28 Feb “Skilled” Care
What is Considered “Skilled” Care?
“Skilled” care is also known as home health care or skilled nursing. It refers to a licensed professional who is able to assist patients in a home setting. A skilled care professional may provide wound care, injections, physical therapy, and/or monitor vital signs. They include professionals like registered nurses, LPN’s, physical, speech, and occupational therapists whose care much be prescribed by a doctor.
The benefits of “skilled” care
The biggest benefit of turning to a “skilled” care assistant is the ability for patients to remain in the home instead of recovering in another facility. Many seniors have medical needs that require the assistance from a professional. In the past, that meant moving into an assisted living facility or a nursing home. Today, with a “skilled” care or home health care aide, seniors can get the same level of medical support in the comfort of their own home.
“Skilled” care is usually a temporary or a part-time solution. For example, a nurse may be required to assess the recovery process regularly while a patient recovers from a surgery.
Services provided by a “skilled” care aide
“Skilled” care aides provide a wide range of services. When prescribed by a doctor, they can include:
- Simple wound care
- Physical & occupational therapy assistance
- Taking vital signs
- Teaching basic skills after a medical procedure
- Speech therapy assistance after a stroke
- And more
Depending on the patient’s particular situation, “skilled” nursing care can be covered by Medicare, some private insurance policies, veteran benefits, and long-term care insurance policies.
How does “skilled” care differ from private duty care?
“Skilled” care is different from private duty care in a couple of ways. First, “skilled” care is provided by a licensed professional. They are able to provide medical services that a private duty care aide cannot.
Both take place in the home, but “skilled” care must be prescribed by a doctor. A private duty assistant can be hired by anyone to conduct routine chores around the home, like cleaning and getting dressed in the morning.
Finally, “skilled” care is usually part of a short-term solution. If more long-term assistance is needed after the recovery process is complete, that’s when a patient would hire a private duty assistant.