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Understanding Home Care Services: 
Home Health vs Home Care

Home care and home health are distinct types of care which are both provided in a home setting, but most people 
aren't aware of the differences and use these terms interchangeably. The key difference is that "home care" is  
non-clinical care and "home health" is clinical care.

 Home Health

Home health care is clinical medical care provided by 
an registered nurse, occupational therapist, physical 
therapist, speech therapist or other skilled medical 
professionals. Services are often prescribed as part of a 
care plan following a hospitalization, illness, or injury.

Home health care services include:

  • Therapy and skilled nursing services

  • Administration of medications, including injections

  • Medical tests and assessments

  • Monitoring of health status

  • Wound care

  • Limited assistance with ADLs

 Home Care

Home care is provided by caregivers, usually called 
home care aides. Aides can help older adults with 
activities of daily living, or just offer some friendly 
companionship. Unlike home health, home care is 
classified as personal care or companion care and is 
considered "unskilled" or “non-clinical."

Home care aide services may include:

  • Helping dressing, bathing and grooming

  • Companionship and social interaction

  • Meal preparation

  • Light housekeeping

  • Transportation services 

  • Reminders to take medicine

  • Shopping and errands

WHEN TO USE HOME HEALTH & HOME CARE SERVICES

Home health and home care are not mutually exclusive services. Many families find that utilizing these services in tandem best help a senior who, for example, is recovery after a hospitalization. The home health staff address clinical and rehabilitative needs during the transition home, while a home care aide can help with personal caregiving and household chores that the senior requires assistance with during his or her recovery. The chart below describes how both home health care and home care can compliment each other. 

Download a PDF of our "Home Health vs. Home Care" Guide
 
Feel free to call us at anytime at (239) 440-2900
to discuss your home care needs.

If you or a loved one can benefit from any of the home care services listed on the checklist feel free to schedule your FREE, no pressure, in-home consultation. 

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