Everyone is Confused
Home health care and home care are two totally separate kinds of care a senior or elderly person is able to receive in their home. The words home health and home care are often used interchangeably by everyone- doctors, rehab facilities, social workers, hospice agencies, and people in the senior industry. It can be very confusing, even for people in the senior care industry. We’re here to break it down for you.
Imagine you have an elderly relative who is being discharged from a rehab facility after a heart attack. You are told they cannot be left alone and will need help taking care of themselves. When you ask about support services you are told not to worry the doctor has written a prescription for home health care and they will help you. You feel pretty good that you will have someone around to help you take care of your senior, until you find out it isn’t exactly the kind of help you thought you would be getting. This is where in-home senior care comes into the picture.
Similarities Between Home Health Care and Home Care
- Both come to the patient’s home
- Both provide a level of care after a hospital or rehab stay
- Both exist to help people recuperate in their homes
Differences
Home Health Care
- Medical services delivered in the home
- Will be prescribed by a physician
- Covers services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and wound care
- Does not include homemaking activities
- May include brief nurse visits
- Is used for a brief amount of time
In-Home Senior Care
- Home Care is non-medical assistance provided to help someone recover from a medical event or to stay in their home versus moving to a congregant living facility.
- Not prescribed by a physician, anyone can decide to use home care
- Care is provided by a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) or PCA (Personal Care Assistant)
- Includes longer visits (4 or more hours) and can be scheduled indefinitely
- Includes assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, range of motion exercises, medication reminders
- Also includes homemaking activities such as meal prep, errands, companionship, walks, laundry, and light housekeeping
Home Health Care and Home Care Work Together
In many cases, someone may have both home health care and home care services. HomeChoice Home Care Solutions works in partnership with many local home health agencies in Raleigh to provide in-home care that compliments the home health care that a senior may be receiving. For example, if home health is coming on Tuesday and Thursday a patient may arrange to have in-home care on the other days of the week. Oftentimes, the in-home care CNA or PCA will help the senior with the exercises they need to do to get stronger or help make sure they are following their discharge orders.
Home health care and in-home senior care, their teamwork makes the dream work when it comes to helping the elderly recover faster and stronger after a medical event that has left them weak or with low stamina.
Who Pays for What?
Home health services are covered by Medicare and other types of health insurance. Home care is not covered by Medicare. The only type of insurance that covers home care is long-term care insurance which is generally a separate policy from any other insurance policy. If you do not have a long-term care insurance policy then home care is paid for out-of-pocket.
Are you looking to understand more about in-home senior care in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and surrounding areas? Please call us at 919-847-5622 or visit our website www.HomeChoiceHomeCare.com
