What is the Best In-Home Care Fit For You?

September 18, 2019

Everyone ages. It's a fact of life. Over the years, health tends to become a bigger and bigger issue, which is why so many people around the world find themselves in need of assistance as they age. Though some people will be able to live to a ripe old age without the need for additional care, many require aide when it comes to their primary care.

Whether someone needs round-the-clock care or just a helper to assist with their day-to-day needs, there are a lot of different options out there when it comes to finding care. That being said, the level of service needed is dependent on how each person chooses to live their life and their individual health needs. Because of this, the type of care needed to help will vary based on those requirements.

If you or a loved one feel that you've reached a point where you need help, the first step to take is understanding the types of care available to you. Knowing the difference between eldercare professionals can help you make an informed decision when beginning your search. In this article, we'll outline the five most common health and wellness positions aimed directly at assisting the elderly as they age.

Personal Support Worker (PSW)

A Personal Support Worker (or PSW) is someone who is hired to help with general day-to-day tasks. They can be hired on a short-term or long term basis depending on your needs. Most PSWs are hired to assist individuals or families in a time of need — like providing primary care after surgery — or with extended support and companionship.

Duties of a PSW often include bathing, dressing, and assisting an individual maneuver their home and regular health habits. They often also assist with preparing meals, administering medication, light housekeeping, and provide general companionship to those that need it.

If this sounds like something that may be a good fit for you or a loved one, available PSWs can be found through the link below:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (or CNA) is a trained professional that generally operates under the guidance of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). CNAs are typically found in health care centers where a team of staff is available. They act as the eyes and ears or main reference point for a patient's health conditions.

Duties of a CNA include monitoring vital signs — like blood pressure and heart rate — as well as assisting patients with bed positioning, applying or reapplying bandages or dressing, and transferring patients between treatment areas. They are often understood to be responsible for helping each patient achieve a better quality of life.

If this sounds like something that may be a good fit for you or a loved one, available CNAs can be found through the link below:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

A Licensed Practical Nurse (or LPN) is a fully regulated and licensed healthcare professional who is solely responsible for the care they provide. They can operate both as a part of a team or as an individual.

Duties of an LPN can include essential physical health monitoring, inserting catheters or IVs, administering medication, and keeping detailed records of the care provided. As they operate autonomously and assist with more advanced medical care, an LPN requires a higher level of education than the previously mentioned care support workers.

If this sounds like something that may be a good fit for you or a loved one, available LPNs can be found through the link below:

Registered Nurse (RN)

A Registered Nurse (or RN) is a position held by someone who has studied nursing in a post-secondary institute. They provide direct care to patients and have the ability to specialize in specific fields of medicine such as neonatal or geriatric.

Duties of an RN may include completing physical examinations of patients, developing nursing care plans, and providing guidance or counselling to patients on their conditions. They are also generally responsible for turning over rooms between patients and assisting patients with understanding their medical plans.

If this sounds like something that may be a good fit for you or a loved one, available RNs can be found through the link below:

Nurse Practitioner

A Nurse Practitioner (or NP) is an advanced position within the nursing field that requires additional post-secondary education and training. They work in partnership with physicians and other health care professionals.

Duties of an NP include prescribing medications, diagnosing individuals based on an examination, and provide treatment. Nurse Practitioners have similar responsibilities to physicians, and in some cases, can work without the supervision of one.

If this sounds like something that may be a good fit for you or a loved one, available NPs can be found through the link below:

Make Your Choice Based on Your Needs

Ultimately the type of provider you seek will depend on your needs. By learning about the duties each kind of provider will perform, you can better understand the options that are the best fit for you.

Though every individual's situation differs, these five types of care providers are the most common when it comes to assisting the elderly with their needs.