If you’re considering home health care for a loved one, it’s important to understand the difference between home care and home health care. Home health care is provided by a licensed professional who comes to your home to provide treatment. Home care is provided by an in-home caregiver who helps with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two types of care.
Home Care vs. Home Health Care: What’s the Difference?
1) Home health care is provided by a licensed professional, such as a nurse or therapist. Home care is provided by an in-home caregiver, who may or may not be licensed.
- Home health care professionals are trained and skilled in their field. They work with patients to develop a plan of care that meets the patient’s individual needs. Home care providers are not required to be licensed, but many have training in caring for the elderly or disabled.
- Home health care professionals provide medical services and can offer skilled nursing care, physical therapy, and other services. Home care providers generally do not provide medical services, but they can help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Home health care is typically covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Home care may or may not be covered by insurance.
2) Home health care is typically short-term. Home care can be long-term.
- Home health care is generally provided for a few weeks or months, after which the patient is discharged to self-care or to a long-term care facility. Home care can be provided on a long-term basis, as needed.
- Some patients may need home health care for a short time after an injury or illness. Others may need home care on a long-term basis to manage a chronic condition.
3) Home health care is provided in the home. Home care can be provided in the home, or in a long-term care facility.
- Home health care is typically provided in the patient’s home. Home care can also be provided in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.
- Some patients prefer to receive care in their own homes, while others may prefer the structure and support of a long-term care facility.
4) Home health care is paid for by the patient or the patient’s family. Home care is paid for by the patient or the patient’s family.
- Home health care is typically covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Some insurance plans also cover home health care. Home care may or may not be covered by insurance. Patients or their families are generally responsible for paying for home care.
Whether you choose home health care or home care, be sure to do your research and select a provider that’s right for your loved one’s needs.
Our team at PACE is here to help. Give us a call today to learn more about our home health care and home care services. We’ll work with you to create a plan of care that meets your loved one’s needs and gives you peace of mind.