Frequently Asked Questions and Care Information
We realize there is a lot of information to process when choosing a care provider for you or your loved ones, and that sometimes things can be a bit confusing. We've put together a list of frequently asked questions and care terms and information below, to help you in your decision. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today.
Home Care
Health care provided in the patient's home by family and friends. Often, the term home care is used to distinguish non-medical care or custodial care, which is care that is provided by persons who are not nurses, doctors, or other licensed medical personnel.
Home Health Care
Health care services provided by a licensed home health agency to an insured in his place of residence that is prescribed by the insured's attending physician as part of a written plan of care. Services provided by home health care include:
- nursing
- home health aide services
- physical therapy
- occupational therapy
- speech therapy
- medical supplies and equipment suitable for use in the home
- medically necessary personal hygiene, grooming, and dietary assistance
Caregiver
A person who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill)
Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
Refers to six daily activities (bathing, dressing, transferring, using the toilet room, eating, and walking) that reflect the patient's capacity for self-care.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)
Refers to six daily tasks (light housework, preparing meals, taking medications, shopping for groceries or clothes, using the telephone, and managing money) that enable the patient to live independently in the community.
Patient
Any person who receives medical attention, care, or treatment. The person is most often ill or injured and in need of treatment by a physician or other medical professional.
Health Care Provider or Health Professional
An organization or person who delivers proper health care in a systematic way professionally to any individual in need of health care services.
Physical Therapy
The treatment of disease by physical and mechanical means (as massage, regulated exercise, water, light, heat, and electricity).
Occupational Therapy
Therapy based on engagement in meaningful activities of daily life (as self-care skills, education, work, or social interaction) especially to enable or encourage participation in such activities despite impairments or limitations in physical or mental functioning.
Additional Information and Terms
Following is additional information and resources that you might find useful beyond our offerings at Sunrise Home Health Care Services of San Antonio:
Primary Care
The "medical home" for a patient, ideally providing continuity and integration of health care. All family physicians and most pediatricians and internists are in primary care. The aims of primary care are to provide the patient with a broad spectrum of care, both preventive and curative, over a period of time and to coordinate all of the care the patient receives.
Elder Care
The care of older persons and especially the care of an older parent by a son or daughter.
Hospice
A facility or program designed to provide a caring environment for meeting the physical and emotional needs of the terminally ill.