What Distinguishes Home Healthcare From Home Care?

Home Healthcare Defined

Home healthcare is a form of medical service that is provided to people at home who need treatment for a chronic health condition. It is also enlisted when somebody needs to recover from surgery, injury, or illness. This is sometimes referred to as in-home nursing care services and may differ from one provider to another.

Circumstances That Lead to Home Healthcare

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are more specific circumstances that lead to the need for home healthcare services. For one, there are people suffering from a health decline or who have been diagnosed with a severe medical condition. When they get home, they often can transition to home healthcare. Some would do the same thing when they have stayed in a skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation center, or a hospital for a certain period of time. Home healthcare is there to help your loved ones recover while they practice independence at home.

Scope of Home Healthcare

Home healthcare addresses periodic needs and may include anything from medical social work, nursing, speech, physical and occupational therapies, and wound care. It also includes patient and caregiver education, as well as help with daily tasks.

Home Care Defined

Home care is a service where your loved ones will need assistance with daily activities while ensuring that they are safe at home. It is recommended for adults who suffer from chronic illnesses, have disabilities, or are recovering from surgery. It includes companion care as well as personal care services.

Scope of Home Care

Home care services include services that help your loved ones with bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting. It can also include transportation, meal preparation, house cleaning, and other chores. Medication reminders and companionship are part of the scope as well. 

Do They Have Similarities?

Yes, they do. Both offer care in the comfort of your own homes and provide assistance for older adults who want to feel safe yet independent. Take note that both also make sure that you spend less than you would normally do if you place your loved ones in a medical facility or hospital. Most home care providers also offer home healthcare services in their list, with the latter having slightly higher rates when compared to the former. Nonetheless, both aim to bring peace of mind not just to your loved ones but to you as a family member as well.

Home healthcare services are more medical in nature while home care is non-medical in reality. That said, both are to be considered vital choices for those of you who are after the welfare of your elderly loved ones. You can easily avail of these services if you choose the right service provider. It is just a matter of distinguishing one from the other.