Home Care Services

Highland Woods Home services (HWS) provides home health services in compliance with the Home Health, Home Services, and Home Nursing Agency Licensing Act [210 ILCS 55]. Our home care services are designed to allow clients to live safely, comfortably, and independently in their chosen residence. We are happy to address any client-specific questions regarding caregiver limitations.

Under the Licensing Act, HWS caregivers can perform the following duties in line with HWS’s policies and procedures:

• Observe and report changes in client functioning to a HWS supervisor.
• Assist with household tasks such as menu planning, cooking, light housekeeping, laundry, and changing linens.
• Provide support with shopping and accompany clients to appointments or engagements outside the home.
• Offer companionship.
• Complete time sheets documenting services provided at each visit.
• Assist with activities of daily living, including:
  • Ambulation using adaptive equipment (e.g., walkers, canes) if the client is trained.
  • Bathing, as long as no medical skin care is needed.
  • Dressing in ordinary clothing or support stockings that don’t require a prescription.
  • Encouraging exercise, including prescribed programs.
  • Feeding, provided the client can swallow and sit upright.
  • Basic hair care and hygiene.
  • Medication reminders and assistance with properly marked containers.
  • Non-medical mouth care, including denture care.
  • Non-invasive nail care.
  • Positioning clients, as long as no medical skin care is required.
  • Shaving with an electric or safety razor.
  • Skin care for unbroken skin or chronic skin conditions not requiring medical care.
  • Toileting and assisting with incontinence care, urinals, catheter bags, and ostomy care.
  • Transfers, provided the client can assist and has sufficient strength and balance, using adaptive equipment if trained.
  • Limited respiratory care, including temporarily removing cannulas for face cleaning or shaving.

Additional caregiver responsibilities as outlined in HWS’s Policies and Procedures include:

• Understanding their job duties and limitations as specified in the client’s Service Plan.
• Following hygiene and infection control practices.
• Complying with employee health policies regarding illness and communicable diseases.
• Adhering to safety protocols and disaster procedures.
• Maintaining client confidentiality and security of personal information.
• Recognizing signs of abuse or neglect, knowing legal prohibitions, and following prevention and reporting requirements.
• Handling emergencies, providing basic first aid, and following emergency procedures.

Caregivers report any questions or concerns to a HWS supervisor promptly.