As we celebrate National Senior Citizens’ Day, we should also recognize the various services that help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life. At Four Seasons Healthcare Solutions, we offer a range of services, including both home health care and home care. While these services may seem similar, they cater to different needs and circumstances; together or separately, they make aging in place a reality.
While each provider may vary with services offered, there are four different areas which highlight the difference between home health care and home care.
1. Care Type
Home health care involves skilled medical professionals, like doctors, nurses, and therapists, who provide treatments at home. Services may include wound care, post-operative care, complex nursing, medication management and injections, and other interventions.
In contrast, home care focuses on non-medical assistance. Home health aides help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. They can also provide companionship and support, ensure a safe and comfortable living environment, and transport and escort to appointments.
2. Duration of Care
Typically, home health care is for a set period of time or happens as needed. Prescribed by a doctor or other healthcare provider, the goal is recovery and rehabilitation. Visits are based on medical needs and treatment plans.
Home care can be short-term or offer ongoing support due to aging, chronic illness, or disability. The number and timing of visits are tailored to individual needs, ranging from a few hours a week to 24/7 care. Almost 70% of adults aged 65 and older will need some long-term care as they age.
3. Cost Coverage
Because home health care involves skilled medical services, it may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans. Specific criteria like being homebound, having a certification of need, and being under a doctor’s plan, usually must be met.
Since home care is non-medical, it is often paid out-of-pocket or through long-term care insurance. Medicare does not cover home care. Medicaid may pay for home care depending on the individual’s state of residence and enrolled Medicaid program.
4. Plan Customization
Home health care agencies are highly regulated by health authorities; they must meet strict medical standards and guidelines. In addition, home health is based on a specific care plan created by a medical provider. So, the services are limited to prescribed requirements and cannot be changed without a doctor’s authority.
Because home care is not medical, provided services can be flexible and  customized to meet the preferences of the individual. An individual may have as much, or as little, extra help as needed. Plus, tasks and roles can be modified as circumstances change without authorization or approval.
Older adults bring history, wisdom, joy, and love to us and our communities. They deserve the care and support to live independently. Home health and home care can make it possible for seniors to stay in the places they love. And that is a terrific way to honor our elders for National Senior Citizens’ Day and every other day.
For more information about our services or to discuss your specific needs, please contact us today. Together, we can create a care plan that ensures the health, safety, and well-being of you or your loved ones.
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Sources: Medicare; NCOA; AARP; American Council on Aging
