Home Health Care vs. Home Care – Which Is Better?
There are so many options for elderly people who choose to grow old at home. The most common choices are home care and home health care. It is important to know the difference between the two so that when the time comes, you can make the right choice.
Home Care:
Services essential for daily living are covered under home care. These services are nonmedical and do not require a prescription from a physician. That means that they are not covered under insurance. You will have to pay out of pocket or choose long-term care insurance. Some of the services covered include:
1. Help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) – bathing, grooming, dressing, etc.
2. Light housekeeping – meal preparation, doing laundry, etc.
3. Transportation – grocery shopping, driving to appointments, etc.
4. Companionship – reading to you, playing cards, etc.
Home Health care:
These services are provided by skilled medical professionals like therapists, registered nurses, etc. They are prescribed by the physicians for patients recovering from a surgery or illness and are covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and other common health insurance providers for a short time. Some of the services covered include:
1. Therapy – in-home physical care, speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc.
2. Wound Management – dressing change
3. Monitoring Health – catheter care, IV care, ventilator care, assessing pulse, blood pressure, etc.,
4. Post-Hospitalization Care – Injections, blood draws, medication education, caregiver education, etc.
Sometimes, both of these services can overlap. For example, if the physician determines the patient needs homecare for a speedy recovery and to improve his/her quality of life, they may include this in the recovery plan, albeit for a short time. During the recovery period, you will not only receive help with skilled nursing but home care as well.
Are you looking for in-home health care? Does your policy cover homecare? Call us today at 1.800.350.8941 to discuss your health insurance coverage.
