Home Health Care: Skilled Vs Non-Skilled Services

Home health care is an option for anyone who may need a little extra help with their day-to-day tasks. There are many ways home health care can benefit you and your health. Get started today by reaching out to your doctor or a home health care agency. 

What Is Home Health Care?

Home health care occurs when nurses and caregivers are hired through an agency or independently to come into your home and provide you with the assistance you need to stay healthy. There are many service options offered depending on the type of assistance you need. 

Skilled Home Health Care Service Options

Home health care services are considered a "skilled" service when they require a nurse or therapist to provide the service. This does not necessarily mean that the nurse/therapist is better than a regular caregiver, only that the services provided by the nurse/therapist require more education and usually a license. 

Services that would be provided by a nurse or therapist can include:

  • Medication management
  • Wound care
  • Catheter care
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Infusion

Because these services can be more crucial to your health, only someone with the proper education and license can provide them. 

Non-Skilled Home Health Care Service Options

Home health care services are considered "non-skilled" services when they do not typically require higher education or a license. A caregiver would need to complete any education or training requirements set by the agency they work for, but this will not usually require medical school. 

Non-skilled services options can include:

  • Bathing assistance
  • Toileting assistance
  • Transportation
  • Cooking
  • Cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Grocery shopping
  • Companionship

These services do not typically need a medical background to excel at, but they are equally as important. 

What Is a Home Health Care Agency?

A home health care agency is usually the easiest option when starting home health care. The agency would be responsible for training and hiring all service providers. They would also be responsible for communicating with and billing your insurance plan for your services. This takes a lot off of your shoulders as you will never have to wonder where to find a caregiver or how your insurance works. 

No Insurance? No Problem

If you do not have insurance, do not worry. There is usually a private pay option. This means the agency can bill you directly for your services instead of an insurance plan. The private pay option is a great way to ensure there is no interruption to your much-needed assistance.  

For more information about home health care services, contact a local company. 


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