The Difference Between A Private In-Home Nurse & A Home Carer?

Luxe Care
May 1
4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

What are the Differences Between a Registered Nurse and a Carer: Choosing the Right Private Home Care Service

When seeking care for an elderly loved one at home, it’s crucial to understand the differences between a registered nurse and a carer. Each plays a different role and is trained for specific tasks. Knowing which service provider to choose can significantly impact your loved one’s well-being.

In today’s blog post, we will explore the main differences between a nurse and a carer. This information will help you make an informed decision regarding your loved one’s care. Keep reading to learn more!

Luxe Care: Your Trusted Care Team

At Luxe Care, we employ Registered Nurses as Care Managers, After Hours Care Coordinators, and providers of specialized clinical services. Additionally, we have Qualified Carers and Companion Carers, both critical members of the care team. They support elderly clients in their homes.

The nurses at Luxe Care manage all care service deliveries. They also provide clinical care, which includes medication management, wound care, catheter care, physical assessments, and complex care delivery plans. Carers assist by offering certain support services determined by a nurse responsible for the patient.

The Differences Between Registered Nurses, Qualified Carers, and Companion Carers

Registered Nurses

Registered Nurses (RNs) can be categorized into two main groups: RN Division 1 and Endorsed Enrolled Nurses (EEN – Division 2). RN Division 1 requires a minimum of three years of university training, leading to a Bachelor of Nursing degree. Many of these nurses later specialize in areas like ICU, Operating Theatres, Emergency Departments, or Aged Care through graduate certificates.

EEN Division 2 nurses undergo 18 months of study at TAFE to obtain a Diploma in Nursing. They also receive further training in medication management, adding the endorsed component to their qualifications.

Registered Nurses, along with Endorsed Nurses, are permitted to administer medications as prescribed by doctors. EENs require supervision from RNs while administering medications.

After their training, nurses must register with AHPRA (Australian Health Professionals Registration Association). This organization oversees the qualifications of practicing health professionals, including nurses, doctors, dentists, and physiotherapists. Fully registered nurses can then work across various healthcare settings and hospitals.

Qualified Carers

Qualified Carers hold a TAFE qualification, typically a Certificate III or IV in Aged, Community, or Disability Care. Some carers may be nursing students pursuing a bachelor's degree or diploma, though they may not yet have certification. These qualified individuals can also undertake additional education to specialize in areas such as Palliative Care or Dementia.

Companion Carers

Companion Carers usually lack formal training and are not qualified to provide hygienic or manual handling services. However, they often have invaluable personal experience, having cared for elderly relatives or friends. Their role primarily involves providing personal support, light house cleaning, and non-complex travel assistance. Companion Carers play a vital role in the In-Home Care team, helping free up Qualified Carers and Nurses to focus on more complex care needs.

What to Look for When Introducing In-Home Care Services

When choosing in-home care services, consider whether registered nurses:

Assess, discuss, and implement an agreed care plan with clients and families.
Keep in regular contact with clients and families to ensure care needs are met.
Provide after-hours support to ensure ongoing care and assistance.

Registered Nurses should also coordinate, when appropriate, referrals to Allied Health Professionals. These may include occupational therapists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, speech therapists, and dietitians.

Types of Services Provided by In-Home Based Services

Registered Nurses

Care assessments and physical evaluations are the foundations of an effective care plan. Registered Nurses excel in managing clinical care needs, such as:

Complex medications
Catheter management
Wound care
Specialised pressure area care
Complex post-hospital discharge care

Qualified and Companion Carers

A well-structured care plan developed by a Registered Nurse is implemented by Qualified and Companion Carers.

Qualified Carers typically assist with:

Bathing, grooming, and dressing
Laundry and light housekeeping to maintain client independence
Meal preparation and dietary support
Medication administration or reminders
Incontinence care and toileting assistance

On the other hand, Companion Carers excel in:

Transportation and accompanying clients to appointments
Providing companionship and social interaction
Meal preparation
Cleaning and laundry tasks

Although Qualified Carers and Registered Nurses may also perform companion tasks, they often cherish spending quality time with clients both in and out of the home.

Team Collaboration

A reputable in-home care service should facilitate teamwork among carers, clients, and families. This collaborative approach ensures optimal service delivery and fosters stronger relationships. Contact Luxe Care today at 1300 674 886 for further assistance.

If you require standard in-home care for yourself or your loved one, reach out to Luxe Care. Our friendly team is ready to discuss your specific needs. One of our care managers will conduct a free in-home consultation. If you decide to proceed, we will create a bespoke care plan for you or your loved one.