Home care and home health care are types of care given to people in the comfort of their own home. These care options make it possible for people, especially seniors to remain in their homes rather than staying in other senior care homes or nursing home facilities.
People sometimes get confused between Home care and Home Health Care. The main difference is that Home Care refers to non-medical services provided by caregivers, while Home Health Care is a medical service prescribed by a doctor. In order to better understand the differences between home care and home health care, please see the chart below.
Home Care vs. Home Health Care Chart Comparison
HOME CARE |
HOME HEALTH CARE |
|
Prescribed by the Doctor |
NO |
YES |
Skilled Nursing Care |
NO |
YES |
Offers occupational, physical, respiratoryand speech therapy |
NO | YES |
Administer Medications | NO | YES |
Provides Medication Reminders | YES | NO |
Help with Activities of Daily Living | YES | YES (Minimal) |
Help with Household Chores like cooking, cleaning, etc. | YES | NO |
Transportation Services | YES | NO |
Payment Options Available | Private Pay or Long-term Care Insurance | Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, Veteran’s Insurance Pay or Private Pay |
Please note that Medicare pays for Home Health Care ONLY if you meet certain conditions. For more information, click here.
You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY/TDD: 1-877-486-2048 for the speech and hearing impaired) or click here to check your Medicare eligibility and coverage.
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Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.