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Is Home Care Considered Health Care?
Date Updated: December 9, 2024
Written by:
With over a decade of dedicated experience, Andrea Miller boasts an extensive background in healthcare writing and editing. Her expertise spans various facets of the healthcare industry, with a particular focus on nursing, senior care, Alzheimer’s disease, and public health. Andrea has also contributed her editorial talents to reputable publishers in the Philadelphia region, complementing her extensive freelance work.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
Home care is considered a form of health care that includes help with nonmedical services such as dressing, grooming and other activities of daily living. It also encompasses household tasks such as preparing meals and cleaning. Unlike home health care, home care does not involve skilled nursing or other medical services. However, it is still a key component of health care because it supports seniors' health and safety and enhances their quality of life.
Who Benefits From Home Care?
Seniors benefit from home care when they want to remain at home but need support to live independently. According to the Administration for Community Living, an individual aged 65 or older has nearly a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services (either at home or in a facility) and support as they age. About 88% of older adults also want to remain at home for as long as possible.
If you have an aging parent or family member, pay attention to signs that they need assistance. Examples include:
- Difficulty keeping the house clean
- Weight loss
- Frequent falls
- Inability to drive or get around the community alone
- Changes in hygiene
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Mood changes
Who Provides Home Care Services?
Professional caregivers, home care aides and certified nursing assistants typically provide home care services. Community members, loved ones and volunteers often visit to offer companion care at home, which helps reduce loneliness and isolation in seniors. In contrast, registered nurses, therapists and physicians provide home health care.
Does Medicare Cover Home Care?
Medicare covers part-time or intermittent home care for members who also qualify for home health care. The person must have a documented medical need for one or more of the following services:
- Skilled nursing
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology
- Physical therapy
- Medical social services
Members can receive both home care and home health care at home if they have documented medical need and can't leave the house for medical reasons. In this situation, Medicare also pays for a portion of part-time home care if the person needs assistance with activities of daily living. The plan defines "part-time" as up to eight hours a day and up to 28 hours a week.