Types of care
Home care
Home care is non-medical help for people who live at home, such as bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping, errands, and company. Trained caregivers provide it for a few hours a week up to around the clock. It differs from home health care, which is medical care ordered by a doctor.
Why it matters for your family
Home care helps older adults stay in their own homes when daily tasks become hard. Families use it after a fall, when memory fades, or when a spouse needs rest. A caregiver can come for a few hours, overnight, or live in the home. Many people think Medicare pays for this. The National Institute on Aging notes that Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance generally do not cover nonmedical home care, though some programs and long-term care policies can help. Ask any provider how it screens and supports its caregivers. HomeCare.com connects families with credentialed, non-medical caregivers.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: What is Home Care? How to Benefit from These Services?
Related terms
- Home health careHome health care is medical care given at home for an illness or injury, such as skilled nursing and therapy.
- Companion careCompanion care is non-medical home care that focuses on company and everyday help.
- Personal carePersonal care is hands-on help with daily self-care, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and moving around.
- Aging in placeAging in place means staying in your own home as you get older.
- Private payPrivate pay means a family pays for care directly from its own money.
- Long-term care insuranceLong-term care insurance is a private policy that pays for help with daily living when a person can no longer manage alone.
