The Difference between Home Care and Home Health

Home care offers non-medical help, while home health care provides medical or clinical assistance often provided by licensed nurses.

While the terms “home care” and “home health care” may sound similar, the services provided are quite different.

Both types of care can be provided in the comfort of one’s home.

Home Health Provides Medical Assistance

Home health care is clinical, medical supervision provided by a licensed professional.

Registered and licensed nurses, occupational therapists, and physical therapists can provide home health care, often through home health agencies and, in some cases, hospice agencies.

This type of care is often prescribed by a doctor as part of a senior health care regimen following hospitalization or injury.

It can include the following:

• Physical and occupational therapy
• Administration of prescription medications or shots
• Medical tests
• Monitoring of health status
• Wound care

Home health care may not be necessary for seniors aging in place without significant medical concerns.

It more often benefits elderly adults who require assistance with recent injuries, who are prone to falls, or who have been diagnosed with a chronic condition such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease.

Home health services are also provided to post-operative patients being discharged from the hospital if medical or clinical needs are required beyong the hospital.

• Seniors recently discharged from rehabilitation, a hospital stay, or a skilled nursing facility
• Elderly people who need monitoring after a recent medication change
• Loved ones whose fragile health prevents them from safely traveling to and from doctors’ offices
• Seniors experiencing an overall decline in function who could benefit from occupational or physical therapy to regain independence

Home health care costs vary greatly by location, services offered, and the level of care a senior requires.

Since home health aides are often licensed nurses and medical professionals, their rates are higher than those of home care aides who don’t offer medical assistance.

But most health insurance policies cover home health services, but unfortunately for a limited specific time.

Home Care Offers Non-Medical Help

Home care offers non-medical help for seniors needing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Types of non-medical or non-clinical care can vary by need from weekly meal prep to incontinence care.

Home care aides (i.e. caregivers) can be hired privately or through agencies.

They’re trained to understand the needs of senior care, but are generally not licensed to provide medical or clinical services.

Home care offers non-medical help with many daily needs to seniors such as:

• Companionship — reading aloud, chatting, and in-home activities
• Transportation to appointments
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, bathing, and grooming
• Meal preparation or delivery
• Medication reminders, but not directly administering medications (that’s home health)
• Cleaning and organizing

Home care can benefit those who need more social interaction to reduce loneliness and isolation or require more specialized assistance such as the following: 

• Help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing or restroom assistance
• Companionship to reduce social isolation at home
• Transportation services to and from activities such as docto’s appointments
• Assistance with cooking, cleaning, and other household responsibilities

Most home care agencies charge by the hour. 

We offer flat fee rates with no additional surcharges or fees. 

Since home care hours are often determined by need, your family’s bill can vary greatly based on the assistance your loved one requires.

Location, state wage laws, and agency requirements such as the training and insurance of caregivers often affect home care costs, so you may pay more or less, depending on where your aging relative lives.

Working Together: Home Care and Home Health

Families often find that a combination of home health and home care services is beneficial for their loved one’s needs.

In this situation, medical professionals are able to provide clincial services, while caregivers assist with daily activities.

This combined approach can add more assurance and confidence that elderly’s emotional and medical needs are both met.

Some insurance policies tend to cover these types of care:

• Long-Term Care Insurance covers home care only if it’s included in your loved one’s existing policy. Check with the insurance agent for more information.
• Private Pay is common for home care, but is only necessary for services that hasn’t been ordered by a physician.
• Medicare and private insurance plans cover home health with a primary physician’s orders. Ask your loved one’s doctor about home health if you think it would be beneficial. This service is available to any senior who qualifies for Medicare.
• Medi-Cal (in California)/Medicaid covers both types of care for income-qualified seniors, though coverage amounts may vary.

In conclusion, home care offers non-medical help and our caregivers can assist with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Refer a friend who needs home care.

Call us today to arrange care – let us help you.