Differences Between Home Care and Home Health Care
As our senior loved ones age, one of the most important decisions families make is how to provide the right kind of support they need. Although there are many services for them to choose from, many consider staying at home with additional assistance. While people use the terms “home care” and “home health care” interchangeably, there are significant differences between the two. Understanding these differences can help families make an informed decision about what’s best for their loved one.
In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between home care and home health care, how they can work together, and their costs.
What is Home Care?
Home care solely focuses on non-medical assistance services provided in the home to support seniors with daily living activities. These services usually include help with tasks with a home care aide such as:
- Personal care (e.g., bathing, dressing, and grooming)
- Household tasks (e.g., cleaning, meal prep, and laundry)
- Companionship and social interaction
- Running errands and grocery shopping
- Assistance with mobility and transfers
Home care services are tailored to improve a senior’s quality of life and help them maintain their independence in the comfort of their own homes.
Read more on when to start considering home care services here.
What is Home Health Care?
On the other hand, home health care provides medically-based services that require licensed healthcare professionals like nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. They provide services including:
- Medication management and administration
- Wound care and post-surgical care
- Medical monitoring (e.g., blood pressure, diabetes management)
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Speech therapy
Home health care usually requires a prescription from a doctor after a hospitalization or for ongoing medical needs. This service aims to manage specific health conditions or recovery at home, while keeping you out of the hospital.
How Do They Work Together?
While both offer different types of services, they can complement each other. For instance, a senior can receive home health care after surgery to help with their recovery. At the same time, home care services can help with daily living tasks like bathing and grooming, while having companionship during their recovery.
In some cases, a senior may start with home health care and later transition to home care as their medical needs decrease. Having both services available allows seniors to have ongoing care that adapts to their changing needs.
How Much Does Senior Home Care Cost and How Can You Pay for It?
The cost of senior home care can vary depending on the location, level of care needed, and the agency chosen. In California, the average for home care services can cost around $38 per hour, while home health care services can cost around $40 per hour.
There are several options available for paying for these services:
- Private Pay: A lot of families pay for home care out of pocket, which can be expensive in the long run. However, this allows for better flexibility and control over care decisions.
- Medicare: Medicare covers specific home health services when prescribed by a doctor. Unfortunately, Medicare usually doesn’t cover non-medical home care services.
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans and their spouses can qualify for financial support through VA for home care services.
- Medicaid: Medicaid will cover certain types of home care in some states, but eligibility requirements may vary.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Some long-term care insurance policies help pay for both home care and home health services.
Read more about the benefits of long-term care insurance here.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between home care and home health care ultimately depends on your loved one’s specific care needs. Home care is more tailored for non-medical assistance with daily living tasks and companionship. Meanwhile, home health care is more ideal for medical needs or recovery from an illness or surgery. In many cases, both services can work together to provide a comprehensive care plan for your senior loved one and ensure they receive the best support at home.
