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.
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.
The services differ based on the needs of your loved one as follows:
Basic In-home care includes:
Home health care includes these basic services as well as:
The skill level of the provider also varies. For example, home health care is typically provided by a skilled worker such as:
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.
The final differentiator is your loved one’s needs. A person may require basic homecare if:
People in need of health care are typically dealing with more serious, often chronic medical conditions, such as:
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.
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.
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.
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.