The label “Home Care” can be confusing; it encompasses a range of services and payors and is used differently in various contexts. Here is a clarification of terminology.
Non-Medical Home Care
Non-Medical Home Care (often referred to as at Home Care or Private Duty Care) refers to companion care, including meal preparation, driving, attending events, and other “non-hands-on” tasks. It also refers to personal care, which includes assistance with dressing, transfers, hair brushing, and other “hands-on” care. Generally, clients pay privately for Non-Medical Home Care. Medicaid and limited insurance companies will pay for it, and long-term care insurance policies will also cover non-medical home care. If paid for privately, the scheduling and tasks are flexible and can meet the client’s specific and changing needs.
Medical Home Care
Medical Home Care (often referred to as “Home Health”) refers to care provided by a licensed practitioner, including skilled nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. A physician must order the care. Generally, this is paid for by Medicare and some private insurance companies. If Medicare or an insurance company pays for the care, it is limited, intermittent, and subject to all of the payor’s regulatory requirements. A client can also pay privately for Medical Home Care if a licensed agency is permitted to provide the care. While a physician’s order is still necessary, the scheduling and tasks can be customized to the patient’s needs.