Benefits of In-Home Care vs Nursing Home
Life Care Knowledge
When the time comes to decide how to help an elderly loved one through those difficult days when they aren't physically able to care for themselves, the decision can be a difficult one. How do you know what's right for the senior in your life? By understanding the benefits/ drawbacks of both homecare and nursing homes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Home Health and Home Care?
The difference between home health and home care is that home health involves skilled nursing and therapy services, while standard home care does not. Rather, home care providers offer companionship, housekeeping, and personal care assistance such as assistance with ADLs. Only home health care providers, not personal care assistants, are qualified to provide medical services.
What Is the Advantage of Home Health Care?
The advantage of home health care is that the client is able to remain in their own home while still receiving the care that they need. This is especially important for seniors who wish to age in place and are not willing to or interested in moving to a residential care facility. Additionally, home health care services can be tailored to each individual’s specific needs, making care more personalized.
What Are Home Care Services?
Home care services include housekeeping, companionship, transportation, and assistance with the activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, and grooming. The services that one receives will depend on their needs, and care is tailored for each individual. Home care services do not include medication administration, nursing care, therapy services, or any other type of medical care beyond first-aid and wound care. Those in need of these medical services should seek a home health care aide.
What Is the Average Cost for In-Home Care?
The average cost of in-home care in the United States is approximately $24 an hour. This comes out to $3,900 a month for 40 hours of care per week. Home health care is slightly more expensive, at an average of $25 an hour.
Does Medicare Pay for In-Home Care?
Medicare does not pay for in-home care because it is considered custodial, non-medical care. However, if the client also receives home health care services from a Medicare-certified provider, their personal care services may also be covered if received from the same provider at the same time as the health care services. Additionally, some Medicare Supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans may cover standard in-home care.
