What Is Home Health Care?

If you've recently been in the hospital for a major surgery or illness, you’ll likely still need some help while recuperating. Home health care empowers patients to heal in the comfort of their own homes while receiving expert medical care.

From wound care to assistance with activities of daily living, home health care services provide the quality care you deserve to recover safely and effectively.

Read on to learn what home health care is, what services are typically offered and how in-home care can help you or a loved one regain health and independence.

What Is Home Health Care?

Home health care, also known as in-home care or domiciliary care, is exactly what it sounds like — health care provided at home. This type of care provides professional medical assistance and support at the patient’s home, often providing a more personalized and convenient alternative to extended hospitalization.

Who Is Home Health Care For?

Home health care is meant for patients recovering from an injury or surgery, people recently diagnosed with a chronic condition or older adults who need assistance with daily activities. Individuals with disabilities may qualify for personal care services as well.

How Long Does Home Health Care Last?

Home health care services continue if your doctor certifies that you need ongoing care and meet the eligibility requirements. The duration can vary significantly based on need, the complexity of the medical condition and the patient's progress toward recovery.

Services may last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the patient's response to treatment and what’s required. Regular evaluations by health care professionals ensure that the care plan remains relevant, allowing for adjustments based on changes in the patient’s health status or recovery goals.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide the necessary support until the patient can safely return to their daily activities or requires a different level of care.

What Are the Benefits of Home Health Care?

Home care agencies allow patients to safely recover at home, giving them more comfort and independence. Here’s how home health care professionals work to support you:

• Offer personalized, one-on-one medical care
• Provide emotional support, helping reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety during recovery
• Promote faster recovery by allowing you to heal at home
• Reduce the risk of hospital readmission
• Save time and money by getting you out of a skilled nursing facility or hospital

Contact your doctor to find our if you qualify for home health care services.

What Does Home Health Care Do?

To truly answer the question, "What is home health care," it’s essential to understand what a home health agency can offer. These agencies provide a range of in-home medical services tailored to meet a wide range of patient needs.

Here are just a few of the home health care services provided to eligible patients:

• Durable Medical Equipment (DME): to make your home safer
• Skilled nursing care: to help you heal
• Medical social services: to help you deal with the emotional and financial aftermath
• Physical therapy: to help you regain strength and mobility
• Occupational therapy: to help you regain independence
• Speech therapy: to help you overcome communication challenges
• Caregiver support: to help you handle activities of daily living

Regardless of the medical assistance you require, your care plan will be shaped to your needs. AdventHealth Home Health also provides specialized care programs for patients managing a specific condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lymphedema, heart failure and diabetes.

FAQs: What Is Home Health Care?

How do I know if home health care is right for me or my loved one?

Home health care may be a good option if you or your loved one need ongoing medical support, assistance with daily activities or recovery care that can be safely managed outside of a hospital. It’s perfect for recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness or facing mobility or self-care challenges.

Consult your doctor to determine whether you’re eligible for home health care.

What is home health care vs. home care?

The difference between home health care and home care is home health care provides advanced medical services, while home care primarily offers non-medical assistance. The two are often used interchangeably, but home health care is meant to address health conditions and support your recovery journey. Home care includes homemaker services and meal preparation.

While AdventHealth Home Health also provides home care services, our team is equipped to handle a more diverse range of patients with more clinically complex and challenging needs.

Is home health care a long-term care service?

Not always. Every person's needs are different, so how short or long the duration is depends on eligibility requirements, your health condition, how quickly you recover and your health insurance— whether it’s private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.

How do I choose a home health care provider?

When searching for the best home health care provider for you’re a loved one, it's important to research the agency’s reputation online, ask for referrals, find out their staff qualification, find out if they can work with your doctor to create a customized care plan and inquire if they accept your health insurance.

Understanding Home Health Care

What is home health care? It’s a spectrum of services that empower you to recover or manage an injury, surgery or chronic condition at home.

Not only is home health care a great option for those who are homebound or have limited mobility, but it’s also an excellent way to alleviate the stress and hassle of needing to travel for multiple appointments, which can also be a deterrent to your recovery and overall health.

You deserve to feel your best. If you think home health care is right for you or a loved one, learn more about how we can help. Learn more at AdventHealthHomeCare.com.