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May 8, 2024 | Caregiving

What is the difference between home care and home health care?

What Is Home Care?
Home care or personal services In-Home care is typically non-clinical and does not require a doctor’s referral. It supports people who need help maintaining their independence and daily routines at home. The non-clinical care staff does not typically provide wound care or dispense prescription medications. They can, under the supervision and training of a home health agency nurse be certified to do these tasks if they are a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant. However, they can offer medication reminders and inform families about general wellness.

What Is Home Health Care?
Home health care is sometimes called skilled home health or medical home health. This kind of care was developed to allow individuals to be discharged from the hospital sooner but still get nurse oversight at home. It is at-home support for people discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility who cannot safely remain at home without some clinical supervision nor can travel to a doctor’s office or clinic. It can also be prescribed for rehabilitation after a fall, other injuries, or chronic severe health conditions. This care is usually delivered by 60-day periods know as certs (certifications) that have been prescribed by a doctor. This cert periods can be renewed until the patient has either made a full recovery, or that no more benefit can be given by home health.

Home health care can include:

• Administering prescription medicines, including IVs

• Fall prevention and mobility assessments

• Medical assessments

• Monitoring health status

• Physical and occupational therapy

• Wound care

Most home health care services are covered by insurance in some form. When prescribed by a doctor, home health visits are generally covered by Medicare, veterans benefits, and some long-term care or private insurance policies. In addition, Medicare pays up to 20% of the cost for durable medical equipment approved in a care plan. Medicare does not pay for 24-hour care  or long-term care at home and in those instances, it is time to contact us, your In-Home Care provider.

In summary, home health care focuses on medical needs and is covered by insurance. In contrast, home care assists with basic daily activities and may be private pay or covered by insurance.