What Is Home Health Care?

Home health agencies must be certified or licensed in compliance with state and local standards. They must also meet specified standards set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to receive Medicaid or Medicare payments. Therefore, physicians and nurses oversee all provided services. Care teams commonly include:

Certified Nursing Aides

Also known as CNAs, home health aides or certified nursing assistants

• Assist with personal care and perform lower-level medical care
• Have formal training and certification
• May have training to operate medical equipment

For more insights, see our full article, What Do Certified Nursing Aides Do?

Physical and Occupational Therapists

Sometimes known as PTs and OTs

• Have professional education and training
• Help seniors regain functioning and reduce pain
• Provide specialized exercises
• Use various techniques to aid recovery, including massage, heat and water
• Physical therapy aids overall mobility
• Occupational therapy helps individuals perform everyday activities

For further details, see our full article on what physical and occupational therapists do.

Speech Therapists

Also called speech-language pathologists or SLPs

• Have professional education and training
• Help seniors improve speech, language, swallowing and understanding
• Provide specialized exercises
• May include strengthening activities for lip and tongue muscles

Learn more in our article about what speech therapists do.

Nurses

Also called registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) or advanced practical nurses (APNs)

• Have professional education, training and licensing
• Provide skilled nursing care
• Administer medications
• Take vital signs
• Draw blood
• Monitor progress

For more information, read our article on what visiting nurses do.

Home health care agencies assess an individual’s specific needs and create a personalized health care plan, sometimes called a plan of care. Doctors review and sign off on care plans, which include:

• Details of services
• Which professionals will deliver services
• Service frequency
• Expected service duration

For a more detailed guide, see our article on how to create a home health care plan.

Most home health care agencies don’t provide fee-for-service; Medicare or other insurance plans typically reimburse providers. When agencies offer private-pay services, fees depend on the services required and the type of staff that delivers them. Nurses and therapists cost more; home health aides charge less. According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2023, the nationwide median hourly rate stands at $33. However, costs vary significantly across the country.  

Your loved one’s treating physician or hospital refers them to a certified home health care agency. However, these steps will help you source a provider independently:

• Enter your zip code, city or state in our Home Health Agency Directory above.
• Compare reviews and ratings.
• Ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Discuss your requirements with short-listed agencies.
• Ask about staff certifications and background checks.

Using these strategies, you can confidently identify a home health care provider that meets your specific needs and ensures quality, trustworthy care for your loved one.