Understanding the Differences Between “Home Health” and “Home Care”
Written by:
Jeffrey Grossman
Published:
March 8th, 2024
As the population ages, more and more individuals express a desire to age in place, that is, to grow older in the comfort of their own homes rather than in institutional settings like nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Achieving this goal, however, requires a clear understanding of the types of support and services that can help maintain independence and quality of life. Two essential forms of assistance in this context are home healthcare and non-medical personal care. While both play crucial roles in supporting aging individuals, they differ significantly in their scope, how they are provided, and importantly, how they are funded.
Home Healthcare: Medical Support Covered by Insurance
Home healthcare encompasses medical services prescribed by a healthcare provider and can include nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and more. These services are typically necessary after a hospital stay, surgery, or for the management of chronic illnesses. The primary distinction of home healthcare lies in its medical nature, meaning it's often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance policies under specific conditions.
The benefits of home healthcare are profound, offering patients the chance to receive professional medical care in their own homes. This not only contributes to a faster and more comfortable recovery but also significantly reduces the risk of infections and hospital readmissions. For aging individuals, in particular, home healthcare can be a critical component of a plan to age in place, ensuring they receive the medical support they need without the upheaval of moving to a medical facility.
Non-Medical Personal Care: Essential Assistance Not Covered by Medicare
On the other side of the spectrum lies non-medical personal care, often referred to simply as "home care". This type of care includes assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. Unlike home healthcare, non-medical personal care services are not medical in nature and are therefore not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or most health insurance plans.
Despite the lack of coverage by traditional medical insurance, non-medical personal care is invaluable for many aging individuals. It supports not only physical health but also emotional well-being, providing companionship and helping to maintain a sense of independence and dignity. For those determined to age in place, securing non-medical personal care can be just as important as medical services.
Planning for Success: Navigating the Financial Landscape
One of the biggest challenges in utilizing these services lies in their funding. While home healthcare may be covered by insurance, non-medical personal care often requires out-of-pocket payment or the use of long-term care insurance policies. This discrepancy necessitates careful financial planning and exploration of all available resources, including local community programs, veterans' benefits, and other forms of assistance.
The Interplay Between Medical and Non-Medical Care
It's not uncommon for individuals to require both medical and non-medical services simultaneously or at different times in their aging journey. For instance, someone recovering from surgery may initially need home healthcare for wound care and physical therapy but later require non-medical personal care for assistance with daily activities as they regain independence.
Understanding the distinct roles and funding mechanisms of home healthcare and non-medical personal care is crucial for anyone planning to age in place. By anticipating both types of needs and how to meet them, aging individuals and their families can create a comprehensive plan that supports a full, independent life at home for as long as possible.
Aging in place is a commendable and increasingly popular goal, but it requires strategic planning and awareness of the resources available. By distinguishing between the needs that home healthcare and non-medical personal care address, individuals can better prepare for the future, ensuring they have the support they need to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.
Need Support for an Elderly Loved One? Call Commonwise Home Care
At Commonwise Home Care, we understand the delicate balance required to respect your loved one's independence while ensuring they receive the care and support they need. Whether it's a few hours a day or round-the-clock care, Commonwise tailors care to the needs of your loved ones, supporting them wherever they call home.
Our in-home care services are designed to provide personalized support that enhances your parents' quality of life. From companionship and personal care to specialized assistance for conditions like dementia, our dedicated team of Caregivers is here to provide compassionate, professional care to senior loved ones.
With Commonwise, you can have peace of mind knowing that your elderly parent is receiving exceptional care in the comfort of their own home. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you and your elderly loved one as they enter this new chapter of life. Together, we can create a comprehensive care plan that meets your parent's unique needs and helps them live life to the fullest.