Similar names, different care
Families in Lake City hear both terms after a hospital stay, and it's easy to mix them up. The simplest way to remember it: home health is medical care ordered by a doctor; home care is help with everyday life.
Home health care
- Skilled nursing, therapy and medical monitoring
- Ordered by a doctor, often after surgery or a hospital stay
- Usually short visits for a limited period
- Often covered by Medicare when requirements are met
Home care (non-medical)
- Help with bathing, dressing, meals and mobility (personal care)
- Companionship, errands, rides and light housekeeping (companion care)
- Supervision and routines for Alzheimer's and dementia
- Visits of a few hours up to 24-hour care, for as long as needed
Using both at the same time
Many of our clients in Lake City, Live Oak and High Springs have a home health nurse or therapist visiting a couple of times a week. Our caregivers fill the rest of the week: making sure exercises are practiced, meals are eaten and medications are taken on time. The two work best as a team.
Which one do you need?
If there's a medical need, like a wound, new injections or therapy after a hip replacement, ask the doctor about home health. If the need is help with daily life, safety or company, that's home care. Not sure? Call us. We'll help you figure it out, even if the answer is a different kind of provider.
Related articles
Paying for careDoes Medicare Pay for Home Care in Florida?
Hospital to homeA Discharge-Day Checklist for Columbia County Families
Family caregivingHow to Choose a Home Care Agency in Lake City, FLHave questions about care for your family?
Talk with our Lake City care coordinator. The consultation is free.
