In-Home Care Services

There are two types of In-Home Care that sound similar but provide distinctly different services.

Home Health is skilled care delivered directly to a patient's home. This type of care is provided by licensed medical professionals including nurses, therapists and aides for the purpose of treating and managing a medical condition, injury or illness. Sometimes, patients discharge from the hospital and receive Home Health vs. going to a Rehab Facility, also known as short-term rehab or skilled nursing in a SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility) on a Medicare Bed. Medicare pays for Home Health when the patient qualifies, which requires a written order by a physician.

Examples of services they may provide:

• Administration of prescription medications or shots

• Medical tests

• Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy

• Monitoring of health status

• Wound care

Home Care, which is also referred to as Private Duty Home Care, offers non-clinical help, such as meal prep, companionship and assistance with activities of daily living (ADL’s) such as bathing, dressing and toileting. These non-medical services are performed by a Caregiver, Home Health Aide (HHA) or a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistants). Home Care can be provided in the home, in Assisted Living Facilities, in Medical facilities and also as a compliment to Hospice services when more care is needed than the Hospice provides. Home Care is not covered by Medicare and is generally paid for privately. Some insurance does provide coverage for Home Care.

Examples of services they may provide:

• Companionship

• Encourage physical and emotional wellbeing

• Medication management and reminders

• Meal prep

• Laundry

• Light housekeeping

• Grocery shopping and errands

• Transportation to appointments and events

• Reminders for grooming and other activities of daily living

• 24-hour (around-the-clock) care

• Respite Care - Home Care can provide caregiver relief