What is the Difference Between Home Care and Home Health Care?

When loved ones need additional help, families want to find the best solution. Part of that is knowing the type of care your loved one requires. Often, they must choose between home care and home health care. But what’s the difference?

This article will provide a comparison of what’s included in both services so you can choose which is best for your elderly or disabled relative.

Home Care vs Home Health Care: What’s the Difference?

Homecare and home healthcare differ in several ways, including the type of care provided based on your loved one’s needs and the caregiver's skill level. Home care is a service provided to those who may have difficulty getting around and completing specific tasks, while home health care is for those with more advanced medical needs.

The following sections will provide a more complete definition of the two services so you can better understand their meaning.

Services Provided

The services differ based on the needs of your loved one as follows:

Basic In-home care includes:

  • Light Housekeeping
  • Transportation
  • Companion Care
  • Assistance with Self-Care
  • Meal Prep
  • Medication Management

Home health care includes these basic services as well as:

  • Vital Sign Monitoring
  • Advanced Medication Management, such as shots and IV administration
  • Wound Care
  • Various Types of Therapy

Providers’ Skill Level

The skill level of the provider also varies. For example, home health care is typically provided by a skilled worker such as:

  • A certified nursing assistant (CNA)
  • A registered nurse (RN)
  • A home health aide (HHA)
  • A skilled therapist

Basic home care is provided by an ‘unskilled worker’. That’s not to say the worker has not been trained to care for seniors and disabled individuals.

However, their skills are limited to everyday tasks. They don’t have specific medical training.

Happy caregiver and senior woman discussing home healthcare options.

Your Loved One’s Needs

The final differentiator is your loved one’s needs. A person may require basic homecare if:

  • They have difficulty getting around
  • They are experiencing mild forgetfulness and confusion
  • You notice they have difficulty completing daily tasks
  • Their emotional health is declining due to isolation

People in need of health care are typically dealing with more serious, often chronic medical conditions, such as:

  • Alzheimer’s/dementia
  • Heart conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • COPD

A+ Home Care Can Help You Determine Which Option is Best for Your Loved One

Are you unsure which option your loved one needs? Book a consultation with A+. We will help you determine the best service for your relatives and ensure they receive personalized support.

Our agency offers home care, home health care, and services for autism and developmental disabilities. We are Medicaid approved, making care more affordable. Our skilled caregivers are ready to help your loved one improve their quality of life.

Contact us to learn more about what we have to offer.  

FAQs

Why is home care better than nursing homes?

An AARP study reveals that 75% of seniors prefer to age in place. They enjoy the familiar surroundings and like to be close to friends and relatives. Home care is beneficial to their emotional well-being.

What is the difference between home health and long-term care?

Home healthcare is typically short-term and focused on achieving a specific goal. For example, families may hire skilled workers to help a relative recover from an accident or achieve improved vital signs. Long-term care, often provided as private duty care, is for people who need ongoing care for chronic conditions that are not likely to improve.

Does Medicare cover at-home care?

Yes, Medicare may cover at-home care for eligible individuals. Many state governments work with Medicare and Medicaid to provide partial or complete coverage for the elderly and people with disabilities. Research to determine the type of assistance your mom or dad can receive.

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram