Home Care vs. Home Health Care: Understand the Difference

If you are confused about the difference between Home Care and Home Health Care, you are not alone. Many people mistakenly think they are one and the same because they sound so similar, but they are very distinct in the types of services and benefits each one offers. Understanding the difference between Home Care and Home Health care is important because it can help you make smarter decisions about the type of home care required for your unique needs or those of a loved one.
What is Home Care?
Home care describes a range of services designed to help people with special needs live independently in their homes. Home care is typically provided to older adults who want to age in place safely at home as well as other people who are dealing with chronic illnesses, are recovering from surgery, or transitioning back home from an in-patient nursing or rehabilitation facility.
Each state has different requirements regulating home care workers. Most states have formal licensing requirements while some others do not; however, all states mandate varying levels of training, competency, bonding and others matters to insure that home care workers meet their state-specific regulations. When considering home care services, knowing how your state regulates home care agencies and their workers will help you better choose which providers are the best match for your needs.
Home care is a simple thing to understand. It is generally non-medical personal care for people who need assistance with their daily living activities. The types of home care services offered include the following:
• Light housekeeping. This includes assistance with routine household tasks such as taking out the trash, mopping or sweeping the floors, helping with laundry, and keeping the home clean and organized to optimize safety.
• Meal preparation. Home caregivers help their clients with their nutritional needs by assisting with grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning up after meals. They are also able to observe the nutritional habits of their clients to make sure they are eating the right foods at the right times in the proper amounts – all important factors to getting and staying healthy at home.
• Medication reminders. While home care workers are not licensed health care professionals, they can provide medication assistance. They work with medical providers to make sure that medications are taken on time and in the dosages specified. They can also monitor for any adverse effects and contact medical personnel for help if needed, giving everyone greater peace of mind.
• Companionship. Older adults aging in place at home can often suffer from the ill effects of social isolation. Periodic visits from trusted home care workers can help improve their moods and self-esteem through thoughtful conversations, game playing, and activity sharing. Providing enjoyable companionship helps optimize the physical and cognitive well-being of seniors who otherwise might struggle to live independently at home.
Home health care differs significantly from regular home care.
Home health care is what the term implies – health care services provided in the home that helps people recover from an illness or injury. Home health care workers are typically licensed by their respective states and include the following types of medically based services:
• Nursing.
• Physical therapy.
• Occupational therapy.
• Speech therapy.
• Medical social work.
• Wound care.
• Fall prevention
• Patient and caregiver education.
• Medication management
• Injection and IV administration.
• Assistance with bathing and dressing.
Home health care services are delivered under the direction and oversight of a physician or medical team. The type of health services rendered can vary depending on patient needs but it is important to remember that it involves medical professionals who work together to help people recover and receive treatments in the comfort of their own homes.
Because the cost of receiving home care or home health care services can range from nominal to significant, always explore your funding options. These types of services can be paid for through various means including but not limited to private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, personal funds, community organizations, and other sources. The Veteran’s Administration also lends assistance with home care and home health services. One of the easiest ways to identify and qualify for financial help is to speak with your medical providers or contact home care agencies serving your local community. They can provide you with a list of references and contact information that can simplify the process of getting the assistance you need.
Whether you need home care or home health care, understanding the differences between them can help you ask the right questions, find the right service providers, and make the right decisions for yourself or the one you love.