RIVER VALLEY HOME CARE FAQ
What is Home Care?
“Home Care” encompasses a wide range of health and social services. These services are delivered at home to recovering, disabled, chronically or terminally ill persons in their own homes. Their needs may be medical, nursing, social, therapeutic treatment and /or assistance with the essential activities of daily living. Generally, home care is appropriate whenever a person prefers to stay at home, but needs ongoing care that cannot easily or effectively be provided solely by family and friends. People of all ages can benefit from home care services, including those that have: heart disease, kidney diseases, diabetes, lung, muscle-nerve problems, cancer, or any other disease or illness that requires professional services. Home care services can be provided in the client’s home which is any8 place they defines as “home”. This may be a single family dwelling, an apartment, an assisted living facility, a group home, a residential housing facility, adult day care, or congregate living environment in which their basic needs are met.
What services can be provided?
Home Care Services may be provided by: Nurses (LPN, RN); Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Home Health Aides, Personal Care Attendants, and Homemakers.
- Skilled Nursing – Nurses (LPN or RN) provide services that may include highly skilled pain management, education, medication management and care plan oversight. They may also be responsible for supervision of services that include Home Health Aides. Registered Nurses must receive a minimum of 2 or more years of college and be licensed in the state of Minnesota. LPN must receive at least 1 year of nursing education and must work under the delegation of a registered nurse.
- Therapists – Physical & Occupational Therapists work to restore the mobility and strength of clients who are limited or disabled by physical injuries through the use of exercise, massage, and other methods. Physical therapists often alleviate pain and restore injured muscles with specialized equipment. Occupational Therapists assist the client in exploring the energy savings modalities and adaptations for daily living.
- Home Health Aide – HHA are specifically trained through state approved educational programs or competency tested by River Valley Home Care to provide assistance with personal cares and activities of daily living. Home Health Aides must work under the direction of a qualified professional, Registered Nurse.
- Homemaker – Homemakers provide an integral role in the long term custodial needs of our clients. They can help with meal preparation, laundry, or other housekeeping needs.