If you're like most people with an elderly loved one in your life, you've undoubtedly given a lot of thought to how they can continue to enjoy a good quality of life as they age. If your loved one has chosen to age in place rather than move to an assisted living facility or nursing home, you probably have a lot of questions about what types of services are available for those who choose to go this route — and you may also be confused by some of the jargon you've come across while doing research community-based supportive services available to seniors.
You may have already heard or read the terms "home health care" and "home care" and are wondering if there is a difference between the two, and if so, what that difference is. Home care and home health care are similar in that they both involve providing healthcare services to individuals in their homes. Here's what you need to know.
Scope of Services
Home care generally refers to non-medical services that are designed to help individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Home health care, on the other hand, refers to medical services that are provided by healthcare professionals, such as nurses, therapists, and home health aides. These services may include nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other types of medical treatment.
Payment
Home care services are typically paid for out-of-pocket or through long-term care insurance, while home health care services may be covered by Medicare or private health insurance.
Oversight
Home care is generally provided by non-medical caregivers, while home health care is provided by healthcare professionals who are licensed and regulated by the state in which they practice.
Length of Care
Home care services may be provided on a short-term or long-term basis, depending on the needs of the individual. Home health care is typically provided for a specific period of time and may be stopped once the patient's condition has improved or the goals of treatment have been met.
Both home care and home health care can be valuable resources for older individuals who need support with routine activities of daily living or medical care at home. It is important to carefully consider your needs and the services that are available in your area when deciding which type of care is right for you or a loved one.
For more info, contact a local facility like A Nurse's Touch Healthcare Inc.
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