HOME HEALTH CARE VS HOME CARE SERVICES
By educating yourself on the care available and what might fit best for you and your family, you can make these important decisions with peace of mind. Many people aren’t sure of the difference between home health care and home care services, so when it’s time to decide between the two, it can be daunting. We’re here this week to help guide you through this decision making process so that you can feel confident in your care decisions.
HOME HEALTH CARE
Home health care is clinical medical care provided by a registered nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, or other skilled medical professions. Most of the time, this type of care is best used directly following an inpatient stay at a hospital or clinic. For those who are experiencing a change in medication, an overall shift in general health, and/or who require occupational therapy, home health care would be the best choice.
The typical services provided with home health care include:
- Speech, physical, and other type of occupational therapy.
- Skilled nursing services.
- Administration of proper medications.
- Monitoring health status with medical tests.
- Wound care
If you or your loved one can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, home health care might be the best option:
- Have you recently been a patient in a hospital, rehabilitation center, or other medical facility? If yes, will you need help transitioning back into independence?
- Have you had a recent medication change and need help monitoring the progress and/or side affects of the medicine?
- Have you noticed newfound difficulty in your everyday life and want help regaining independence through therapy or other restorative help from a trained professional?
HOME CARE
Home care is provided by care aides, or caregivers, who are specially trained on senior care. Caregivers do not provide medical assistance and are considered “unskilled” or “un-clinical.” They are invited into the seniors home to provide assistance with everyday activities such as cleaning or cooking, and provide a companionship to the senior in care.
The typical services provided with home care include:
- Prepare a care plan.
- Monitor (not administer) medication.
- Assist with basic needs.
- Meal preparation and housekeeping.
- Companionship.
If you or your loved one can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, home care might be the best option:
- Do you need help with daily activities such as grooming to meal preparation?
- Do you need help with transportation?
- Do you live alone and spend much of your time alone? Do you feel like companionship is a crucial part of your necessary care?







