Many client ask:

What is the difference between home health care and home care?

When people are looking for health care options for their loved ones, many are confronted with new terminology: home health care and home care. In the video, Ellie Goldstein, RN BSN, describes the difference between the two.

Home Health Care

Home health care is typically referenced as “Skilled Care”, care that is required after a hospitilization or a significant change in condition. The home health care services that clients receive can include Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. These services are usually covered by Medicare and commercial insurances and require a client to have a homebound status.

Home Care

Home care is utilized at family/patient discretion and is references as “Non-Skilled Care”. Home care is provided by personal care aides and certified nurse assistants (caregivers). Home caregivers help clients with activites of daily living such as bathing, dressing, medication reminders and  hygeine care. This type of care is paid for using long term care insurance, private dollars and Medicaid (need based).

Watch the video above for more details and explanation of the difference between home health care and home care.