Definitions

What Is…Homecare?

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Homecare (also known as in-home care) is professional care that an individual receives in the home. Homecare aides provide companionship and assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as eating, bathing and dressing. They may also help with light household chores or transportation needs. You can hire homecare aides either on your own or through an agency. There are three types of homecare: agency, referral and private hire. Many agencies and caregivers specialize in specific types of care, such as rehabilitation or dementia.

Homecare is sometimes confused with home health care. The biggest difference is this: home health must be prescribed by your doctor and it includes skilled nursing care. A doctor’s prescription for home health care only will be issued if he or she feels it is medically necessary for nurses or health aides to come to your home and provide you with skilled care. In addition, home health care nurses can administer medication, but in-home care aides can only provide reminders to take your medicine. Both home health care and homecare provide companionship and assistance with ADLs. Some people engage both services simultaneously, as they complement each other well. The cost of homecare is significantly less, as these caregivers do not provide skilled care.

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Posted in: Hiring Homecare, Homecare 101

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