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What is the Difference Between Home Care and Home Health Care?

When your aging loved ones need in-home care, it is important to choose the right services that fit their requirements. Do they need home care or home health care? What is the difference between the two? The terms “home care” and “home health care” are two types of care that are provided at home. There are differences between both types, but they share a common purpose: to help your loved one receive care, support in the comfort of their home, and give their families peace of mind.

Home Care

Home care services are non-medical and usually provided by trained caregivers. Home care services help older adults who need assistance with activities of daily living. Levels of care vary by need; a professional caregiver can visit as many hours as the senior requires. Home care may serve different types of home care services, and the care plan is customized to suit individual needs. Most seniors would rather age in place than elsewhere, home care is a perfect solution for families and their aging loved ones to stay safe and comfortable in their homes. Seniors who receive home care have the opportunity to create trusting relationships with their caregivers.

Home care services may include:

  • Personal Care
  • Companion Care
  • Meal Preparation
  • Grocery Shopping
  • Laundry
  • Light Housekeeping
Home Health Care

Home health care provides in-home medical services performed by skilled medical workers like registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or medically trained personnel. This type of care helps older adults recovering from hospitalization, injury, or illness. The skilled personnel can assist in managing chronic health issues such as diabetes, heart conditions, and stroke. Home health care can be an alternative to a hospital stay, and usually less expensive and more convenient.

Home health care services may include:

  • Skilled Nursing
  • Monitoring Vital Signs
  • Pain Management
  • Caring for a Wound or Injury
  • IV Therapy
  • Speech Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy

There are many situations in which home care and home health care services can be used together and be customized into one plan that fits a senior’s needs.