Three Levels of Care

In the category of Care Services, there are three levels of care. The first is Companion Care, which is emotional support and companionship for seniors who are overall healthy and living independently in their home. Other non-medical services included in this category are light housekeeping, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), medication reminders and more. Companion care includes not only those seniors who are living in their homes, but those in assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

The second is Personal Care, or Non-medical Home Health Care. They typically help people who are physically disabled, chronically Ill, cognitively impaired, and older adults who need help to live in their own homes or at an assisted living type facility, or institution. Personal Care includes Personal Hygiene – bathing, toileting, mouth care, skin care, shaving; Continence care – transferring, ambulation, walking, overnight monitoring; and Meal planning and preparation, and medication reminders.

The third is Skilled Nursing. This type of care refers to medical related services which can only be performed by the most highly trained and qualified nursing professionals. The services are prescribed by a physician, provide the client or physician with important medical information, or may be included as part of a physician's Treatment Plan. Skilled Nursing Care is administered or supervised by either a State Licensed Registered Nurse (RN), or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).