What Is Short Term Home Care?

Short term home care services can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of months while a senior is recovering from an illness, injury or surgery. In these instances, home care is a temporary service. For example, some home care companies offer special short-term service packages to help seniors make smooth transitions from the hospital back to their homes. Generally, Medicare only covers short-term home health care services that a doctor deems medically necessary.

Skilled home care (often referred to as home health care) includes services like wound care, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, physical therapy, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy. For example, following a stroke, a visiting physical therapist might be needed on a short term basis to help a senior regain their balance and coordination. Of course, an in-home care company can provide both unskilled and skilled services simultaneously, depending on a senior’s needs. Once an elder has recovered, these services will no longer be needed.

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It is important to mention that some seniors do not make a full recovery after a medical setback. What was supposed to be temporary support at home may evolve into a need for long-term in-home care

Depending on a senior’s needs, one or more professional caregivers may be assigned. A “custodial caregiver” can provide unskilled assistance with Activity of daily living (ADLs) and household tasks like bathing, dressing, walking and transferring, laundry, light housekeeping and meal preparation. Ensuring that a loved one is taking their medications as directed, make sure they are eating nutritious meals and does not have to handle chores will help them recuperate faster.