Home Care and Hospice Care industry Definitions

Home Health Care

Home health care encompasses skilled services such as nursing, and physical and occupational therapies, to be administered in your home. These services must be prescribed by a doctor. Home health care agencies are licensed by the state, but must adhere to federal regulations as well. Doctors and hospitals usually have established relationships with home health care providers; most prescriptions for home health are accompanied by a recommendation for where to find it.

Home health care is sometimes confused with homecare (also known as in-home care). Homecare does not require a doctor’s prescription and does not include skilled nursing services. Home health care nurses can administer medication, whereas homecare aides can only provide reminders to take your medicine. Both home health care and homecare provide companionship and assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs). Some people engage both services simultaneously, as they complement each other well, depending on the services you require—home health focuses on skilled care (not housework), while homecare agencies can aid with or take over most light household chores.

Home Health Care