Short-Term vs. Long-Term Home Care [What's the Difference?]

Understanding the difference between short-term and long-term home care is essential when considering the best care options for yourself or a loved one. So let’s outline the distinctions between these types of care and how they can address a person’s evolving needs.

What Is Short-Term Home Care?

Short-term home care, sometimes called temporary home care, is designed for those who require assistance for a limited time, typically during a person’s at-home recovery after suffering an illness or injury or undergoing surgery. 

In these instances, the care may last anywhere from a few days to a few months. After surgery or during cancer treatments, a person may need the support of a personal care assistant, just temporarily. Services could include help with the following:

• Daily chores
• Cooking
• Bathing
• Dressing

What Is Long-Term Home Care?

Long-term home care is necessary for individuals who need ongoing assistance. This might be because of a disability or a chronic condition, such as Parkinson’s or dementia. Care plans must be robust in these cases, considering the likelihood of increasing care needs. Long-term care enables individuals to continue living at home while receiving the required support for as long as necessary. 

Home Care Flexibility

It’s important to remember that a significant advantage of choosing home care (instead of assisted living care, for example) is that it is flexible to a person’s evolving needs. You can customize home care to meet your health status or adjust as your condition improves or declines. However, you may need to undergo regular assessments to ensure the in-home care plan meets your physical and mental health needs.

Contact Best Care

Best Care understands families' challenges when navigating care choices for themselves or loved ones. Deciding between short-term (temporary) and long-term care can be overwhelming, but being informed about the differences can help you make the right decision!

Our team is here to provide guidance and answer questions you may have related to family caregiving. Best Care is dedicated to supporting caregivers and recipients of care across the state of Minnesota. Get in touch today!