Senior Care Services Vs. In Home Nursing Services

Home Care Blog  |  August 11, 2016

Senior Care Vs. In Home Nursing

Senior Care Services Vs. In Home Nursing | When it comes to senior care and in home nursing services, each state has slightly different laws. In states where Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are able to provide in home care, Comfort Keepers offers this tremendous service.

Senior Care Vs. In Home Nursing Services

In home nursing services differ from other senior care services in the level of medical skill needed to perform necessary tasks. For example, personal care assistance such as bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, etc., do not require the supervision of a trained medical provider. On the other hand, the administration of certain medications, especially those that are injected or provided intravenously, require medical oversight.

An example of differing state laws when it comes to senior care is found with diabetes. Most states do not allow non-medical staff to draw or inject insulin. Some states, like Massachusetts, do not even allow nurses in assisted living facilities to do this. The only option for a senior who cannot perform these tasks by themselves is to have a friend or family member do it at their own risk, or they can utilize in home or private nursing services.

Other examples of care that would require nursing supervision include certain medication management situations (especially with sliding dosage scales), wound care, the management of IV’s, catheter assistance, tube care, etc. Nurses will also work with the family to teach them how to perform various tasks that they can do safely.

Senior care personnel and in home nursing staff work hand-in-hand to ensure the fluid and consistent care your loved one requires. Comfort Keepers provides licensed nurses for one-time assistance all the way through 24-hour, seven days a week care. In most cases, when services are provided by an LPN or LVN, a registered nurse will supervise and oversee the care.

In short, if your loved one requires senior care that includes medical assistance, they can still receive services in their home and garner the many benefits of aging in place by taking advantage of Comfort Keepers in home nursing services.

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