What is Home Healthcare?

The term home healthcare, or homecare, covers two distinct groups of varied services: non-medical homecare, and medical homecare. Non-medical homecare refers to support services for people (usually seniors) who need help with specific daily tasks like bathing and dressing, household upkeep, or running errands. Medical homecare encompasses medical services provided by a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional in the home. Indeed, the need and demand for non-medical and medical homecare has been consistently growing. Statistics show that about half the American population will require extended care at some point in their lives¹ and according to the National Caregiver's Association, nearly 80% of extended care is provided in the home, usually by a spouse or other relative.² However, when a friend or relative is unable to give the support or time needed, homecare health services are readily available.

Non-medical homecare is ideal for the growing number of seniors in the United States who are still able to live at home, but might need assistance with limited daily tasks. Seniors who might need help with getting out of bed, dressing, household chores, cooking, and daily errands would benefit from non-medical homecare providers. These providers are often called homecare aides (HCAs), or offer homemaker or companion services. Indeed, non-medical services available include a broad range of assistance: from help with daily activities like bathing, dressing and ambulating; to help around the house with cleaning, cooking and laundry; and even companion services to help with shopping and transportation.

Sometimes medical homecare or "skilled care" is needed in situations like these: patients whose physical abilities or health is diminishing; people recovering from a long illness or injury; or the treatment of a chronic or even terminal sickness. These can all be treated in the home with appropriate professional medical attention and without submitting to hospital stays or institutionalization. Physicians, nurses, and various therapists are all available for homecare and provide the same diagnoses, evaluations and treatments as they would in a hospital or office. There are also professional medical homecare providers who supply medical equipment and medication directly to those in homecare.

Non-medical and medical homecare are effective solutions for people who need help or services but don't want to leave their homes. Both types of care are readily available and can be found through multiple websites, offices and organizations. Click here to search our extensive database of non-medical homecare providers.