The first step can be confusing.
You may be thinking, how did I end up here? The answer is simple. You want to know, concisely, the difference between home care and home health. We’re here to alleviate any stress that comes with figuring out the best options for yourself or when you are doing research for a loved one. Many factors determine whether you need home care or health care services, and in some cases, both. By the end of the post, you should better understand your options and feel better equipped to find the right path.
What is home care?
Home care is non-medical, supportive services provided in a person’s home to help individuals. Care is provided for those with chronic illnesses, people with disabilities, and people who want to maintain a stable quality of life in their own homes. Services include, but are not limited to, bathing, dressing, cooking, companionship, and light housekeeping.
- Brightbridge Home Care helps individuals age comfortably at home and avoid or delay moving into assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
- Brightbridge Home Care ensures that top-quality care is provided by qualified, certified, licensed, and experienced CNAs, PCAs, and home-health aides
- Home care is paid for out of pocket, though long-term care insurance or, in specific cases, Medicaid may cover costs.
- Home care is often confused with home health care, which requires medical professionals such as nurses, physical therapists, and doctors.
What is home health?
Home health care is a range of skilled medical services provided in a patient’s home to treat illness or injury, aimed at helping individuals recover, regain independence, or manage chronic conditions. It includes, but is not limited to, physical, speech, or occupational therapy. Services are often ordered as an alternative to hospitals or other medical facilities.
- Medicare-covered services include wound care, intravenous (IV) therapy, medication administration, injections, and monitoring of serious illnesses.
- Skilled physical, occupational, and speech therapists help patients regain function.
- Aides assist with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing) but generally only when the patient also requires skilled care.
- A doctor must order services, and they are often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance for those who are homebound.
We would love to speak with you.
Your loved ones are important to you, and they deserve care that meets them where they’re at. We specialize in bringing quality care to families without the stress and fear of the unknown. Give us a call, and we will walk you through our BrightMatch process.
What’s the best fit for you or your family?
To figure out what best suits you or your family’s needs, you first need to look at the current situation or common circumstances. If medical recovery is needed, home health services may be best for short-term care that can evolve into long-term care if needed. Home care is better for daily assistance. Does someone need help with light cleaning, hygiene, mobility, meal prepping, and transportation to doctor visits? And sometimes you may need a bit of both. Life is always changing and throwing new things at us, so here at Brightbridge Home Care, we understand that needs shift and plans are always revised to ensure the best care. In conclusion:
Home Care (Non-Medical)
Home Care (Non-Medical): Involves caregivers assisting with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and companionship. It is generally for individuals needing long-term support to remain independent.
- Choose Home Care for daily assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), companionship, or supervision due to cognitive decline.
- Home care is often paid out of pocket or through long-term care insurance.
Home Health Care (Medical Professionals
- Involves licensed professionals (nurses, therapists) for short-term, medically necessary care after a hospital stay, injury, or to manage chronic conditions. It is usually paid for by Medicare or insurance.
- Choose Home Health for rehabilitation, wound care, or medication management after surgery.
- Home health is usually covered by insurance if ordered by a doctor.
We are here to help when you are ready!
To figure out what best suits you or your family’s needs, you first need to look at the current situation or common circumstances. Life is always changing and throwing new things at us, so here at Brightbridge Home Care, we understand that needs shift and plans are always revised to ensure the best care. Please call us at (317) 995-6261 or email us at care@brightbridgehomecare.com for more information.