If you’re looking into home care options for a senior, you may have come across the term “private-duty home care.” You might be wondering what the term means and whether it could be the right choice for your loved one.

Private duty home care or “personal care” is a service provided to older adults who need assistance with everyday activities, including:

• Bathing
• Grooming
• Dressing
• Light housekeeping
• Meal preparation
• Mobility
• Toileting

A private duty home caregiver may also provide companion care or respite care – to temporarily relieve you or other family members of caregiving duties.

What Are the Benefits of Private Duty Home Care?

Private duty home caregivers will visit your loved one’s home on a regular basis to assist with everyday activities, making it possible for your loved one to age safely in the comfort of their own home.

Is Private Duty Home Care Different Than Other Types of Home Care?

Private duty home care typically refers to caregiving arrangements made between a client and an agency such as Visiting Angels.

Visiting Angels’ professional caregivers, for example, have access to resources and training. Clients are assigned a care coordinator who performs a complimentary home care assessment, creates a care plan, answers questions, and manages any issues that may arise throughout your loved one’s care journey.

How Do I Choose a Private Duty Caregiver?

When you work with an agency such as Visiting Angels, you can feel comfortable knowing your caregiver has gone through all required background checks and is licensed, bonded, and insured. Further, Visiting Angels will match you with a caregiver based on personality, needs, schedule, and experience.

How Do Private Duty Caregivers Assist Seniors?

Private duty caregivers hired through Visiting Angels assist individuals with activities of daily living, including:

• Maintaining personal hygiene, such as bathing, grooming and toileting
• Cooking, shopping for groceries, and meal preparation
• Reminding seniors to take medications on time
• Arranging for transportation to events and appointments
• Light housekeeping, such as laundry and washing dishes
• Providing companionship and socialization

Visiting Angels will develop a personalized care plan for your loved one that reflects their unique needs, schedule, and preferences.

Is Private Duty Home Care an Alternative to Assisted Living?

A private duty caregiver can help your senior age at home safely and comfortably — without the need to move to an assisted living facility. Private duty home care may also be more cost-effective than 24/7 care, allowing your senior to receive care only when needed most.

How Do I Begin Private Duty Home Care?

Getting started with Visiting Angels only requires one phone call. When you contact your Visiting Angels local home care agency, you will be connected with a care coordinator who will schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation at your loved one’s home. Your care coordinator will work with you to create a care plan and match your loved one with a caregiver who is the best fit for their personality, needs, schedule, and preferences.

If you’re interested in private duty in-home care, contact Visiting Angels today to learn about how your loved one can stay safe and comfortable in the home they love.