Home Care vs. Home Health Care: How Do They Differ?

One can easily get confused by the terms home care and home health care. Most people are not aware that they do not refer to the same thing. Many health agencies use these terms interchangeably without knowing the essential difference between the two terms. While there are some similarities in these two types of care, there are also some stark differences. In this article, we will discuss the similarities and the differences between the Home Care and the Home Health Care services so that you can decide which one you need.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care: The Similarities

Both home care and the home care services involve:

• Providing care in the comfort of a patient’s residence
• Offers essential help so that loved ones can stay independent and also feel better with the companionship at home
• Seniors and patients who are recovering from any medical condition can receive assistance with their daily tasks and activities like bathing and cleaning, dressing and overall grooming, etc
• It is also worth mentioning that home care and home health care services are cheaper than hospice care

Home Care vs. Home Health Care: What Are They?

Before we discuss the exact differences, let’s define each service.

Home Care

Home care is when help is required with the daily activities of a patient. It is a service often used for elderly people suffering from chronic illnesses and disabilities. It is also ideal for people who are recovering from any kind of surgery and it involves more personal caring than nursing.

Home Healthcare

On the other hand, home health care provides medical services to patients at home to treat and nurse any chronic health issues. Often, elderly people need home health care after a stay in the hospital for some surgery. If someone is diagnosed with a serious medical issue and wishes to get treated at home, a home health care service is perfect for them.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care: Types of Services Delivered

Here are some of the key differences between these two services:

Type of care:

• Home health care service is provided by licensed therapists and nurses only.
• Non-clinical professional caregivers provide home care service. They also assist in daily tasks only.

Services offered:

• Home health care services involve handling clinical cases. The home health care aides will help with the daily tasks until the patient can handle the tasks themselves. They focus mainly on providing therapy and skilled nursing services.
• Home care aides, on the other hand, will help the patient with the daily and regular tasks that do not involve any kind of medical care.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care: Who Provides Care?

Care provider

• Home health care services are only available if your doctor suggests so. Skilled professionals like nurses and therapists provide it to a patient.
• On the other hand, home care has no such criteria and is provided by family members and professional caregivers.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care: The Location of Care

Location Access

• You can receive home health care at your home. Even if you are living in assisted living facilities or group homes, you can get out of the home health care service on your doctor’s orders.
• Home care, however, is available only at your loved one’s actual home. They do not provide care if your loved one is at an assisted living facility.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care: Length of Care

Period of care

• Home health care will continue as long as your doctor suggests and certifies and you meet the criteria of eligibility.
• Home care, however, can continue for as long as you want, depending on your need and budget.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care: Cost of Care

Cost involved

• Home Health Care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and almost all the private insurance plans for eligible patients.
• Home care services are paid for by the patient or with the help of long-term care insurance.

However, the overall cost for home health care and home care varies from agency to agency across the US. If you need home care, you will need to speak to an agency directly to get the most accurate pricing quote.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care: The Service Checklist

Here is a list of services provided by caregivers in both the services

• Bathing, feeding, and dressing
• Meal planning and preparations
• Personal hygiene
• Toileting and other such needs
• Exercising and positioning
• Medication reminder and companionship

Conclusion

You will need to evaluate your needs to see if home health care or home care services would be a better fit for you. Speak to our team at Home Care Partner at (818) 740-3680 for a personalized assessment and care plan.