When a loved one starts needing extra help at home, families are often flooded with questions. What kind of care do they need? How do we get started? Is home health care the right option?

This guide breaks it all down simply, so you can make confident, informed decisions.

What Is Home Health Care?

Home health care refers to medical and personal support services provided in a person’s home, typically for older adults or individuals recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. It’s a way to receive professional care without the need to move into a facility like a nursing home or rehab center.

Unlike standard home care, which helps with non-medical needs (like cooking or cleaning), home health care is medically focused. It involves licensed nurses, therapists, and aides who work under a doctor’s supervision.

Who Is It For?

Home health care can benefit people who are:

– Recovering from surgery, stroke, or hospitalization

– Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, COPD, or heart failure

– Living with a disability or limited mobility

– In need of wound care, medication management, or therapy

– Elderly and require skilled attention to remain safely at home

If your loved one has trouble leaving the house and needs medical attention — home health care might be exactly what they need.

What Services Are Provided?

The specific services depend on the person’s needs, but typically include:

Skilled nursing care (vitals, injections, IV therapy, medication management)

Physical, occupational, or speech therapy

Medical social work

Home health aide services (bathing, grooming, light housekeeping support)

Care plans are personalized and coordinated with your family and your doctor.

Who Provides the Care?

Care is delivered by:

Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)

Certified Home Health Aides (HHAs)

Therapists (PT, OT, ST)

Medical Social Workers

Your agency assigns the right team based on your loved one’s condition and goals.

How Is It Paid For?

The good news: home health care is often covered by:

Medicare (for those 65+ or with certain disabilities)

Medicaid

Private insurance

Veterans’ benefits

To qualify under Medicare, a doctor must certify that your loved one is homebound and needs skilled care.

Is It the Same as Hospice or Personal Care?

No — and that’s a common point of confusion.

Home Health Care: Medical services for recovery or chronic condition management.

Hospice Care: End-of-life care focused on comfort.

Home Care / Personal Care: Help with daily living tasks (non-medical), not always covered by insurance.

Some people may use a mix of these, depending on their situation.

Getting Started

1. Talk to your loved one’s physician about eligibility.

2. Choose a licensed, reputable home health agency (like ours).

3. Set up a care plan and schedule.

4. Stay involved and communicate regularly with your care team.

Final Thoughts

When done right, home health care helps people heal or thrive in a familiar, loving environment — their own home. It can provide peace of mind for families and a sense of independence for your loved one.

If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to us — we’ll walk you through every step.