necessary care, ensuring you don’t pay for unrequired services.
Prestige Home care Agency is Your Choice for Home care and Home Healthcare in Philadelphia
Families considering homecare should partner with a recommended provider that offers various services. Prestige is a recommended choice.
Prestige offers many services, including pediatric care, senior care, intellectual disability services, veteran assistance, behavioral health, rehabilitation, and ancillary services. We have been serving our community since 1995, ensuring that people with disabilities enjoy fulfilling, independent lifestyles. Our agency is Joint Commission Accredited and Medicare Certified.
Contact us to learn if we are the right choice for your loved one’s needs.