Caregiver - (Homemaker/Companion) or CNA - Which is right for me?
Caregivers and Certified Nursing Assistants provide services that are uniquely designed to assist and extend the ability of a client to remain in their residence of choice (home setting, assisted living setting, etc.) as long as they desire. The differences between services available among the two levels of caregivers are directly related to the overall medical health status of the client and are further defined below.

CAREGIVER SERVICES
Caregivers provide services that are necessary for an individual to remain independent. A Caregiver is an appropriate choice for a client who does not have complex medical or health issues. These services optimize an individual's level of wellness in order for them to continue residing safely and comfortably in a residence of their choice. Caregiver services are ideal for clients who are physically independent and need some assistance for basic personal care. Clients must be able to physically bear weight and pivot safely to be eligible for Caregiver services. Services provided by a Caregiver may include the following: Meal Preparation, Light Housekeeping and Laundry, Personal Care Assistance (dressing, bathing), Arranging Social Activities, Grocery and other Shopping Medication Reminders, General Errands, Accompany to Physician and Other Appointments, Direct Cognitively Impaired Clients with Activities of Daily Living, Driving (conditional).

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT
A Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, is an appropriate choice for a client who may have more extensive and complex medical needs. Similar to the Caregiver services, CNA services can extend a client's ability to safely remain independent in their residence of choice. A CNA receives extensive training through educational programs approved by the State of Illinois. These programs, traditionally available through community Junior Colleges, are composed of classroom and clinical work experiences in settings such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. State Certification is awarded upon successful completion of an approved program and achieving a passing score on a standardized test. A CNA is qualified to assist a client who experiences moderate difficulty with ambulation and body mechanics. CNAs can provide services to clients who utilize assistive equipment for ambulation such as a walker or wheelchair. CNAs can even assist those clients with little or no ability to ambulate. CNAs can provide all the services outlined for a Caregiver plus services associated with clients who may have more complex medical needs and/or greater physical limitations. Additional care services provided by a CNA may include the following: Taking Vital Signs, Assisting with personal care and bathing, Assist with bodily transfers and positioning, Assess basic symptoms and report to an RN, Reinforce dressing applications, Exercise and Range of Motion, Assist with AccuCheck Diabetic testing.

RNs and LPNs

PROFESSIONAL CARE, PERSONAL SERVICES
A skilled nursing professional is at the heart of the private duty services offered through the PremiereCare Program. Both Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN) are available to provide a superior level of care for clients who require the unique skills and training only available through licensed professionals. Our nurses have a passion for private duty care and are committed to working as part of a healthcare team in order to maximize the wellness level of all patients. Clients who are experiencing acute short term illnesses, chronic long term illnesses, or reliance upon technological health modalities and interventions benefit from skilled nursing cares services. Personal and professional credentials of our professional nursing staff are carefully examined and evaluated. It is not uncommon that one of our private duty nursing professionals has over 20 years of nursing experience.

COMPASSIONATE NURSING
Problem Identification, Planning, Intervention and Evaluation - these are the hallmarks defining the professional nursing process. A custom care plan is developed for all patients consistent with the nursing process and in collaboration with an individual's healthcare team and family. Our Nursing ambassadors' goal is to serve an individual's healthcare needs with the greatest of skill and compassion.

IT'S A NEW DAY FOR NURSING!