Discover The Difference Between Home Care And Home Healthcare

Do you know the difference between home care and home healthcare? If not, you are not alone. Many people simply assume that these two terms are interchangeable. However, the truth is, while there are many similarities between home care and home healthcare, there are also several significant differences that should not be overlooked. Taking the time to learn more about these differences can ensure that you are choosing the right type of in home care.

Home Care

Home care services are extremely popular amongst senior citizens who simply require a bit of assistance with basic daily tasks. This is because home care services typically include assistance with:

  • dressing
  • bathing
  • cooking
  • cleaning
  • remembering to take medications
  • getting back and forth to medical appointments
  • completing errands

Home care services are provided by individuals known as home health aides. These aides not only help their clients to complete daily tasks, but they also provide companionship for individuals who are unable to leave their home on a regular basis due to physical limitations.

While home care services can be used by individuals who are suffering from medical problems, these services are not considered medical services. Consequently, not all medical insurance plans will cover the cost of home care services.

Home Healthcare

Home healthcare services are also popular amongst senior citizens. However, these services are most popular amongst individuals who are recovering from a serious illness or injury. This is because home healthcare services are provided by a licensed nurse, unlike home care services, which are provided by an aide.

In addition to offering assistance with some basic daily tasks, such as bathing and dressing, home healthcare nurses will offer assistance with:

  • administering medications
  • recording and reporting vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure
  • completing physical therapy exercises
  • adapting to physical limitations

While an in home nurse can help you with some basic tasks, there primary goal is to care for your medical needs. Consequently, these nurses will rarely be able to help you complete tasks outside of your home or remain in your home simply for the purpose of companionship.

The Best Of Both Worlds

In some cases, neither home care or home healthcare services will fulfill all of a client's needs. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be able to enjoy the best of both worlds by utilizing both home care and home healthcare services. When choosing this option, your daily needs will be met by a home health aide, while your medical needs will be addressed by a home nurse.


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