At first glance, home health care and home care may seem the same; after all, they both involve providing home care services in the comfort of one’s own home. However, as you look into which option would best suit your loved one, it becomes clear that there are significant differences between these two services.
Choosing which service to pick can be confusing, so we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll compare home care and health care at home to help you decide which option is best for your loved one. Oftentimes, both of these services are needed and utilized simultaneously.
What is Home Health Care?
This is a type of medical service provided in the home. These services are typically prescribed by a doctor and performed by a licensed healthcare professional. This type of care can include:
• Nursing care
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Wound care
• Administration of injections, medications, and IVs
• Speech therapy
The goal of health care at home is to help individuals regain their independence and manage their condition, so they can return to as normal a lifestyle as possible.
What is Home Care?
Home care is a non-medical service provided in the home. This service includes assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Home care aides can help with tasks such as the following:
• Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
• Meal preparation, grocery shopping, and light housekeeping
• Medication reminders
• Transportation to doctor’s appointments or other errands
• Companionship and social activities
The goal of home care is to help individuals who need assistance to live independently and remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
The Difference Between Home Health Care and Home Care
The key differences between health care at home and home care include some of the following:
- Type of care: Health care at home focuses on medical care, such as nursing care, physical therapy, or occupational therapy, while home care focuses on non-medical services such as assistance with activities of daily living.
- Care Team: Home health care services are prescribed by doctors or other healthcare professionals and monitored for quality.
- Care Length: Home care usually lasts as long as you want depending on budget and other factors while health care at home lasts the length that is prescribed by healthcare professionals.
- Who is Eligible: Health care at home typically needs a prescription from a doctor while home care doesn’t have that restriction.
Which Option Is Right for You?
When it comes to deciding which service to use, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The type of service that would be best for your loved one will depend on their individual needs and health condition.
Generally speaking, if you or your loved one require medical care, health care at home may be the better option. If you or your loved one require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), home care may be the better option. However, these services can both be used at the same time if needed.
Ultimately, knowing the differences between these two types of services can help you make an informed decision about which option is right for your loved one or whether you need both services.
Take Care of Your Loved One With Care At Home
If you decide that home care is the best option to keep your loved one healthy and happy, Care At Home can help. With our wide range of home care services, our team of dedicated and attentive caretakers can help your loved one remain independent while living at home.
With 24/7 availability, Care at Home is here to assist your loved one. If you’re still unsure which type of service would best suit your needs, contact our team today for advice and guidance. We look forward to helping you find a home care solution that works for you and your family.