Home care and in-home care agencies in Ontario, CA are sometimes referred to as home health care, home health and private duty. Senior home health care, private duty, in home care and home care in Ontario, CA simply means care provided to an elder/senior in their own home. Senior home care agencies make it possible for seniors to remain in the comfort of their own home and maintain their independence.

Non-Medical Care vs. Medical Care

The two types of in-home care are medical and non-medical. Medical agencies are known as home care and home health care which provide skilled nursing services generally by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses.

Their duties include just to name a few, pain management, administering medication, wound care, observation, assessment of rehabilitation needs, and disease management.

Home health care in Ontario, CA also offers skilled rehabilitation services provided by professional personnel such as respiratory therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and medication therapists.

Non-medical agencies are called "in-home care" which provides assistance with personal and home care services. Personal assistance with the activities of daily living includes bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting, eating, and walking.

Additionally, a professional home caregiver may provide home care services with other daily tasks that provide services such as housework, meals, medication reminders and errands.

Private Duty In-Home Care Agencies

Ontario, CA private duty agencies can provide both non-skilled and skilled medical care. The services might be covered by long term care insurance, other insurances or private pay.

The private duty agency is responsible for screening, hiring and paying the caregivers. If the caregiver is ill or unable to work, a substitute caregiver is available. The private duty agency pays payroll taxes, worker’s compensation and maintains liability coverage. The agency also determines what the caregiver can and can’t do.

Care provided by private duty agencies can include: skilled care, personal care, transportation/errands, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, laundry, etc. Shifts can vary from hourly, living in the home or sleepover.

In-Home Care Agency Costs

The cost for an in-home care agency may vary depending on many factors, including what services are being provided, where you live, and whether the expenses qualify for Medicare or private insurance coverage. Most in-home care agencies in Ontario, CA charge by the hour however, there are in-home care agencies that work on a contract basis.

Medicare covers certain in-home health care services when the person needing care meets eligibility criteria which includes being homebound and requiring the services of a skilled professional.