What Do I Need to Prepare for Home Care?

You need to prepare for home care by gathering medical information, purchasing supplies and organizing your home. Planning ahead ensures you have everything you need to benefit from home care and helps family members and caregivers understand what to expect.

Home care gives seniors access to personal assistance and companion services in the comfort of their homes. Personal care aides help with bathing, eating, grooming and other activities of daily living. Aides also perform light housekeeping tasks, such as vacuuming, doing laundry and washing dishes. Each service helps a senior maintain their independence and remain at home for as long as possible.

In-home care differs from home health care because it doesn't include medical care. Personal care aides don't need medical training, while home health workers have extensive training and must meet professional licensing requirements. Additionally, in-home care doesn't include physical or occupational therapies or other rehabilitation services.

First, gather medical information to help your home care agency determine the best way to meet your needs. Although personal care aides don't provide medical services, they need to know if you have any health problems. Give your home care agency a list of your medications, a summary of your medical history and at least two emergency contacts.

Next, purchase supplies for your aide to use when providing in-home care. If your care plan includes light housekeeping, have plenty of cleaning supplies on hand. Stock your fridge with nutritious foods to make meal preparation a breeze. Finally, have someone organize your home so it's accessible to home care workers; this will ensure they can provide the best possible care efficiently and comfortably.