By JENNIFER RIEK
Business Development Manager
Egis Complete Care Inc.

Greetings, Los Alamos residents!

I am Jennifer Riek, the Business Development Manager at Egis Complete Care Inc., a provider of high-quality senior home care services.

Today, I want to delve into the concept of the 4H in Home Healthcare, which comprises:

• Home Care;
• Home Health;
• Hospice; and
• Home Order Death.

These pillars are essential in preparing individuals and families for end-of-life care, each representing a crucial aspect of caregiving that addresses diverse needs within our community.

Starting with Home Care, also known as In Home Care, these services focus on assisting individuals with daily activities within the familiarity of their own homes. From personal care tasks (bathing, grooming, meal prep, mobility assistance, medication reminders, transfers) to companionship and light housekeeping, the aim is to maintain independence, enhance health, ensure safety, and elevate the overall quality of life for clients through comprehensive caregiving and care management provided by Egis Care Managers.

One additional aspect of home care is eldercare management services. Rather than focusing on assistance with personal care in the home, care management takes a step back to look at more big picture issues. An assessment can be completed that helps identify areas where a person might benefit most from additional services. These might include working with the older adult to make sure life planning documents are complete, communicating with family members, making sure the living environment is suitable for an older person’s needs, and finding appropriate community resources or settings.

Home Care does not involve medical services like therapy or hospice care, but it does offer support for conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s, home health needs, and end-of-life care. Home Health, on the other hand, goes beyond aiding with daily activities to encompass skilled medical services delivered by licensed professionals, such as nursing care, therapy, and wound care, often post-hospitalization or for chronic condition management.

Hospice care focuses on providing compassionate support to those with terminal illnesses, emphasizing quality of life, comfort, and holistic care for both patients and their families. Finally, Home Order Death, or home funerals, allow families to honor and care for their deceased loved ones at home, fostering a personalized and intimate alternative to traditional funeral practices.

Understanding the distinct roles of each “H” in the continuum of care enables families to make informed decisions aligned with their values and preferences. At Egis Complete Care Inc., we are dedicated to offering comprehensive in-home care solutions tailored to individual needs, ensuring compassionate support across all phases of care.

Whether it’s Home Care, Home Health, Hospice, or Home Order Death, Egis Complete Care Inc. stands ready to provide compassionate in-home support tailored to your needs.

For non-medical in-home care needs, contact us at 505.995.0485 or visit our website at www.egisnewmexico.com.

Stay tuned for an article from Jack Allison of Los Alamos Visiting Nurses, who will delve into the specifics of home health care. We are here to support you and your loved ones in navigating the challenges of aging in place, advocating for physical, mental, and emotional well-being every step of the way.