An estimated 77% of seniors say they would prefer to age at home over relocating to an assisted living community or nursing home. Aging at home can increase feelings of independence and keep the cost of living low, especially if a senior has already paid off their mortgage.
However, many seniors will need added support to maintain their health and safety while living at home. Professional caregivers can provide that support while reducing strain on family members.
Before you hire a professional caregiver, it’s important to understand the differences between home care vs. home health care. Read on for our complete senior care comparison guide.
Home Care vs. Home Health Care: The Basics
If you’ve never sought out home care services of any kind before, you might assume that the terms we’re using here are interchangeable. While you may encounter a bit of overlap, there are some important distinctions to consider.
What Is Home Care?
Home care involves assistance with non-medical activities of daily living (ADLs) provided by a caregiver vs. a nurse. This can include things like:
- Getting dressed
- Bathing
- Cooking and eating
- Cleaning
- Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments
Many home care providers also provide companionship, meaning that an important part of their job is building a friendly relationship with the person they’re assisting.
What Is Home Health Care?
Home health care is an active part of a patient’s overall health care plan. It’s provided by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, and includes things like:
- Wound care
- Medication administration
- Medical testing
Some seniors also receive home health care from physical, speech, and occupational therapists.
What Is Outpatient Therapy?
Unlike many home health care providers, we offer outpatient therapy in addition to at-home therapy. Outpatient therapy can include physical, speech, and occupational therapy. It’s a suitable choice for seniors who aren’t homebound and can take advantage of our on-site therapy gyms.
What Are Private Duty Services?
Many seniors who would benefit from our in-home healthcare options can also benefit from home care services. Once again, you can schedule both through your local Discovery at Home program. Our non-medical caregivers provide a wide variety of ADL assistance, from incontinence care to grocery shopping and beyond.
How Much Does In-Home Senior Care Cost?
The cost of in-home care varies based on factors like location and service needs. The national median cost of basic home care is $24 per hour, with monthly costs averaging at about $4500.
Because home care involves non-medical services, families should expect to pay for it out of pocket. Long-term care insurance can pay for all or most basic home care services. Without long-term care, families will need to look at financing options like savings accounts, retirement funds, and unneeded assets like vehicles.
How to Qualify for Home Health Care Under Medicare for Seniors
Because home health care is given by medical professionals, it can fall under Medicare coverage. To qualify for Medicare coverage, seniors may need:
- A prescription for home health care from a primary care provider
- Proof of physical disabilities that make leaving the house difficult
- Proof of other factors that make leaving the house difficult
Medicare does not cover services like 24/7 at-home care, meal delivery, or assistance with ADLs. The services must be medically necessary for Medicare coverage.
Signs Your Loved One Needs Home Care
Some seniors may need home care before they need home health care. Here are some of the signs that your loved one would benefit from basic home care services.
Difficulty With ADLs
ADLs are important functions that allow us to live with dignity while supporting our basic needs. Take not of any change in your loved one’s hygiene, weight, or the state of their home. Don’t ignore the physical or mental obstacles that get in the way of ADLs.
Signs of Loneliness
Social isolation is a problem for many seniors who choose to age in place. Loneliness can increase the risk of serious problems like depression, dementia, and even heart disease. Home care providers can ensure that your loved one is getting face-to-face socialization multiple times a week.
Signs of Family Caregiver Burnout
Home care isn’t just a benefit to seniors aging at home. As your loved one’s basic needs increase, you or another family member may find yourself providing new types of care. If this is creating a strain in the relationship or increasing the caregiver’s stress, it may be time to enlist professional help.
Signs Your Loved One Needs Home Health Care
There are many home health benefits that basic home care can’t provide. Here are some of the signs that your loved one needs professional home health care.
Multiple Chronic Illnesses
Many seniors have at least one chronic illness that requires daily management. This can involve taking multiple medications, staying on top of regular medical testing, and scheduling frequent follow-ups. Having in-home health care can make it easier to keep up with routine and preventative care, leading to better health outcomes.
Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities (or mental disabilities that impact mobility and transportation options) can create health care barriers. If seniors aren’t able to get to a doctor’s office easily, they may forgo or delay important care. Home health care can fill in the gaps and play a pivotal role in your loved one’s health care plan.
Recent Medical Care
Some seniors may benefit from temporary home health care. This is often the case while recovering from a serious illness or going home after surgery or hospitalization. Home health care providers can oversee your loved one’s transition from facility-based care to home recovery.
Learn More About Discovery at Home Caregivers and Services
If your loved one plans to age at home, it’s useful to learn about your in-home care options. We hope this guide has made the differences between home care vs. home health care clear. Now, let Discovery at Home help you build your loved one’s care plan.
Discovery at Home has multiple locations in Florida and Texas, where we offer a wide suite of home care and outpatient services to local seniors. Learn more about our home care program and contact the location nearest you.
