Understanding the Difference Between PCA, HHA, and Skilled Nursing Services
Understanding the differences among PCA (Personal Care Assistant), HHA (Home Health Aide), and Skilled Nursing Services is necessary to making the proper decision about the amount of assistance that will be required to support your family member. At Angel Care Home Care Agency in Brooklyn, New York, we provide our clients’ families with personalized in-home care support based upon their individual needs. Each of these forms of assistance is intended to address the varying levels of care that a family may need, while enabling the elderly to continue living safely at home.
What Is a Personal Care Aide (PCA)?
A Personal Care Aide (PCA) focuses on assisting with the daily living activities of the elderly through non-medical means. The PCA assists the elderly who need support, yet do not require direct medical care.
The types of services typically included within PCA assistance are:
- Assisting with bathing, grooming and dressing
- Providing assistance with toileting and mobility
- Light housekeeping
- Preparation of meals
- Support through companionship and emotional support
PCA services allow elderly adults to maintain their independence, and play a significant role in decreasing loneliness and improving emotional well-being.
What Is a Home Health Aide (HHA)?
Home Health Aides (HHAs) offer support with both personal care and basic health related support. In addition to the training HHAs receive, they have the ability to assist with activities that extend beyond those offered in a typical PCA setting.
Some of the services that may be provided by a Home Health Aide include:
- All PCA-level support
- Monitoring vital signs
- Supporting the elderly adult in performing prescribed exercise programs
- Reminders to take medication
- Identifying and reporting potential health issues
Home Health Aid services are commonly recommended for elderly adults recovering from illness, experiencing chronic health issues, or requiring ongoing close health supervision while continuing to reside in their home.
What Are Skilled Nursing Services?
Skilled Nursing Services are medical services that are provided by licensed nurses under the direction of a physician. Elderly adults with complex medical needs require Skilled Nursing services.
Services that are typically provided through Skilled Nursing include:
- Administration of medications and injections
- Wound care and post surgical care
- Management of chronic diseases
- IV therapy
- Performing health assessments and coordinating care
Skilled Nursing Services are commonly utilized when an elderly adult has experienced a hospitalization or requires ongoing medical care due to a severe medical condition.
How Do I Choose the Correct Type of Home Care?
The correct type of home care will depend on the elderly adult’s physical health, medical requirements, and the degree of independence they have. Some elderly adults begin with PCA services and later transition into HHA or Skilled Nursing services, depending on the changing needs of the elderly adult. Others may have a combination of services being provided to them simultaneously.
At Angel Care Home Care Agency, we assess each client individually, and develop a customized care plan that meets the needs of the elderly adult, ensures their safety and comfort, and brings peace of mind to the family members in Brooklyn.
Trustworthy Home Care Services Provided Throughout Brooklyn
We provide PCA, HHA, and Skilled Nursing Services throughout Brooklyn. Our goal is to provide high-quality care that supports the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of the elderly adult.
If you are uncertain which home care option best fits your family member’s needs, Angel Care Home Care Agency is available to help you, and your family, navigate this process, and provide professional support to enable your family member to live safely, and confidently in their own home. 💙
Winter months in Brooklyn tend to bring about a need for warm, comforting meals — which are particularly important for the nutritional needs of senior citizens. Lower levels of sunlight, less active lifestyles, and increased exposure to illness can decrease an individual's energy level, cause depression and decrease their overall health. At Angel Care Inc. Home Care Agency HHA, we believe that comfort food can be both nourishing and comforting, while supporting the overall health and wellness of a senior citizen through the winter months. The Importance of Nutrition in Winter Months As the temperatures continue to drop, seniors may experience decreased appetite, lower levels of Vitamin D and an impaired immune system. Consuming a balanced diet will help to increase a senior's strength, improve cognitive functioning and aid in regulating their body temperature. For seniors who receive homecare, the caregiver has a vital role in ensuring that the meals prepared for them are not only healthy, but enjoyable and familiar. Examples of Healthy Comfort Food Options for Seniors Hearty Soups/Stews Lean protein soups/stews made with vegetables and whole grains are easily digested and high in nutrients. Broth based soups, (such as chicken soup, lentil stews, etc.) are great ways to keep a senior hydrated and provide them with a sense of comfort. Soups are also beneficial for seniors that have difficulty chewing/swallowing. Whole Grain Options Whole grain oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and barley provide sustained energy and are heart healthy. A simple comfort food option for breakfast would be oatmeal with fruit and nuts, which also provides a boost to digestion and assists with managing blood sugar levels. Lean Protein Sources for Sustained Muscle Mass Proteins are essential for maintaining muscle mass and preventing loss of muscle. Examples of lean proteins include baked chicken, turkey, fish, eggs and beans. The slow cooking process makes proteins tender and allows them to feel like traditional comfort food while being easy to consume by a senior. Root Vegetable Options Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, and beets are all root vegetables that are high in vitamins and antioxidants. Roasting/mashing these vegetables adds warmth and flavor to a meal, and are also a great way to get important nutrients into a senior during the colder months when their immunity is weaker. Hydrating Calming Options There are many options available for hydrating/calming beverages for seniors including herbal tea, warm milk or lightly spiced beverages. Excess sugars should be avoided, however, and finding calming beverages for seniors can help to promote relaxation and hydration throughout the winter months. Emotional Comfort through Familiar Meals When it comes to food, there is a strong connection to memories and emotions. Cooking familiar meals from a senior's culture or family traditions can bring joy, create conversation and help to alleviate feelings of loneliness. For Brooklyn's diverse senior community, creating customized meals is a meaningful aspect of the daily care provided to each senior. Caregiver Support in Meal Preparation Our caregivers at Angel Care Home Care Agency assist with meal planning, grocery shopping and safely preparing meals as part of our PCA, HHA and skilled home care services. Each meal is planned with a senior's specific dietary restrictions, medical needs and personal preferences taken into account to promote overall health and happiness. Nourishing comfort food is so much more than a meal; it is a source of comfort, stability and emotional well-being. With professional in-home care, seniors can enjoy healthy, comforting food, while staying safe and independent in their own homes. For those seeking trusted home care services in Brooklyn that support a senior's nutrition, daily living and overall quality of life, Angel Care Home Care Agency is committed to providing your loved one with caring, reliable service throughout the entire winter season.💙
