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Home Care or Home Health Care?
Care Choice Home Care • October 1, 2018
WHAT IS HOME HEALTH CARE?
Sometimes referred to as HOME CARE, home health refers to skilled services provided in the home by a licensed medical professional such as an RN, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Speech Therapist. Generally, home health professionals are only authorized to perform specific tasks prescribed by the patient’s physician. Home health visits are usually short in duration and are prescribed for a specific period of time based on the patient’s progress.
Home Health is typically covered by Medicare/Health Insurance.
Examples of when HOME HEALTH CARE is needed are:
* Wound Care Management
* Mobility Training
* Pain Management
* Medication Management
* IV Therapy/Injections
* Occupational Therapy
WHAT IS HOME CARE?
Often referred to as non-medical care or custodial care, HOME CARE provides patients with CAREGIVERS who assist with all Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s), companionship, transportation and safety at home. HOME CAREGIVERS often work in conjunction with home health professionals. HOME CARE agencies differ in costs and in their approach to hiring. We recommend that CAREGIVERS be licensed, bonded, insured and thoroughly screened in the areas of criminal background, DMV records, drug use and trained in hands-on personal care.
HOME CARE is privately paid. Most long term care insurance covers the majority of costs. VA benefits may apply for qualifying veterans through the Aide and Attendance Program.
Examples of non-medical HOME CARE services:
* Bathing/Showering
* Toileting
* Medication Reminders
* Ambulation/Transferring Assistance
* Dressing Assistance
* Dementia Support
* Post-operative Personal Care
* Respite Support for Family
* Hospice Support
* Transportation
* Companionship
* Meal Preparation
* Light Housekeeping
* Laundry/Linens