HOME HEALTH CARE
Home health care is clinical medical care provided by an registered nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist or other skilled medical professionals, and is often prescribed as part of a care plan following a hospitalization
HOME HEALTH SERVICES
Home health care services include:
Therapy and skilled nursing services
Administration of medications, including injections
Medical tests
Monitoring of health status
Wound care
WHEN TO USE HOME HEALTH
Situations in which home health is prescribed include:
Following an inpatient hospitalization, rehabilitation, or a stay at a skilled nursing facility – to help the senior transition back to independence
When a senior has had a recent medication change, in order to monitor for side effects and assure a new medication is effective
When seniors experience an overall decline in functioning – in order to help them to regain independence through therapy or learning new skills to compensate for their deficit
HOW TO PAY FOR HOME HEALTH
Since it is considered medical care, home health is covered by medical insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.
Covered by Medicare when prescribed by a physician
Medicaid for qualified individuals
Private pay (in rare cases when home health is not prescribed, but a senior desires such services)
HOME CARE
Home care is provided by caregivers, usually called home care aides, who are trained to understand the nuances of senior care. Home care aides can help older adults with activities of daily living, or just offer some friendly companionship. Unlike home health, home care is classified as personal care or companion care and is considered “unskilled” or “non-clinical.”
WHEN TO USE HOME CARE
You might consider hiring a home care aide for older adults who:
Need assistance with activities of daily living ranging from grooming to meal preparation
Do not drive and require transportation
Live alone, may be at risk for social isolation and need companionship
HOW TO PAY FOR HOME CARE
Private pay
Long-term care insurance
Medicaid for qualified low-income seniors
HOME CARE SERVICES
Services provided by home care aides may include:
Meal preparation
House cleaning
Helping dressing, bathing and grooming
Transportation
Reminders to take medicine
Help with bill paying
HOME HEALTH & HOME CARE COMPARISON
The charts below highlight some of the differences between home health and home care, both in terms of services provided and method of payment:
SERVICES COMPARISON
PAYMENT OPTIONS COMPARISON
COMBINING SERVICES
Home health and home care are not mutually exclusive services. Many families find that utilizing these services in tandem best help a senior who, for example, is recovery after a hospitalization. The home health staff address clinical and rehabilitative needs during the transition home, while a home care aide can help with personal caregiving and household chores that the senior requires assistance with during his or her recovery.