Home nursing and home health nursing. What's the difference

Types of home care services

It is important to understand the difference between non-medical home care and nursing or healthy home care. Because the type of care your loved one needs will determine who you go to, it's important to know the difference.

What is non-medical home care?

Non-medical home care is provided by home care assistants because it is supportive care that does not require medical skills. This type of home care can also be applied under the terms personal care, companion care, domestic service, custodial care, non-technical care, and non-hospital care. Home care assistants provide valuable social interaction, help with household chores, and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing and bathing. Some states make a clear distinction between personal care and partner care when obtaining a home care agency license. Personal care includes hands-on care, such as assistance with bathing and toileting, while chaperone care focuses on social needs and daily chores.

When interviewing and choosing a home care agency, be clear about what services you need.

Personal care services require a higher level of support and training. Non-medical home care can help older adults who rely on daily support at home. If your loved one needs daily help and companionship but does not need medical support, non-medical home care may be a good option.

An older woman was sitting in a wheelchair, and behind her was a younger woman with her hand on the older woman's shoulder. They were both smiling.

Companionship and home care services

Chaperones and home caregivers provide social and task-based home care services to the elderly, disabled and recovering from surgery, including

Companionship and socialization

Meal planning and preparation

laundry

Light housework

Shopping and errands

transportation

Mobility assistance

Medication reminder

Access to home care

Personal care service

Personal care assistants and home health aides (HHA) can provide all of the home care services of a companion caregiver, in addition to providing physical assistance with personal care needs such as:.

lavatory

Take a bath or shower

Oral hygiene

feeding

dressing

Incontinence care

What is Home Health Care?

Home health care is medical care, sometimes referred to as clinical or skilled nursing. These services are usually provided by health professionals. Access to these services may require a prescription from a doctor. Home health care provides licensed professionals, including.

Registered Nurse (RNs)

Nurse Practitioner (LPNs)

physiotherapist

Occupational therapist

Speech-language pathologist

Services may also be provided by Home health aides (HHAs) under the supervision of a registered nurse. Home health care is often prescribed as a necessary part of an older person's rehabilitation or treatment at home. Home health care can benefit elderly people who need short-term skilled medical care but want to stay in their own homes.

A caregiver hands a blanket to an elderly woman sitting on a couch.

Home health services for the elderly

Health care professionals provide skilled medical care to older adults at home, including.

Monitor vital signs

Administer medication (including intravenous and injection).

Wound care

Assist in recovery from illness, surgery or injury

Physical, occupational and speech therapy

Monitoring of medical equipment

Expertise in specific medical conditions

Please note that there may be some overlap in the provision of home care services. For example, home health companies may also provide non-medical housekeeping and personal care services if an elderly person's care plan identifies a need for home help.

Home nursing and home health nursing. Compare costs and services

The cost of home care usually depends on how much care your loved one receives each month. Non-medical home care and nursing home care are often billed by the hour, giving families the flexibility to develop a care plan that suits their needs and budget.

Because home health care provides licensed medical support, it costs more than home health care, caregiver care, and personal care.

Find home care for your loved one

The needs of older people change over time, often in subtle ways. If you're not sure if your loved one might need more help, look for changes in their activities, mood, and overall lifestyle habits.