What is the difference between home care and home health care?

Answer 1

There are several distinct differences between in-home care and home health care.

In-home care includes all the "non-skilled" services.

For example:

• Bathing
• Preparing Meals
• Dressing
• Companionship
• Light Housekeeping
• Personal Care Assistance
• Hourly Care
• Live-in Care

These can all be considered in-home care.

In home health care or "skilled" services includes the following:

• Nursing Assistance
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Maintaining IV's

In-Home Health Care services are performed by an RN and are usually twice to 3 times more expensive than in-home care. In-home caregivers are certified caregivers or CNAs trained in the field of in-home care. Having a certified caregiver of CNA is a great alternative to expensive facilities like nursing homes when the patient is not in need of nursing care, but just needs assistance with everyday activities.