Understanding the Difference Between Home Care and Home Health

In recent years, there has been a growing trend, especially in Riverside County, towards providing care for individuals in the comfort of their own homes. This shift has given rise to two primary types of services: home care and home health. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to distinct types of care with specific purposes and offerings. Understanding the differences between home care and home health can help families make informed decisions about the type of care that best suits their needs.

Home Care:

Home care is certainly growing in the Greater Temecula Area, and it generally refers to non-medical services provided in a person’s home. These services are focused on assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). ADLs include basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating, while IADLs encompass more complex activities like meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and transportation.

Caregivers who provide home care are often referred to as personal care assistants, home care aides, or companions. They are trained to offer support and companionship to individuals who may need assistance due to aging, illness, disability, or recovery from surgery. The goal of home care is to help clients maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes for as long as possible.

Services Provided by Home Care:

• Assistance with ADLs (e.g., bathing, dressing)
• Help with IADLs (e.g., meal preparation, medication reminders)
• Companionship and social interaction
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Transportation for errands and appointments

Home Health:

Home health care, on the other hand, is a more specialized form of care that involves medical services provided in the home setting. This type of care is typically prescribed by a physician and is aimed at individuals who require skilled medical attention due to a chronic condition, illness, injury, or post-surgical recovery. Home health care services are delivered by licensed healthcare professionals such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.

The focus of home health care is on managing and treating medical conditions, monitoring health status, and administering therapies that require specialized training. It is often part of a larger healthcare plan designed to promote recovery, manage chronic conditions, or provide palliative care.

Services Provided by Home Health:

• Skilled nursing care
• Wound care and dressing changes
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Medication management

Should you have any questions on which may be right for you, or your loved one, in the Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Sun City, Hemet, Wildomar, or Lake Elsinore area, please reach out to us by email at nolan.chandler@griswoldhomecare.com or call (951) 346-1352.

Greater Temecula Providing Caregivers | Griswold (griswoldcare.com)