A Nationally Recognized Leader in Senior Home Care
Visiting Angels has been a leading force in the home care industry for over 25 years, with a network of more than 600 franchised offices across the country. Founded on the belief that every senior deserves high-quality, compassionate care, the organization has made a significant impact by helping countless individuals age in place. The core of their philosophy revolves around delivering personalized care that respects the dignity, privacy, and independence of each client. By focusing on non-medical support, Visiting Angels fills a critical gap, complementing the work of medical professionals and providing holistic assistance.
The Diverse Range of Non-Medical Services
Visiting Angels' service offering is comprehensive and can be tailored to meet a wide variety of needs. A local care coordinator conducts a free, in-home consultation to assess a loved one’s specific requirements and daily routines. This process ensures the creation of a customized care plan that fits the client's schedule and preferences.
Companion Care
For many seniors, loneliness and social isolation can significantly impact their well-being. Companion care provides vital social interaction and emotional support, including:
- Friendly conversation and companionship
- Engaging in hobbies and favorite activities
- Accompanying clients to social events or gatherings
- Planning and sharing meals
Personal Care
Personal care focuses on providing dignified assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Caregivers can help with:
- Bathing, grooming, and dressing assistance
- Toileting and incontinence care
- Mobility and transferring assistance
- Medication reminders to ensure timely intake
Homemaking and Errands
To help maintain a safe and comfortable home environment, Visiting Angels caregivers can assist with various household tasks and errands, including:
- Light housekeeping, such as tidying up, dusting, and vacuuming
- Laundry and changing linens
- Meal planning and preparation, accommodating dietary needs
- Grocery shopping and other essential errands
- Providing transportation to doctor's appointments or other outings
Specialized Care for Specific Needs
Beyond general assistance, Visiting Angels offers specialized programs through their Life Care Navigation series, designed for clients with more complex needs.
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Care: This specialized care helps manage the unique challenges of memory loss, offering wandering prevention, assistance with changing routines, and patient redirection during episodes of confusion.
- Respite Care: This temporary care provides much-needed breaks for family caregivers, helping them avoid burnout. Respite care can be scheduled for a few hours, overnight, or for an extended period.
- Palliative Care: Distinct from hospice, non-medical palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for those with chronic illnesses. Caregivers provide emotional support and comfort to both the client and family.
- Post-Hospital Care: Also known as the Ready-Set-Go Home program, this service helps seniors transition safely from a hospital stay back to their home, reducing the risk of readmission.
- End-of-Life Care: During a sensitive time, caregivers can provide comforting support to clients and their families, ensuring comfort and companionship in the final stages of life.
The Difference Between In-Home Care and Home Health
It's important for families to understand the distinction between non-medical home care and medical home health care. This comparison can help clarify the role Visiting Angels plays and how their services can complement other medical needs.
| Feature | Visiting Angels (Non-Medical Home Care) | Medical Home Health Care |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | To provide daily assistance and companionship to support independence and well-being at home. | To achieve specific health goals, such as recovery from an injury or management of a chronic condition, under a doctor's orders. |
| Covered Services | Personal care, companion care, meal prep, errands, light housekeeping, medication reminders. | Skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, injections. |
| Caregiver Training | Caregivers are thoroughly screened, bonded, and insured, with training specific to non-medical duties and specialized programs like dementia care. | Skilled nurses and therapists with medical credentials who provide medically-prescribed services. |
| Funding Source | Typically private pay. Some long-term care insurance policies may cover services. | Primarily covered by Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or private insurance, for eligible patients with a medical need. |
| Duration of Care | Flexible and often long-term, from a few hours a week to 24/7 care. | Usually short-term, with a defined timeline and specific goals set by a doctor. |
How Visiting Angels Operates
The process for engaging with Visiting Angels is designed to be straightforward and supportive. It begins with a free, no-obligation consultation with a local care coordinator, during which they learn about the client's needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Next, a personalized care plan is developed, outlining the services and scheduling. Finally, the agency matches the client with a carefully screened caregiver, ensuring a good personality fit and fostering a strong, trusting relationship. The flexible scheduling options—including hourly, overnight, and 24-hour care—mean that families can find the support they need, precisely when they need it.
Conclusion: Empowering Independence at Home
In summary, what Visiting Angels actually does is provide the essential, non-medical support that empowers seniors to continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes. Through their wide range of services, including companionship, personal care, and specialized programs, they alleviate the burdens on family caregivers while prioritizing the independence and dignity of their clients. Their commitment to personalized care and compassionate service has solidified their reputation as a trusted partner for families navigating the challenges of aging. For more detailed information, families can visit visitingangels.com.
