Do you ever get confused about the differences between these two types of care? Ever wonder what it means when you see "home health care" in your insurance policy? Well, we've got you covered! Join me as I talk about the unique features and typical pay sources associated with home care and home health.
Please share this video with your friends and family who may benefit from understanding the differences between home care and home health. Together, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being.
-Jonathan
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Transcript:
Do you know the difference between home care and home health care? I’m Jonathan Marsh, the owner of Home Helpers Home Care of Bradenton. In this video, we will explore these two types of care services, their distinct features, and the typical pay sources associated with each. Are you ready to learn more? Let’s go!
Home care and home health are terms that are often used interchangeably, which sometimes makes things a little confusing. And it’s not to necessarily say that how those terms are being used is incorrect, but there certainly is a bit of an undocumented industry standard on how the terms are most frequently used. When we speak in terms of this industry standard, it makes understanding the difference a whole lot easier.
When we talk about home care and home health, both are valuable options for individuals who require assistance or medical support in the comfort of their own homes. However, they refer to different types of services and may have different pay sources.
Home Care
Home care primarily focuses on providing non-medical assistance and support to individuals who need help with daily activities and maintaining their independence. This type of care is typically provided by caregivers or home health aides, and oftentimes we referred to this as non-skilled care.
Home care services can include services like companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, transportation, running errands, assistance with personal care such as bathing, getting dressed, using a toilet, transfers (for example, moving someone from a bed to a wheelchair), ambulation/walking and more. Home care aims to ensure that individuals can remain in their own homes comfortably and safely.
Typical Pay Sources for Home Care
Private Pay: Many people pay for home care services out of their own pockets or savings.
Long-Term Care Insurance: Some individuals may have long-term care insurance policies that cover home care services. The coverage and terms vary depending on the policy.
Medicaid: In certain cases, Medicaid, a government healthcare program, may cover home care services for eligible individuals with limited financial resources. The eligibility criteria vary by state.
Veterans' Benefits: Veterans and sometimes their spouses may be eligible for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the VA as we call it, that can help cover the costs of home care services.
Home Health
Now let's move on to home health care, which differs from home care because skilled care, or, in other words, medical care, is being provided.
IMPORTANT: We oftentimes receive calls from individuals that state “My health insurance covers home health.” When you see that, the insurance policy is referring to skilled/medical care…not non-medical care. In other words, the health insurance generally DOES NOT cover the services of a caregiver or home health aide in the home.
Home health services involve skilled care provided by licensed healthcare professionals such as nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and others.
Typical Pay Sources for Home Health
Medicare: Medicare, a federal health insurance program for older adults and certain individuals with disabilities, may cover home health services for qualified beneficiaries. The services must be deemed medically necessary and provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency.
Private Health Insurance: Some private health insurance plans may cover home health services, but the coverage and eligibility criteria vary. It's important to check with the insurance provider for details.
Medicaid: Similar to home care, Medicaid may also cover home health services for eligible individuals with limited financial resources. The coverage criteria vary by state.
Out-of-Pocket: Individuals may choose to pay for home health services themselves if they do not qualify for other pay sources or their insurance does not provide coverage.
In summary, home care and home health are distinct types of care services, catering to different needs. Home care focuses on non-medical assistance, while home health provides skilled medical care.
Remember, the pay sources we discussed may vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific policies of insurance providers and government programs.
Thank you for watching our video on the differences between home care and home health. We hope this information has been helpful and that you find it useful for either current or future care needs!
For more information and for answers to many questions about home care, feel free to go to our website and download our Complimentary Florida Home Care Guide that I created to help others navigate the home care landscape in the state of Florida. Depending on the platform you’re watching the video, you see the link in the comments or the description of the video. If not, put homehelpershomecare.com/Bradenton in your browser and then navigate to Resources > Free Guides > then look for the current version of our Florida Home Care Guide in the menu.
HOME HELPERS OF BRADENTON
Home Helpers of Bradenton is one of the region's leading home care franchises specializing in comprehensive services for seniors. Home Helpers' sole mission is to make life easier for clients and their families. Based in Bradenton, Florida, the company serves all of Manatee County, including the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Palmetto, and Parrish. For more information or to request a free in-home care assessment, contact our office at (941) 499-5946 or visit our website at www.homehelpershomecare.com/bradenton
