FAQS ABOUT HOME CARE

What is home care?

While in-home care can be used to describe both medical and non-medical care in the home, typically in-home care refers to non-medical care such as companionship, homemaking services and personal care. Home health is a term used to describe skilled nursing care and other functions such as speech, physical or occupational therapy.

In-home care allows your loved one to get the help he or she needs without giving up independence.

What is live-in care?

Live-in care is the same as home care, but caregivers live with their clients.

What does a caregiver do?

A caregiver provides seniors and other adults assistance at home to ensure their physical wellbeing and social health. Caregivers provide companionship, personal care, and other quality of life services. This can include mobility and safety assistance, help with meals and housekeeping, transportation to appointments and social events, as well as activities that encourage engagement, purpose, connection and joy.

If you’re wondering how to become a caregiver, visit our careers page for more information.

What is aging in place?

The term aging in place refers to seniors that choose to remain in their home as they get older instead of moving to an independent or assisted living community. According to the AARP, a majority of seniors would prefer to remain in their homes for as long as possible. And aging in place has a number of benefits.

• Seniors who remain in their own homes as they age enjoy the consistency of belonging to communities where they may have lived for many years surrounded by friends and families.
• Being surrounded by beloved objects and memory cues can foster a sense of connection and peace, and for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, a familiar environment can reduce confusion and improve mental engagement.
• Remaining in the home also avoids the stress of relocation and acclimating to new environments.
• Aging in place can be more cost-effective than facility care.

What is a home care aide?

The term home care aides and caregiver can be used interchangeably. Home care aides provide companionship, personal care, and other quality of life services (ADL'S). This can include range of motion and safety assistance, help with meals and housekeeping, transportation to appointments and social events, as well as activities that encourage engagement, purpose, connection and joy.

What is ADL? 

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) describe basic tasks essential for day-to-day functioning. These include bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, mobility and toileting. Many seniors who require help with such activities are largely independent but may require help with one or two ADLs.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are those activities that are important in enhancing a client’s quality of life. IADLs include shopping, paying bills, household chores (cleaning, laundry), and meal preparation.

Seniors and other adults that need assistance at home may require assistance with ADLs or IADLs. Full Circle offers an array of companionship and in-home care services, and specific tasks are laid out in the Plan of Care that is customized for each individual and family.