Home Health Care
Home health care is care that you or your loved one gets in the home. Usually, home health care begins after discharge from a hospital or medical center and takes the place of extended care in a nursing or rehab facility.
Keep in mind that companion care and home health care are not the same. Companion care includes services that help with daily living like housekeeping, meal preparation and other chores. Home health care focuses on medical needs—such as caring for wounds, providing therapy and giving medicine. It could also include some companion care services, depending on the provider.
How to Choose Home Health Care
Before deciding on a home health care agency or provider, it may be helpful to ask your doctor for advice. You may also want to call local agencies and ask them questions, including:
- How long has the agency been open?
- Does the agency have a current license?
- How much do supervisors oversee the quality of care?
- How are caregivers hired? Trained?
- What type of screening is done for employees?
Additional Resources
American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation:
www.healthinaging.org
Eldercare Locator: eldercare.acl.gov