Published: August 21, 2023
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For many of us, our home is a place of comfort—a haven where we relax, enjoy ourselves, and spend time with the people we love. It can also be a place of healing and care. And that’s where home health care, and home care services, come in.
While both services make getting the care you need at home easier, there is a difference. Read on to learn more about these essential services and how they help improve your quality of life.
Home health care vs. Home care
Although they sound similar, home health care and home care require unique skills and levels of support.
Home health care
Home health care provides the support needed to help you get and stay healthy.
This type of care is beneficial for patients:
- In need of help while recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery
- Recently discharged from a hospital, nursing home, or rehabilitation facility
- Those who require ongoing medical treatments at home
- With a disability or chronic condition like dementia, diabetes, and heart disease
Your home health care team can include:
- Home health aides (HHAs)
- Medical equipment suppliers
- Medical social workers
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Respiratory therapists
- Skilled nurses
- Speech-language pathologists
Common home health care services include:
- Chronic disease management
- Injections
- Medication management
- Psychiatric services
- Therapy (IV, nutritional, occupational, physical, speech)
- Wound care
Home care
With home care, a family member or personal care aid helps you with non-medical tasks like:
- Light housekeeping or yardwork
- Meal preparation and feeding
- Medication reminders
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, and grooming)
- Shopping and running errands
- Transportation to appointments and social activities
Their presence also provides companionship and emotional support.
Payment options include private pay and long-term care insurance. To find home care services that fit your budget, consider the duration and frequency of care and the tasks you need help with.
The benefits of home healthcare
Before deciding if home health care is right for you, it’s important to understand the advantages.
1. Better quality of life
A 2020 study shows that when people receive home health care, they increase their physical activity and are less likely to be readmitted to the hospital.
Home health care also helps:
- Boost mobility
- Improve symptoms
- Minimize hospital visits
- Reduce the risk of infections
- Relieve stress
2. Cost savings
Home health care is more affordable than staying at a hospital or long-term care facility. It reduces healthcare expenses while maintaining high-quality care. If you’re eligible, Medicare, Veteran Affairs, or private insurance covers home health care services.
3. Educational resources
Your home healthcare provider can help you and your caregiver learn how to manage your condition. This includes tips and advice about nutrition, medication management, and safety.
4. Personalized care in familiar surroundings
You’ll receive care tailored to your needs in a comfortable environment. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing you’re receiving care from trained professionals.
Improve your quality of life with Traditions Health
At Traditions Health, we understand the importance of home health care and how it can impact your everyday life. That’s why we deliver exceptional care: to ensure your comfort, independence, and well-being.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.