Skilled Care v Custodial Care

Skilled care refers to care provide (any location) by a medical professional such as physical therapy, IV medication administration, catheter care, etc. Custodial care refers to non-medical assistance with daily activities like bathing, fixing meals, eating, etc.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is a 24-hour supervised residence where people receive both skilled care and custodial care.  Services provided include meals, bathing assistance, social activities, transportation, etc.  Assistance with regular activities is provided based on the needs of each client.

Memory Care

Memory care is also a 24-hour supervised residence.  This type of care is specialized care for people with dementia stemming from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, etc.  The staff to resident ratio is smaller than in regular assisted living which gives the client a higher amount of attention and care.  The staff is trained in handling the needs and behaviors of clients with dementia.

What is the difference between Home Care and Home Health Care?

The terms are often seen as one and the same thing because both indicate that the client is receiving care in their home from a professional.  The main difference between the two is that home care is typically unskilled or custodial care given by companions or personal care assistants/aides while home health care is skilled care given in the home by medical professionals such as CNAs and RNs. Home care is generally limited to assistance with bathing, dressing, doing laundry, cooking, and transporting clients to and from appointments, etc. Home health care professionals can do skilled care duties like checking vitals, assisting with medical equipment, and administering medications as well as the custodial duties.

Adult Day Social Care v Adult Day Health Care

Adult day social care gives seniors supervision and care in a structured setting during the day and is usually only available on weekends.  Social and recreational activities, meals, personal care assistance, and some therapies are offered. Adult day health care is basically the same but includes the provision of medical services that might be found in nursing homes.

Virtual Companion Care

Virtual companion care gives the person a device like a tablet or computer that will be used to monitor safety and mood, remind them when to take medications, and allows them to interact with others via the internet. This is great for people who are mostly independent and may just need a bare minimum of care and companionship.  No hands-on care is provided.

Independent/Senior Living Centers

These are homes that are like an apartment or condo complex.  They offer services like transportation, security, housekeeping, and recreational activities.  No health care services are offered.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

These are complexes that provide continuous care from independent living to assisted living to memory care to skilled nursing as needed.  They were created to help from retirement to end of life care.