6 types of home care workers

Home care workers provide seniors with one-on-one care where they live, allowing them to be independent while getting the extra help they need. Here are the five main types of caregivers providing in-home care.

1. Personal care aides (also called personal care attendants) assist seniors with day-to-day activities, such as bathing and dressing, preparing meals and housekeeping. In some cases, they provide transportation and run errands. Their specific duties will depend on the elderly individual’s care needs.

2. Home health aides perform the same tasks as personal care aides but also fill certain basic medical functions including administering medications, changing bandages and checking vital signs. They’re also able to identify symptoms requiring medical attention and will seek appropriate medical help on a person’s behalf when needed.

3. Registered nurses typically assist seniors at their homes following a surgery, serious illness or injury. They provide follow-up and rehabilitation care, which extends to overseeing their patients’ diets, exercise routines and medication requirements.

4. Physical therapists help seniors improve their mobility and ensure that they can move around safely both inside and outside their homes. They’re sometimes required following an injury or surgery, and they’re almost always needed after a joint replacement surgery.

5. Occupational therapists help seniors live more productive, active and independent lives. They identify and solve problems interfering with their patients’ abilities to engage in everyday activities and tasks including social activities, leisure activities and self-care routines.

6. Speech-language pathologists assist individuals who have difficulty speaking or swallowing (which can occur following a stroke).

In-home care is becoming an increasingly attractive option for many seniors. If you’re interested in getting care at home, begin by consulting with a doctor, nurse or other health professional in your community.