| Focus | Provides non-medical support and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and general companionship. | Offers skilled medical services and assistance to individuals recovering from illness, surgery, or managing chronic conditions. |
| Caregiver Qualifications | Caregivers may not require medical training or certification and can include family members, friends, or non-medical caregivers. | Caregivers are typically trained healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or certified nursing assistants (CNAs). |
| Services Provided | Offers assistance with non-medical tasks such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, and companionship. | Provides medical services such as wound care, medication management, physical therapy, skilled nursing, and monitoring of vital signs. |
| Medical Oversight | Generally does not involve medical oversight, and caregivers focus on non-medical aspects of care and support. | Requires medical oversight and coordination, often involving physicians, nurses, or other healthcare providers to manage and adjust care plans. |
| Types of Clients | Caters to individuals who need assistance with daily activities or companionship due to age, disability, or limited mobility. | Typically serves individuals recovering from surgery or illness, managing chronic conditions, or requiring specialized medical care at home. |
| Insurance Coverage | Typically not covered by health insurance but may be covered by long-term care insurance or paid out of pocket by the individual or family. | Often covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid when prescribed by a healthcare provider as medically necessary. |
| Goal | Focuses on improving the overall quality of life and providing assistance with daily living tasks to maintain independence. | Aims to facilitate recovery, manage medical conditions, and prevent hospital readmissions by delivering skilled medical care at home. |
| Frequency of Visits | Caregiver visits can vary based on individual needs, ranging from a few hours a day to full-time live-in care. | Visits are typically scheduled based on medical necessity and may include daily, weekly, or periodic visits, depending on the care plan. |
| Documentation and Reporting | Typically involves documenting care provided and ensuring the safety and well-being of the client. | Requires detailed medical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and communication with healthcare providers. |
| Communication with Healthcare Team | Limited communication with healthcare providers unless there is a need to report significant changes in the client's condition. | Regular communication with physicians, nurses, and therapists to coordinate and adjust the care plan as needed. |
| Typical Providers | Home care agencies, independent caregivers, and family members or friends often provide non-medical home care. | Home health agencies and skilled healthcare professionals, such as nurses, therapists, and home health aides, provide home health care. |
