Being familiar with the variation between home care and home health care can be tough at the start. When an elderly family member originally starts to need help, it can be a scramble to understand which solutions are required and when. If the senior demands an injected medication or nursing care while recovering from an operation, then home healthcare is needed. If the elderly family member needs some help in bathing, cooking or housekeeping, then home care can provide the service.

Home care and home healthcare are different in two ways.

Home care offers non-medical services and is not paid for by Medicare; however some home care services and agencies may be licensed by the states. Home care services are private pay services, meaning the patient or the patient’s family will pay directly for home care. At times long-term care insurance may handle home care as well. Home health care, however, is medical care that is included by health insurance or Medicare. To get home health care, a senior or a patient must always be homebound and in need of assistance of medical care as determined by a doctor. Medicare may also include non-medical providers carried out by a home health aide, but these services are only covered when additional medical care at home is required. Usually these non-medical services occur at the same time as medical care visits.

Home care offers non-medical services to seniors and patients recovering from operations. Assistance in bathing and dressing are common home care services. Other duties home care workers deliver include light housekeeping, meal preparation, running errands and transportation. Assistance in walking or exercise and other light aid to make life easier are supplied by home care professionals. As the population ages, home care agencies proliferated to meet the large needs of the elderly who like to remain in their homes, but who might need help to do so.

Home healthcare is doctor-prescribed, and is presented by skilled medical personnel such as nurses who can give medication. Physical and occupational therapists can also be involved in the health care schedule. Home health aides may be allocated to support with activities of daily living. These services would be covered by Medicare as long as other medical care is also demanded.

Home care workers can offer medication reminders, but cannot administer the medication. Home care workers also assist with daily living activities such as preparing meals, light housekeeping, supporting with bathing, running errands and providing transportation to appointments. Home care services are privately funded by the patient, senior or their family. Long-term care insurance may also cover home care services.

Home Healthcare  in Altamonte Springs, FL counselors at Partners in Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are a senior care agency providing Elder Care in Altamonte Springs.