ACT Home Health Services, Inc.

Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses Physical Therapists • Social Workers • Home Health Aides • Homemaker • Companions

Generally, home health care services are initiated when a loved one is no longer able to care for him or herself due to failing health or recent changes to their health. Often a physician, nurse, hospital discharge planner or case manager suggest obtaining professional help at home to assist with your health care need.

ACT Home Health Services, Inc. has separated home health services into the following two categories to help you to identify the services you may need:

Skilled Professional home health agency services include:

Nursing provided by a registered nurse (RN), a licensed practical nurse (LPN)

Physical Therapy

Medical Social Work

Paraprofessional home health agency services include:

Home Health Aides

Personal Care Assistants

Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide skilled services that cannot be performed safely and effectively by nonprofessional personnel. Some of these services include injections, wound care, education on disease treatment and prevention, and patient assessments. RNs may also provide case management services. RNs have received two or more years of specialized education and are licensed to practice by the state. LPNs have one year of specialized training and are licensed to work under the supervision of registered nurses. The intricacy of a patient's medical condition and required course of treatment determine whether care should be provided by an RN or can be provided by an LPN.

Physical therapists (PTs) work to restore the mobility and strength of patients who are limited or disabled by physical injuries through the use of exercise, massage, and other methods. PTs often alleviate pain and restore injured muscles with specialized equipment. They also teach patients and caregivers special techniques for walking and transfer.

Social workers evaluate the social and emotional factors affecting ill and disabled individuals and provide counseling. They also help patients and their family members identify available community resources. Social workers often serve as case managers when patients' conditions are so complex that professionals need to assess medical and supportive needs and coordinate a variety of services.

Home health aides assist patients with ADLs such as getting in and out of bed, walking, bathing, toileting, and dressing. Some aides have received special training and are qualified to provide more complex services under the supervision of a nursing professional.