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How Can You Find a Nurse for Home Care?
Date Updated: December 16, 2024
Written by:
Ashlee Shefer is a freelance copywriter, content writer, and digital marketer who specializes in senior care, mental health, health care, and other wellness-related topics. She has one year of experience writing both short- and long-form content related to senior resources, assisted living, nursing homes, and home care, including blog posts, research-based articles, resource guides, product reviews, facility blurbs, finances, and care costs.
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Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
You can find a nurse for home care by contacting a home health care agency, checking online registries or asking trusted sources for referrals. Since care levels vary from basic assistance to intensive medical care by skilled nurses, it's important to assess the necessary medical and personal support for your health and safety.
Types of Home Care Nurses Explained
Home care workers provide a range of services depending on their skills and qualifications. Personal care aides (PCAs) offer companionship and support with daily living activities, including dressing and bathing. PCA training requirements vary by state. However, these aides don't receive medical training. If you're seeking at-home nursing care, home health care better serves your needs.
Home health care agencies employ various types of nursing staff. Common examples include:
- Certified nursing assistants: CNAs receive training in medical-related tasks, including taking vital signs, maintaining medical equipment and cleaning catheters. They also provide personal care assistance.
- Licensed practical nurses: LPNs perform higher-level medical tasks, such as IV administration and diabetes care. They work under an RN's direct supervision and may assist with personal care tasks.
Registered nurses: RNs receive a higher level of education and medical training than LPNs. Their tasks include coordinating patient care, advising family members and monitoring responses to treatment or medication.
How to Hire a Nurse for Home Care
The process of hiring a nurse for home care depends on your needs and preferences. Working through a home health care agency grants access to prescreened workers with relevant experience. It may cost more, but you won't have to negotiate pay or find emergency coverage if your regular nurse falls ill. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging, or use Caring's senior care directory to find agencies.
Some people opt for private hire because they can screen nurses themselves and have more control over payment and scheduling. Look for online registries, or contact your local government to see if they maintain a list of private-hire nurses. Additionally, ask a trusted friend, family member or primary care physician for referrals. Private neighborhood social networks, such as Nextdoor, also allow people to connect with other residents and seek recommendations for local services, including home health care.