Home Care Or Home Health?

A curious nurse questions home care and home health differences.

Do you know the difference between Home Care and Home Health?

Home care and home health services are both types of in-home assistance provided to individuals who need help with their daily activities or medical needs. However, they differ in terms of the services they offer and the qualifications of the professionals providing them:

Home Care:

Home care is a broad term that encompasses non-medical services designed to help individuals with their activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). ADLs include tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating, while IADLs include activities such as meal preparation, housekeeping, grocery shopping, and transportation.

This type of care is typically provided by caregivers or personal care aides who do not have medical training or certification. They assist clients with tasks related to daily living, companionship, and maintaining a safe and comfortable home environment.

Home care is often sought by seniors who want to age in place, individuals with disabilities, or anyone recovering from illness or surgery who needs assistance with daily tasks but does not require medical attention.

Payment for these services is usually private pay, meaning individuals or their families pay for the services out of pocket. In some cases, long-term care insurance may cover some of these costs.

Home Health Services:

Home health services are healthcare services provided in the home by trained medical professionals, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other skilled practitioners.

These services are typically prescribed by a physician and involve the provision of medically necessary care, such as wound care, medication management, IV therapy, physical rehabilitation, and monitoring of vital signs. Home health services focus on managing or improving a patient’s medical condition.

Home health services are often sought by individuals who have undergone surgery, have chronic medical conditions, or require ongoing medical care but prefer to receive it in the comfort of their own homes.

Payment for home health services is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, or other government programs for eligible individuals. In some cases, patients may also pay out of pocket for these services.

In summary, home care primarily focuses on providing non-medical assistance with daily living activities and is delivered by non-medical caregivers. Home health services, on the other hand, involve medical care and are administered by trained healthcare professionals to address specific medical needs. The choice between either health service depends on an individual’s level of need and the type of care required. Often, a combination of both services may be used to provide comprehensive support to individuals who want to remain in their homes while managing medical and non-medical needs.

Are you looking to secure either of these services? Schedule a free consultation with our expert nurses today!

 

Image of Evergreen founder
Diana Nelsen, RN BSN. is the creator of Evergreen Nursing Health and is an avid writer for The ENH Blog.

Home Care Or Home Health?

A curious nurse questions home care and home health differences.

Do you know the difference between Home Care and Home Health?

Home care and home health services are both types of in-home assistance provided to individuals who need help with their daily activities or medical needs. However, they differ in terms of the services they offer and the qualifications of the professionals providing them:

Home Care:

Home care is a broad term that encompasses non-medical services designed to help individuals with their activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). ADLs include tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating, while IADLs include activities such as meal preparation, housekeeping, grocery shopping, and transportation.

This type of care is typically provided by caregivers or personal care aides who do not have medical training or certification. They assist clients with tasks related to daily living, companionship, and maintaining a safe and comfortable home environment.

Home care is often sought by seniors who want to age in place, individuals with disabilities, or anyone recovering from illness or surgery who needs assistance with daily tasks but does not require medical attention.

Payment for these services is usually private pay, meaning individuals or their families pay for the services out of pocket. In some cases, long-term care insurance may cover some of these costs.

Home Health Services:

Home health services are healthcare services provided in the home by trained medical professionals, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other skilled practitioners.

These services are typically prescribed by a physician and involve the provision of medically necessary care, such as wound care, medication management, IV therapy, physical rehabilitation, and monitoring of vital signs. Home health services focus on managing or improving a patient’s medical condition.

Home health services are often sought by individuals who have undergone surgery, have chronic medical conditions, or require ongoing medical care but prefer to receive it in the comfort of their own homes.

Payment for home health services is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, or other government programs for eligible individuals. In some cases, patients may also pay out of pocket for these services.

In summary, home care primarily focuses on providing non-medical assistance with daily living activities and is delivered by non-medical caregivers. Home health services, on the other hand, involve medical care and are administered by trained healthcare professionals to address specific medical needs. The choice between either health service depends on an individual’s level of need and the type of care required. Often, a combination of both services may be used to provide comprehensive support to individuals who want to remain in their homes while managing medical and non-medical needs.

Are you looking to secure either of these services? Schedule a free consultation with our expert nurses today!

 

Image of Evergreen founder
Diana Nelsen, RN BSN. is the creator of Evergreen Nursing Health and is an avid writer for The ENH Blog.

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