HOME CARE & PRIVATE DUTY: DIFFERENCES

More and more people are asking: What is the difference between home care and private duty care?

As healthcare costs rise, more and more our loved ones and seniors are being cared for at home. In-home care is often provided by families, relatives and friends, but it can be hard to manage with increasingly busy schedules and long distances to travel. Home care providers can offer significant relief and support for individuals in need as well as their caretakers.

Certified home health care is provided for patients in need of skilled care by nurses and other home health assistants, like physical therapists or licensed vocational nurses. Home health care is typically covered by Medicare and consists of caregivers coming to a patient’s residence. Home health care visits are coordinated by a physician.

This type of care is given in the home under doctor’s orders. It includes care similar to what one would receive in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, but is less expensive and much more convenient for both patient and caretaker. Home health care covers a wide range of skilled health care services, given at the time of an illness or injury. Home health care services can include:

• Wound care for pressure sores or a surgical wound
• Patient and caregiver education
• Intravenous or nutrition therapy
• Injections
• Monitoring serious illness and unstable health status

​Private duty care is a service typically provided to elderly individuals who require assistance with their day-to-day activities. Private duty aides can assist with tasks such as housekeeping, meal preparation, and offering companionship to those who need additional assistance to remain safe and comfortable in their own home. Private duty care is not covered by Medicare and is typically paid for by the client. The goal of private duty care is to help maintain a client’s ability to stay in their home comfortably, and to offer a respite for other caregivers.

​Private duty services can include:

• Personal care – bathing/dressing, hygiene, transfers, and ambulation
• Homemakers and Companions
• Meal cooking and preparation
• Medication reminders
• Transportation for doctor’s visits, shopping, etc.
• Caregiving for specialized conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, hospice, or other comfort needs

Next Level’s high standards ensure professionalism, compassionate care, and teamwork in every workplace. We guarantee superior care within your budget.

Let us help you select the care level and services that are right for your loved one. Contact Next Level Nursing Solutions at 620-794-1338, email us at nextlevel@nextlevelnursingsolutions.com, message us on Facebook, or stop by our office at 602 Commercial St. in downtown Emporia.