If you are considering home health care for a family member, it is crucial to grasp the distinction between home care and home health care. Home health care involves the services of a licensed professional who visits your home to administer treatment. On the other hand, home care is delivered by an in-home caregiver, assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two:
Home health care is administered by a licensed professional, such as a nurse or therapist, while home care is delivered by an in-home caregiver, who may or may not possess a license.
- Professionals in home health care undergo comprehensive training, exhibiting expertise in their respective fields. They collaborate with patients to devise a personalized care plan catering to individual needs. On the contrary, home care providers are not obligated to hold a license, though many have received training in assisting the elderly or disabled.
- Home health care professionals are capable of delivering medical services, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, and other specialized services. In contrast, home care providers typically do not furnish medical services but are adept at assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- The expenses for home health care are commonly covered by Medicare and Medicaid, offering financial support. On the other hand, home care may or may not be covered by insurance, introducing variability in the financial aspects of these two types of care.
Home health care is often of a brief duration, while home care has the potential to extend over the long term.
- Typically, home health care spans a few weeks or months, culminating in patient discharge for self-care or transfer to a long-term care facility. In contrast, home care can be administered over an extended period based on the individual’s requirements.
- Certain individuals may necessitate short-term home health care following an injury or illness, while others may seek long-term home care for the ongoing management of a chronic condition.
Home health care is administered within the patient’s residence, while home care has the flexibility to be delivered either in the home or within a long-term care facility.
- Typically, home health care takes place in the patient’s home, but home care can also extend to a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.
- Patient preferences vary, with some opting for care within the familiarity of their own homes, while others may favor the structured support offered by a long-term care facility.
The cost of home health care is usually covered by the patient or the patient’s family, and the same applies to home care expenses.
- Home health care is commonly covered by Medicare and Medicaid, with some insurance plans extending coverage to these services. Conversely, insurance coverage for home care may vary, and patients or their families typically bear the financial responsibility.
When deciding between home health care and home care, thorough research is essential. Select a provider that aligns with the specific needs of your loved one to ensure comprehensive and suitable care.
Contact us today to explore further details about our home health care services. Collaboratively, we will formulate a care plan tailored to meet the specific needs of your loved one, providing you with peace of mind.