Most Common Diagnoses in In-Home Care
Contents
Home care can be a more affordable, personal, and less institutional solution to caring for loved ones. In-home care can help individuals who are recovering from an illness or surgery, assisting with activities of daily living, or needing assistance due to age or medical conditions. Home care services come in many forms.
Depending on the needs of your loved one, you may want to hire a private caregiver or sign them up for a home health agency. Here’s a list of some common diagnoses that also benefit from in-home care:
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that many families choose to manage with in-home care, at least in the earlier stages. People with advanced disease may need round-the-clock care. The cause of the disease is not fully known, but certain factors have been tied to a higher likelihood of getting it. These include having a family history of the disease, being over the age of 65, being female, and certain genetic mutations.
Alzheimer’s is difficult to treat, and there is no cure, but there are medications that can help with symptoms such as memory loss. Ideally, someone with Alzheimer’s disease would stay in their home for as long as possible. This allows them to stay connected to their friends and family, and maintain a connection to the life they know.
When looking for an in-home care provider, it’s important to find one who is trained in Alzheimer’s care.
Cancer Care
Cancer patients who are receiving treatment at home are able to stay connected with family, friends, and their community. This can also help to lower stress levels, which is important during and after treatment. During the process, you may want to hire a private caregiver to help with chores and housekeeping.
During treatment, you or your loved one will likely have a visit from a nurse or doctor. They will assess the situation and let you know if you qualify for home care. In the U.S., Medicare covers home health services such as part-time skilled nursing and therapy for people who meet its rules, including being homebound. They will also help you develop an action plan that outlines what services you’re receiving. Depending on the type of cancer, you may also qualify for equipment or supplies to make things easier.
Dementia
Dementia is not a single disease. It is the loss of thinking, remembering and reasoning skills severe enough to interfere with daily life. There are several types, and the National Institute on Aging notes that Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. In-home care is a great option for people with dementia.
Dementia patients can sometimes be difficult to care for in a facility. They may become agitated or aggressive, or even injure themselves. Home care allows you to more easily control the situation and provide a more comfortable environment
Stroke Recovery
If someone has had a stroke, you may want to hire a private caregiver to assist with daily tasks. This will help allow them to focus on their health and get better. A caregiver can also help with medication reminders and appointments, which supports the plan a doctor sets to lower the risk of another stroke. Depending on the severity of their stroke, a patient might qualify for in-home care.
This can include services like physical or occupational therapy. Other helpful services may include meal delivery, medication reminders, and housekeeping. A stroke can be a scary diagnosis, and recovery varies widely. The NHS notes that some people recover within days or weeks, while for others recovery takes months or years and means lasting changes. Having a caregiver on hand can really help make a difference.
Copd/Chronic Lung Disease
If you or your loved one has a chronic lung disease such as COPD, you may qualify for in-home care. This can include services like oxygen therapy, housekeeping, meal deliveries, and nursing visits. Lung diseases like COPD can make everyday activities difficult. This means that it may be beneficial to hire a private caregiver to help with chores and housekeeping.
Depending on the severity of your illness, your doctor may also prescribe oxygen therapy. A chronic illness can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Having the help and support you need can really make a difference.
Assisting with ADLs
Activities of daily living, or ADLs, are the day-to-day tasks we don’t even think about until we’re unable to do them ourselves. This includes things like bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. Depending on your loved one’s individual needs, you may want to hire a private caregiver.
If they are recovering from surgery or an illness, this can also be a good time to use a home health agency. If you’re caring for someone unable to do certain tasks, it can be exhausting. It’s important to take care of yourself and not try to do everything on your own.
Home Care Conclusion
Home care is an excellent alternative to an institutional setting. It allows an individual to stay connected to their home and loved ones, while also getting the help they need. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so be sure to choose the care that best fits your loved one’s needs. Costs vary widely with the number of hours and level of care needed, so compare options and check what insurance or public programs cover.
In-home care can help with everything from administering medication to providing transportation. This allows you to maintain a normal schedule and continue to work if you’re able. With the help of home care, you can provide a comfortable and safe environment for your loved ones while also staying connected to your daily life.
Conclusion
As our population ages, the demand for Basic Home Care services will continue to grow. If you’re considering a career in home health care, it’s important to be aware of the most common diagnoses caregivers encounter. By understanding what you may be dealing with on a daily basis, you can better prepare yourself for the challenges and rewards that come with the job.
Sources
- Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet, National Institute on Aging
- Home health services coverage, Medicare.gov
- Recovering from a stroke, NHS
