What Is the Difference Between In-Home Care and Home Health?
Most of the time people think home health care and in-home care are two the same things. Many health care agencies use these terms interchangeably. Both care is delivered in the comfort of your homes; still, there are differences between home health care and in-home care. Understanding the difference can help you decide which care is suitable for your loved one and the needs and budget.
The terms “home care” and “home health” sound alike, but they give precisely various services. Personal home care assistance offers non-clinical help, such as meal preparation and company, while home health renders professional medical assistance. Another difference is that home health is usually covered or private insurance while home care is not.
Both are types of care. Yet, they are available to your loved ones in the convenience of their home. You can hire senior in home care services and home health care services according to your needs.
Home health is a continuation of medical care, and private care is additional in-home support for people who have trouble doing everyday tasks.
Home health is usually for an allocated time. It takes the form of recovery to what one might encounter in an experienced nursing or outpatient rehab facility. A doctor must order, and medical insurance covers it. Home health services can involve any of the following:
- Skilled Nursing
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy (and more)
Who can benefit from home health?
- Seniors loved ones who recently discharged from a hospital stay, a hospital stay, a skilled nursing facility, or a rehabilitation
- Senior citizens who require monitoring after a recent medication change
- Seniors loved ones whose weak health stops them from safely moving to and from other places like the offices of doctors
- Seniors loved ones encountering an overall deterioration in the function could benefit from professional or physical therapy to regain independence
In-home care (also known as private care) intends to give additional l assistance to do everyday tasks, like:
- 24-hour supervision
- Bathing and dressing
- Errands
- Help transferring and getting around
- Housekeeping
- Meal planning and preparation
- Medication reminders (and more)
Private care is also highly helpful for family members who cannot meet their loved ones’ needs on their own. This form of care gives peace of mind and comfort to relatives and family caregivers who need a little additional help in caring for aging or impaired family members.
Who can benefit from home care?
- Seniors citizens who need assistance with their everyday activities, from doing the dishes to taking a bath and using the restroom.
- Seniors who are still physically active but need transportation to and from activities like attending their medical appointments
- Senior loved ones who would like help with cooking, cleaning, and other household chores
- Seniors loved ones who need company or feel alone at home
Combining in-home care services
Usually, families find that a mixture of home health and home care is helpful for their senior loved ones. Health professionals can render medical services, while care aides help with daily activities. This holistic method guarantees that seniors’ medical and emotional needs are both satisfied.
How much do they cost?
If guided by a doctor, an insurance card like Medicare will pay for skilled caregiving services at homes — such as nursing and therapy. Another insurance card like Medicaid may also be an alternative for qualified people. Qualification for Medicaid coverage varies from different states, but it usually relies on income and medical need for care.
You can pay for both home care and home health care using your own money (commonly known as private pay). For home care, using the money from their own pockets is common for families where they cannot apply for long-term insurance.
Private Care and Home Health Care
When you make a comparison between home health care and in-home care, you must remember you can receive both care at the same time. Home health care offers hospital care to help a patient recover, and in-home care assists senior loved ones with daily caregiving and tasks. Some health care agencies offer both care. Although there can be a big difference between home health care and in-home care, both care can help to age loved ones stay independent and safe in their homes.
If you plan to leave your loved one at the hospital or you need a break as a full-time caregiver, our kind-hearted care providers are here to help you. Clear Path Home Care has helped a lot of families across the state. We are proud to assist all of our loved patients. Connect with us and explore private care and home health care now. Find the best option that best suits you and your loved one.