Different Specialists within the Home Health Care Realm
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Anyone who has been working within the home care sector for a while will understand there are many components to this type of support. The average American, though, may be completely clueless about what home care entails. In fact, thanks to a number of misconceptions, many people don’t know there’s a difference between a home health care provider and home care aide.
When an aging or disabled individual needs help at home, there could be a number of factors influencing or affecting their ability to get adequate care. Families often find themselves confused by what to expect and ultimately make some mistakes along the way. Some of those mistakes could lead to excessive and unnecessary challenges for the senior or disabled adult.
A medical social worker, within the home care industry, can provide several supports, including helping families deal with dramatic changes in their lives or those of people they love. These professionals can assist in developing a care plan that makes sense for each individual.
Carefully planning a comprehensive curative or palliative care plan means a patient and their family members can remain in their own surroundings longer, with maximum comfort and resources.
When asked about curative vs. hospice care, McCord emphasized advance care directives.
“It can be scary to do advance planning,” says McCord. “We help the patient and family members make decisions and execute the needed documents. If the patient cannot make decisions, we help family members reach agreements among themselves.”
Whether families are looking at extended care, long-term care (meaning an indefinite need), hospice, or even supporting someone with dementia, including Alzheimer’s, these medical social workers might offer a level of comfort and peace they don’t feel trying to navigate the system on their own.
More experienced agencies and leaders within the realm of home care services also likely understand the best ways to support those in need, but there have been medical social workers for decades and they may offer a level of insight into these services that might not otherwise be achieved from the average caregiver or agency owner/director.