Home Health Care Definitions | by Maxim Homecare

Glossary of Terms

Choosing homecare for yourself or a loved one can be a difficult decision; it can be made more overwhelming when trying to understand frequently used terms in the homecare industry. Here is a list of commonly used words and phrases to assist you in understanding terminology for care.
ADLs - This stands for “activities of daily living” and includes basic activities of daily life.  Examples of ADLs include: bathing, dressing, eating, moving around, toileting, and walking. A home health aide, home health care nurse, or custodial care individual can assist with these activities.

Caregiver - A caregiver is someone who gives care to another person. There are two types of caregivers: medical caregivers and non-medical caregivers. Medical caregivers, such as registered nurses, provide assistance to patients with medical needs. Non-medical caregivers, such as home health aides, help individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs) and companionship.

Caregiver agency - A caregiver agency is a company that specializes in hiring caregivers. Families can contact an agency to hire a caregiver for a loved one. Caregiver agencies specialize in long-term care, respite care, pediatric care, and other forms of caregiving.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Certified Nursing Assistants work closely with patients and are responsible for basic care services such as bathing, grooming, feeding, assisting nurses with medical equipment, and checking vital signs such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respirations. Exact certification requirements vary by state, but most include the completion of a certificate program and the passage of a certification exam.

Companion - A companion serves a non-medical role in a patient’s life. Maxim Companion Care Services caters to seniors, new and expectant parents, and other individuals. Companions perform duties such as reminder services (medications, dates, routines), assisting with mobility, providing companionship, preparing meals and feeding, escorting to appointments, organizing and reading mail, entertaining, and more.

Custodial care - Custodial care is similar to companion care. It is non-medical care that assists with ADLs.

Elder Care - Elder care, sometimes spelled eldercare, is care for aged individuals. It is also commonly referred to as geriatric care or senior care, and includes a wide range of care services, including help with ADLs.

Geriatric care - Geriatric care is care for aged or older individuals. The term “geriatric care” is often interchangeable with elder care or senior care.

Homecare - Homecare describes any form of care given within the home. This can range from care provided by a home health aide, home health nurse, companion, or caregiver and includes intermittent care, respite care, and home therapies. The term homecare covers both medical and non-medical forms of care.

Home health agency - A home health agency is an agency that provides home health care for individuals. These agencies are also often referred to as homecare agencies. Home health agencies help match a home health care professional with a patient in need of home health care.

Home health aide - A home health aide is a trained professional who provides non-medical health services. Home health aides primary tasks include personal care and assistance with Activities of Daily Living.

Home health care - Home health care is health care that occurs within one’s home. The term home health care and homecare are often interchanged; however, home health care refers to medical-related homecare while homecare encompasses all medical and non-medical homecare services.

Home health nurse - A home health nurse is a nurse that works in a homecare environment. This includes RNs and LPNs.

Intermediate care - Intermediate care is health care that is performed between primary care services and independent self-care.

Intermittent care - Intermittent care occurs when an individual is in need of infrequent medical assistance. Intermittent care caregivers may only be required for a couple of hours a day and a few days a week.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Licensed Practical Nurses are licensed nurses that are required to pass a licensing examination known as the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse).

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) - Licensed Practical Nurses are also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses in California and Texas. These nurses can do both non-medical and some medical care, including wound care, vital sign measurements, patient record-keeping, and medication administration.

Medical Social Workers (MSW) - A medical social worker works with individuals who are in need of psychosocial assistance.

Occupational Therapist (OT) - Occupational therapists work with individuals living with mental, physical, and/or developmental disabilities and help them perform daily tasks.

Pediatric home health care - Pediatric home health care is home health care that is provided to children with illnesses and special needs.


Home Health Care Definitions | Maxim Homecare:

 Maxim Healthcare Services is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for our private duty nursing and certified home healthcare programs. The ACHC is a national, non-profit organization that provides voluntary accreditation programs for various providers, including home health and hospice agencies, home infusion companies, homecare aides, specialty pharmacies, and home medical equipment suppliers. The ACHC is firmly committed to requiring what is right and best for the patient.