Understanding the Differences between Home Health and Home Care
When it comes to senior home care, there is often confusion between home health care and home care. While both are designed to assist seniors in their homes, they offer different services. Selecting the right one for you or your loved one depends on their individual needs, and it is important to understand what each service provides.
To help you understand the differences between home health and home care, let's take a closer look at how each one works.
Home Health Care Services
Home health care services are medical services provided at home. These services are provided by medical professionals and help treat chronic and minor health conditions. They're also available to help seniors recover from illness, injury, or surgery.
Home health care includes activities such as:
- Wound care
- Intravenous therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Monitoring of vital signs
- Education and training for family caregivers
Most people use home health care after a stay in a hospital, rehab center, or skilled nursing facility. However, it can also be recommended when a senior needs medical help managing their chronic conditions. And since many of these services can only be provided by qualified medical professionals, they differ from home care services.
Home Care Services
The definition of home care is somewhat different than that of home health care. Instead of focusing on medical services and treatments, home care services aid with daily activities and companionship. These services allow people to remain secure and independent in their own homes.
Like home health care services, home care services are often used by older adults with chronic illnesses, those with disabilities, and people recovering from surgery.
These services include help with the following:
- Chores such as grocery shopping or laundry
- Errands like visiting the doctor's office or pharmacy
- Meal preparation/cooking/feeding assistance
- Companionship and socialization
- Transportation to activities
- Personal care, such as bathing and dressing
- Housekeeping and cleaning
Home care providers are trained to support seniors with activities of daily living while also providing companionship and emotional support. They can be the ideal solution when a senior requires help with basic tasks but does not need medical treatments from a healthcare professional.
Medication reminders and assistance with medical appointments also fall under the umbrella of home care services. However, if your loved one needs help with more complex healthcare tasks (such as injections or changing dressings), it's best to look at home health care services.
Determining If Home Health Care or Home Care Is Right for You
Both home health care and home care services can be invaluable resources for seniors, allowing them to stay home instead of in a facility. But how do you know which option is right for your loved one?
If your senior needs help with complex medical services, such as wound care or physical therapy, they should look into home health care. However, if they just need support with certain activities of daily living, such as shopping or meal preparation, home care is probably the best option.
Typically, home care providers are available to assist with a variety of tasks, while home health care services are tailored to specific medical needs. In order to make the right decision for your loved one, it's a good idea to speak with both types of providers and get advice from their doctor or healthcare professional.
Helping Seniors Maintain Independence
The goal of home health care and home care is to help seniors remain as independent as possible. With the right combination of services, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life while staying safe in their homes.
No matter which option you choose, it's important to research providers carefully and check they are experienced, qualified, and knowledgeable about the kind of care your loved one requires. Taking these steps will ensure that your senior has access to the best possible care and support.
When searching for a home health care or home care provider for your loved one, ask many questions and thoroughly discuss their needs. Having the correct information and resources is essential to helping your senior loved one remain independent and comfortable in their own home.
Conclusion
Home health and home care services are valuable resources for seniors who want to age in place. Depending on the individual's needs, either one of these services can be the right choice and help seniors stay safe and independent.
By doing your own research and speaking with both types of providers, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your loved one receives the best possible care.
At Visiting Angels Bartlesville, OK, we provide experienced and compassionate home care services to help seniors preserve their independence in their homes. We proudly serve seniors and their families throughout Bartlesville, Dewey, Nowata and Ramona. Contact us today to find out more about our Visiting Angels home care and how we can help your senior loved one age in place at home.