Home care provides a much needed service to elderly patients who can no longer take care of themselves. Home health care and non-medical home care are two different services. It is important to know the difference between the two so that you can ensure that you can receive the proper services to meet your family’s needs when the time comes.

Home health care can provide for medical needs in a home setting. This is for patients who require special assistance to recover from an injury or illness. The patient can be visited by an RN to provide services such as surgery aftercare. It can also be provided to patients who need temporary services such as physical therapy after knee or hip surgery or occupational therapy after a stroke. This type of care is temporary, and can last from a few days to a few months. The cost of home health care is usually covered by Medicare or other health insurance.

Home care is non-medical care that can help to provide assistance with daily personal care needs. A home care aide can assist with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, household chores and helping the patient to remember to take their medication. A home care aid can also provide companionship so that individuals who cannot travel out of the house do not become isolated.

Home care can be a welcome and less expensive alternative to nursing home care. This can allow the patient to stay in the familiar and comforting surroundings of their home and maintain their independence and dignity. It also gives the family the peace of mind to know that their loved one is safe and taken care of when they cannot be there. With home care you can opt for 24 hour care if needed. If not, you can opt for services during a portion of the day, such as while other family members are at work.

Although home care is a less expensive option than nursing home care, in most cases it is not paid for by traditional medical insurance or Medicare. However, there are certain local programs which can assist with the cost. In some cases, Medicaid may also assist with cost, if you are qualified. If you have a long term care insurance policy, this may also cover the cost of home care. It is up to the family to decide if this is a good financial option, given their individual financial situation.

We can provide you extended information regarding home health care, as well as financial planning for your retirement.