Home Health Care

Home Health vs. Home Care

People often think home health and home care are the same thing. Many agencies use the terms interchangeably, depending on the state they are in. The terms sound similar and both types of care are delivered in the home. But there are important differences between home care and home health care. Knowing the differences can help you decide which type of care is right for your needs and budget.

Home Health Care Definition

The home health care definition is medical services provided at home to treat a chronic health condition or help you recover from illness, injury or surgery. Some people start home health care after a health decline or getting diagnosed with a serious medical condition. Many people transition to home health care after a stay in a hospital, rehab center or skilled nursing facility. The primary goals are to help people recover and stay as independent as possible.

Home health care services address intermittent, or periodic, needs and may include:

  • Nursing
  • Physical therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Medical social worker
  • Wound/Ostomy care
  • Chronic care programs
  • Patient and caregiver education
  • Home health aide

When ordered by a doctor, Medicare, Medicaid and some private insurance plans cover the cost of home health services for eligible patients. Medicare requires that a person be homebound while receiving home healthcare services.

You may benefit from home healthcare services if:

  • You have been diagnosed with COPD, heart failure, diabetes, or other serious conditions.
  • You are frequently making emergency department visits or are admitted to a hospital with complications of a health condition.
  • You recently had surgery such as a joint replacement.
  • You need education to better understand/manage a health condition.
  • You need to receive IV infusions at home.
  • You need physical, occupational, or speech therapy for certain medical conditions.

What are My Next Steps?

If home health care is the right choice for you or a loved one, take the next step by calling and speaking with one of our dedicated staff.

Every day we strive to provide the best home health experience for our patients; putting our patient’s needs first for over 30 years. Our expert team of caregivers work closely with physicians to coordinate services and develop a plan of care specific to your needs.

We offer several specialty home care programs and services to help patients and their families manage a variety of diseases and conditions in their home setting through qualified and compassionate care. No matter what your home health care needs are, we are here to help.