Home Care Vs Home Health Care - What's the Difference?

Many seniors choose to stay at home as they age, preferring the comfort of their homes filled with cherished memories rather than transitioning to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. This choice to age in place is often driven by a desire to maintain independence and stay in familiar surroundings, which is particularly beneficial for those with cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's or dementia. To support their choice to stay at home as they age, many seek in-home assistance to help maintain their preferred lifestyle such as overnight care, companion care, and respite care, to help maintain their preferred lifestyle. This would be home care services. However, it's important to understand the distinction between home care (non-medical) vs home health care (medical) when seeking help at home. Understanding the differences between these two services is an important part of making sure that your loved one receives the appropriate care they need.

When arranging in-home help in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, knowing the difference between home health care (medical) vs personal care (non-medical) services is important. At Visiting Angels, we recognize that while many seniors may require home health care for various medical needs, our seniors also need personal care, otherwise known as private duty care or in-home care services, which is just as important for helping them age in place gracefully and healthily. We are proud to offer some of the best in-home care in Pittsfield, and our caregivers are equipped to work alongside home health providers or step in when home health is no longer needed, to deliver comprehensive care right in the comfort of their homes. This integrated approach makes sure that all aspects of a senior's well-being are addressed, making sure seniors are comfortable, taken care of, and supported when aging at home.

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Do Home Care And Home Health Care Mean The Same Thing?

Many seniors and their families often assume that home care and home health care in Pittsfield are the same service, which can cause confusion when seeking at-home help for seniors. Confusing these two terms to be the same is a misconception that is often reinforced by how professionals and agencies use the terms interchangeably. While the two services may seem similar, they are, in fact, separate forms of in-home care with distinct differences. 

It’s important to understand the differences between home health care (medical) vs home care (non-medical) when trying to determine which type of assistance is most appropriate for your needs. When searching for at-home care in Pittsfield, understanding that home health care vs private duty care (also known as home care) are two different services will help you get the care you need, and make informed decisions. 

Home Care In Pittsfield

Our home care services we provide at Visiting Angels in Pittsfield provide nonmedical assistance to seniors who need help with personal care and household tasks, allowing them to remain safe, well cared for, and independent in their own homes. The professional caregivers we connect our clients with offer support for daily activities such as:

• Grooming
• Bathing
• Dressing
• Meal preparation
• Light housekeeping
• Medication reminders
• Laundry
• Grocery shopping

These daily tasks, caregivers assist with, help our seniors maintain their quality of life while aging in place comfortably.

In addition to these basic home care tasks, our caregivers can assist with errands, accompany clients to appointments, or even take them out for social activities like Bingo or card games. Home care in Pittsfield also provides valuable companionship, which plays a crucial role in maintaining mental and emotional health as we age. Meaningful interactions, such as playing games, attending local events, or simply enjoying a conversation over coffee, can help keep seniors engaged and mentally stimulated, as well as lessen the feeling of being isolated. We can also collaborate with home health care providers to ensure that seniors receive comprehensive care at home, or take over when home health care is no longer needed.

Our nearby services are available based on each client’s individual personal care needs, with hours being flexible. The cost of home care in Pittsfield varies depending on the level of assistance required and the frequency of visits, but many find it comparable or even more affordable than moving into an assisted living facility, which typically charges for 24/7 care even if you don’t need it. As care needs evolve, our clients can easily adjust the level of care they receive from the caregivers we connect them with, ensuring they continue to age in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.

Home Health Care In Pittsfield

Home health care in Pittsfield involves providing medical services within the comfort of one’s home, typically to manage chronic health conditions or support recovery from illness, injury, or surgery. Many seniors require home health care in Pittsfield following a hospital stay, time spent in a rehabilitation center, having a surgical procedure, or after receiving a diagnosis for a serious medical condition. The primary goal of home health care is to help individuals recover and maintain their independence, all while receiving the medical attention they need at home. Home health care is considered to be temporary, and is discontinued once the patient has fully recovered.

Home health care services can include a variety of medical care options, such as:

• Wound care
• Nursing
• Speech therapy
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Medical social work
• Education for both the patient and their caregivers

For seniors eligible under Medicare, home health care is typically temporary, and focused on addressing intermittent or short-term medical needs. It is often provided through a referral by the patient’s doctor and plays an essential role in allowing individuals to heal and thrive within the familiar environment of their own homes. Unlike home care, home health care requires a hospital stay or a referral from a physician to begin receiving these services at home.

Need Home Care After Receiving Home Health Care Berkshires?

If you are receiving home health care in the Berkshires but find that you also need additional support with daily tasks, running errands, and companionship, reach out to our team at Visiting Angels in Pittsfield. We understand that your care needs can evolve over time, and we are here to help provide home care near you that is tailored to your personal requirements. The home care professionals we connect you with can provide the nonmedical assistance necessary to keep you comfortable and independent at home, especially once your home health care Berkshires services are no longer required. Our services include 24-hour home care for those who need round-the-clock support and specialized fall prevention measures to ensure safety and enhance your peace of mind at home. We offer free in-home consultations to assess your care needs and answer any questions you may have about home health care vs home care. Once we’ve assessed your needs, we will create a personalized care plan tailored just for you. Let us help provide the support you need while aging at home with the compassionate care you deserve.

"A near fatal car accident left my father living in a nursing home for the remainder of his life. Dad was always very social and liked chatting with anyone who would sit with him. It was great to work with Sue and Visiting Angels to provide dad with much needed help and social interaction. The time Visiting Angels spent with Dad definitely had a positive impact on his life. My family and I are very thankful for their support."

– Todd M. (More reviews here)