When you care for yourself or a loved one in your own home, you hear “home health” and “home care” almost interchangeably. While they may appear and sound alike on the surface, they both care about keeping people safe and comfortable at home; you’ll see that these two services are not that different in what they do, who does them, and the type of needs they serve. Being aware of the difference is not only useful but also the deciding factor when you’re trying to figure out what’s best for your family.
Let’s first discuss home health care. This is the medical aspect of things and is given by certified health professionals, such as skilled nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists who visit your house. Their work is to attend to medical needs that otherwise would require a visit to a clinic or hospital. If you’re recovering from surgery, have a chronic condition such as heart failure or diabetes, or require wound care, injections, or rehabilitation following a stroke, home health care is usually ordered by your physician and is meant to assist in healing, enhance strength, and prevent unnecessary hospital stays. The care given is medical, and the medical personnel who deliver it are educated to keep track of your health, identify complications early on, and modify your treatment plan as necessary.
Home care, on the other hand, is all about helping with daily living. It is non-medical, hence necessary for many who desire to remain independent in their own home. Home care is done by trained caregivers, not nurses or therapists, who assist with daily living tasks such as meal preparation, bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, and reminding a person to take medication at the appropriate time. They can also provide companionship, take a person to appointments, or provide a watchful eye to a person at risk of confusion or falls. Home care is a favorite among the elderly, disabled, or anyone who just needs a little help to stay comfortable and safe in their own home. No physician order is needed, and the focus is on simplifying daily living and enjoyment.
One of the biggest differences between the two is the aspect of caregiver. Home health is delivered by trained medical professionals with education and licensure to conduct clinical procedures and assessments. Home care aides are not licensed to administer treatment, but they are trained to assist with personal care and home support with respect and dignity.
Moreover, the objectives of each service are different. Home health is to treat or manage disease, restore function that has been lost to the patient, and help monitor health status. Home care is quality of life, assisting with the little things in a big way, from dressing the patient up in the morning to having someone to chat with in the middle of the afternoon.
Insurance is the second area where these two services differ. Home care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, most often, particularly if it’s doctor-prescribed and medically needed. Home care, being non-medical, is typically paid out-of-pocket or by long-term care insurance, in most scenarios. It will be covered in some veterans’ benefits or community programs but is less likely to be reimbursed by standard health insurance plans.
It’s also important to note that home care and home health may be used together. A surgical patient may require a nurse to come and check wounds and a physical therapist to assist with mobility while simultaneously requiring a caregiver to assist with bathing, meals, and activities of daily living. They complement one another and provide a system of support that addresses medical and personal needs.
Choosing between home care and home health is as easy as knowing what you or your loved one needs the most. If one needs medical care, skilled nursing, or rehab, then home health is the route to take. If the largest concern is needing to deal with the daily chores or needing a companion, home care is likely the route to take. In the end, understanding the difference between home health and home care allows you to make the best decision for your family’s circumstances.