A leader in non-medical home care
Established in 1998, Visiting Angels has become one of the largest and most recognized providers of in-home senior care in the United States. Unlike home health agencies that provide clinical, skilled nursing care, Visiting Angels focuses on the non-medical needs that enable individuals to live safely and independently at home. Their services are delivered by trained caregivers who are matched with clients to ensure compatibility and build strong, trusting relationships. The agency operates on a franchise model, with local offices that are deeply connected to their communities.
The core services offered
Visiting Angels' service offerings are highly customizable to meet the unique needs of each client. Care coordinators work with families to develop a personalized plan, which can be adjusted as a person's needs change over time.
Companion care
This is a foundational service designed to combat loneliness and social isolation, which can significantly impact an older adult's mental and physical health.
- Friendly conversation and emotional support: Caregivers provide meaningful engagement through conversation, activities, and simple companionship.
- Engagement in hobbies: They can join clients in playing games, watching movies, or participating in other preferred pastimes.
- Outings and events: Caregivers may provide transportation for social outings, shopping trips, or visits to family.
Personal care
For clients requiring more hands-on assistance with daily routines, personal care is provided with dignity and respect.
- Hygiene assistance: This includes help with bathing, showering, and grooming.
- Dressing and toileting: Caregivers can assist with getting dressed and using the toilet.
- Mobility and transfers: They provide support for safely moving around the home, transferring from a bed or chair, and walking.
- Medication reminders: Caregivers help clients remember to take their medications on schedule, though they do not administer them.
Respite care
This service is designed to provide temporary relief for family caregivers who need a break to rest, travel, or attend to personal matters. Caregivers can step in for short periods, allowing the family caregiver to recharge and prevent burnout.
Specialized care programs
For individuals with more complex health challenges, Visiting Angels offers specialized programs that require a greater level of training and expertise from their caregivers.
- Dementia and Alzheimer's care: Caregivers receive specific training to manage the symptoms of memory loss, including wandering prevention, managing confusion, and helping with daily tasks.
- Ready-Set-Go Home transitional care: This program focuses on assisting seniors returning home after a hospital stay, aiming to reduce the risk of rehospitalization.
- End-of-life care support: This compassionate service offers comfort and assistance to clients and their families during hospice care.
- Palliative care support: Caregivers assist individuals coping with serious or chronic illnesses by providing comfort and support in collaboration with other medical personnel.
A comparison: Visiting Angels vs. Home Health Care
When exploring options, it is crucial to understand the distinction between non-medical home care and medical home health care. Visiting Angels falls squarely in the first category.
| Feature | Visiting Angels (Home Care) | Home Health Care |
|---|---|---|
| Services Provided | Non-medical, custodial care. | Medical, clinical, and rehabilitative services. |
| Examples of Services | Companionship, meal prep, bathing, light housekeeping, errands. | Wound care, injections, physical therapy, occupational therapy. |
| Care Provider | Trained, non-medical caregivers. | Licensed medical professionals, like nurses or therapists. |
| Coverage | Not covered by Medicare; typically private pay, long-term care insurance, or VA benefits. | Often covered by Medicare when prescribed by a doctor for medically necessary treatment. |
| Referral Needed | No physician referral required. | Requires a physician's order and supervision. |
The process: how to hire Visiting Angels
For families considering Visiting Angels, the process is designed to be personalized and transparent.
- Initial Consultation: A free, no-obligation meeting is scheduled with a local care coordinator to discuss your loved one's specific needs, scheduling requirements, and personal preferences.
- Care Plan Creation: The care coordinator, in collaboration with the family, develops a customized care plan that outlines all services and scheduling details.
- Caregiver Matching: Visiting Angels carefully matches a caregiver to the client based on personality, skills, and care needs to foster a positive, trusting relationship.
- Flexible Scheduling: Care can be scheduled hourly, overnight, or on a 24/7 basis, offering flexibility to meet various needs.
- Adjusting the Plan: The care plan can be easily adjusted as a client's needs change over time.
The benefit of aging in place
One of the main goals of Visiting Angels is to help seniors 'age in place,' allowing them to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes rather than moving to a facility. For many, this offers significant emotional and mental benefits. A senior can maintain independence, continue with familiar routines, and remain connected to their community, all of which contribute to a higher quality of life.
How Visiting Angels supports family caregivers
Beyond assisting the senior, Visiting Angels provides crucial support to family members who are often stretched thin by caregiving responsibilities. Providing respite care gives family caregivers a much-needed break to prevent burnout and maintain their own well-being. This support system ensures that both the care recipient and the family can thrive.
The Visiting Angels difference
As a locally owned but nationally recognized franchise, Visiting Angels aims to provide consistent standards of excellence while also offering personalized, community-focused care. Their commitment to compassionate service, flexible scheduling, and building strong client-caregiver relationships has made them a trusted name in the industry.
For more information on the distinctions between home care and other senior living options, the National Institute on Aging provides valuable resources.
Conclusion
In summary, Visiting Angels provides a wide spectrum of non-medical, in-home care services tailored to empower seniors to age in place safely and comfortably. From companionship and personal care to specialized support for conditions like dementia, their mission is to enhance the quality of life for older adults and offer crucial support for their families. By understanding the full scope of their services, families can make an informed decision about the best care option for their loved one.
