As we age we often face the reality that we or the people that we love may need assistance in taking care of basic, daily needs. Home health care providers offer an alternative to expensive, long-term-facility care. This can be a source of comfort for those who are facing challenges such as Alzheimer's or the end stages of terminal illness. Like most cities across the nation, providers typically are part of a nationwide network, and Clarksville is no exception. In Tennessee, volunteer organizations such as Tennessee Association for Home Care can match providers and patients in cities such as Clarksville.
Alzheimer's Care
Millions of Americans face life with Alzheimer's disease or varying degrees of dementia. This can significantly affect daily life and independence. Medication or doctor's appointments can be forgotten. Sometimes even family members are regarded as strangers. It is confusing and upsetting for both the patient and the family. Keeping the patient in the home often can ease the anxiety and confusion. The national network Home Instead Senior Care trains caregivers to understand these specific needs and challenges, and focus on activities to encourage elder independence while managing the disease.
Private Duty
Private duty providers offer varying degrees of nonmedical assistance to aid family caregivers. Screened professionals come into the home a few hours a day or provide round-the-clock care. Basic needs such as housekeeping, hygiene and grooming and light meal preparation are met, in addition to shopping or errands. Often these professionals can provide simple companionship, which enhances the patient's health and happiness. In Clarksville, providers such as Tennessee Quality Homecare and Hospice offer this service.
Live-in Services
Sometimes age or illness puts a loved one at risk if they are unattended. If the patient requires 24-hour supervision, home health care providers offer live-in services. A national provider, Comfort Keepers, and similar businesses in Clarksville offer non-medical personnel to ensure that the patient is assisted in his daily routine. These caregivers work in shifts so the patient is never left alone.
Skilled Nursing
While many home health care providers are nonmedical and help with daily tasks, sometimes skilled nursing is required. These duties might include administering medication or overseeing medical treatment. Tennessee Quality Homecare and Hospice provides qualified professionals such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and therapists in Montgomery County, Tenn., including in Clarksville.
Hospice
When a loved one reaches end-of-life care, focus shifts from curing the disease to providing compassionate comfort for the patient as well as the family. If the life expectancy is six months or less, hospice care steps in to ensure that the patient is treated with dignity, and the entire family is assisted through the physical, emotional and spiritual transition from life to death. Hospice care can be conducted in the home, and insurance typically offers provisions for hospice. This includes Medicare. Gateway Home Care and Hospice is one of several options that provide these services in Clarksville.
