As seniors age, they often need additional support to manage their health and maintain their independence. Two common services, home health and home care, can help bridge that gap. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to very different types of care.
Understanding the difference between home health and home care can help families choose the right services for their loved one’s needs, ensuring they receive the best possible support at home.
Let’s explore how each service works and how they can complement one another to promote safety, recovery, and comfort for seniors.
What Is Home Health Care?
Home health care refers to medical care delivered at home by licensed healthcare professionals. It is typically prescribed by a doctor after an injury, illness, surgery, or hospitalization. Home health services are designed to help individuals recover, manage chronic health conditions, or prevent future complications.
Common services home health care agencies provide:
- Skilled nursing care
- Medication management and administration
- Wound care and post-surgical support
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Vital sign monitoring
- Chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)
Because it’s considered skilled medical care, home health is often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. However, eligibility requires a physician’s order and a demonstrated medical need.
Example:
Mary, an older adult with diabetes and limited mobility, receives home health care after a recent hospital stay. A nurse visits twice a week to check her blood sugar, monitor her blood pressure, and assess her healing. The nurse also communicates updates to Mary’s physician to ensure her care plan remains effective.
While these clinical visits are essential for Mary’s health, they don’t address her daily living needs, such as cooking, dressing, or companionship. That’s where home care comes in.
What Is Home Care?
Home care, sometimes called private-duty home care or non-medical home care, focuses on helping seniors with everyday tasks rather than medical procedures. It’s designed to make daily life easier and safer, especially for those who want to age in place but need some assistance.
Home care services may include:
- Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Meal preparation and feeding assistance
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Transportation to appointments or errands
- Companionship and emotional support
Unlike home health, home care doesn’t require a doctor’s order. Families can arrange services directly through a home care agency, choosing the hours and type of assistance needed. Most home care is paid privately or through long-term care insurance.
Example:
Mary’s caregiver from Caring Senior Service visits daily to help with meals, laundry, and personal care services. The caregiver also provides companionship, encourages her to stay active, and ensures her environment is tidy and safe. This consistent support helps Mary maintain her independence and enjoy a higher quality of life between medical visits.
How Home Health & Home Care Work Together
For many older adults, combining home health care services and home care provides the most complete support system. Home health professionals ensure medical conditions are monitored and treated, while home care aides help with daily routines, preventing fatigue, isolation, and accidents.
When agencies collaborate effectively, care becomes more seamless. For example, if Mary’s doctor recommends physical therapy, her caregiver can remind her to complete her exercises on days when her therapist isn’t scheduled. The caregiver can also notice early warning signs, like a change in appetite or mood, and share updates with the home health team.
This coordinated care for seniors helps reduce hospital readmissions, supports recovery, and gives families peace of mind knowing nothing falls through the cracks.
How Caring Senior Service Bridges the Gap
At Caring Senior Service, we understand how important it is for all members of a senior’s care team to stay connected. That’s why we use Tendio, our proprietary software platform that enables real-time communication among home health professionals, caregivers, clients, and families.
With Tendio, everyone involved in care can access up-to-date notes and notifications, whether it’s a nurse recording a blood pressure reading or a caregiver noting that a senior hasn’t been eating well. This team-based approach ensures that seniors receive consistent, attentive care that truly supports their well-being at home.
Choosing the Right Care for Your Loved One
If you’re unsure which service is right for your aging loved one, start by considering these questions:
- Does your loved one need medical care from a nurse or therapist?
- Or do they need daily assistance to stay independent and comfortable?
- Could a combination of both provide the most complete support?
Many families find that using both home health and home care together offers the perfect balance, allowing seniors to heal, stay safe, and live with dignity in the place they love most: home.
Whether your loved one needs skilled medical attention, daily support, or both, our team can help design a care plan that fits. We work closely with home health agencies to provide comprehensive, coordinated care that keeps seniors safe, comfortable, and independent at home.
Contact your local Caring office today to learn how home care and home health can work together to support your loved one’s unique needs.
