What Are The Differences Between Home Health Care Services and Home Care Services?
http://www.setthestageforsuccess.com/articles/24131/1/What-Are-The-Differences-Between-Home-Health-Care-Services-and-Home-Care-Services/Page1.html
Rejoyce Wilson-Herbert
Rejoyce Wilson-Herbert is the founder of National Information Resource Services (NIRS), an organization committed to educating people on the home care industry. Currently residing in Newport Coast, CA, Rejoyce is the General Manager of MemorialCare Home Caregivers. She is also a nationally recognized advocate for the elderly
and is one of the most highly-sought after speakers in her field. She is a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and continues to work hard and help people realize their own goals.By Rejoyce Wilson-Herbert
Published on 11/14/2008
One of the fastest growing fields of employment in the US today is home
care services. Both medical and non-medical services can be provided at
home for those who are suffering for age-related illnesses or
recuperating from surgery or sickness. There are several types of
services that can be provided to a person in their home:
- Physician’s Visits
- Dentist Visits
- Nurses Visits
- Therapist Visits
- Caregiving Services
One of the fastest growing fields of employment in the US today is home care services. Both medical and non-medical services can be provided at home for those who are suffering for age-related illnesses or recuperating from surgery or sickness. There are several types of services that can be provided to a person in their home:
A Home Health Care Company provides licensed, skilled medical personnel to perform medical tasks and duties. These tasks and duties include anything dealing with medication, wound care, injections or medically prescribed services. A home health care company will provide a registered nurse, a licensed vocational nurse, a home health aide (for bath visits) and therapists (physical, speech, etc.)
A Home Care Company provides non-medical personnel to assist with daily living needs. A home care professional cannot perform medical tasks and/or duties primarily because they do not have formal training and have not been licensed by the state to do so. Home care companies personnel are called caregivers or care providers. A caregiver is capable of assisting with personal hygiene care, meal preparation, companionship and any tasks or duties that will assist a person in making the quality of their lives a little better, while staying in the comfort of their homes.
Most state or federal health insurance programs, such as Medicare, pay for physician ordered medical services, like Home Health Care—the caveat for this is that services can only be done by licensed, skilled professionals.
Conversely, home care or custodial services provided by home care companies are not covered by state run insurances, such as MediCal. Custodial care/home care services are mainly private pay services; however those that have long-term care policies may have coverage for this type of care. It is important to check with your long-term care provider for more information.
It is important for everyone to know and understand the difference between a home health provider and a home care company. Knowing and understanding the differences can be the difference in the type of care you need and the type of care you get. Certainly, no one would want a lawyer performing their heart surgery, right? When entrusting the care of your life to a person you want to make sure that the person is educated, licensed and trained to provide you the RIGHT care for the right situation.
As a veteran in the medical field and an advocate for those confined to their home, I am always conscientious about keeping the consumer informed—that gives you the power to make the best decision.
Stay informed, ask question and remember know one is going to care about you or your family as much as you do.
- Physician’s Visits
- Dentist Visits
- Nurses Visits
- Therapist Visits
- Caregiving Services
A Home Health Care Company provides licensed, skilled medical personnel to perform medical tasks and duties. These tasks and duties include anything dealing with medication, wound care, injections or medically prescribed services. A home health care company will provide a registered nurse, a licensed vocational nurse, a home health aide (for bath visits) and therapists (physical, speech, etc.)
A Home Care Company provides non-medical personnel to assist with daily living needs. A home care professional cannot perform medical tasks and/or duties primarily because they do not have formal training and have not been licensed by the state to do so. Home care companies personnel are called caregivers or care providers. A caregiver is capable of assisting with personal hygiene care, meal preparation, companionship and any tasks or duties that will assist a person in making the quality of their lives a little better, while staying in the comfort of their homes.
Most state or federal health insurance programs, such as Medicare, pay for physician ordered medical services, like Home Health Care—the caveat for this is that services can only be done by licensed, skilled professionals.
Conversely, home care or custodial services provided by home care companies are not covered by state run insurances, such as MediCal. Custodial care/home care services are mainly private pay services; however those that have long-term care policies may have coverage for this type of care. It is important to check with your long-term care provider for more information.
It is important for everyone to know and understand the difference between a home health provider and a home care company. Knowing and understanding the differences can be the difference in the type of care you need and the type of care you get. Certainly, no one would want a lawyer performing their heart surgery, right? When entrusting the care of your life to a person you want to make sure that the person is educated, licensed and trained to provide you the RIGHT care for the right situation.
As a veteran in the medical field and an advocate for those confined to their home, I am always conscientious about keeping the consumer informed—that gives you the power to make the best decision.
Stay informed, ask question and remember know one is going to care about you or your family as much as you do.