What is homecare?

Homecare encompasses a wide range of available services that allow recovering, disabled, elderly or terminally ill people to receive the help and care they need from home. About half the 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 With today's hectic schedules, it commonly becomes too difficult for a relative or friend to provide care alone; for these situations, both non-medical and medical homecare health services are readily available. Care can range from help around the house with everyday activities, to complex medical services provided by physicians or nurses. These services can be prescribed by a doctor or employed privately and can be found through a wide range of companies and organizations.

Homecare is generally divided into two distinct groups: the first is non-medical homecare, which refers to support services and does not include professional medical treatment; and the second is medical homecare, also sometimes called "skilled care." Examples of non-medical healthcare are these: help with personal daily tasks such as moving around, bathing, dressing, toileting, ambulating, lifting and eating; assistance with chores around the house like cooking, laundry, and light cleaning; and "companionship" which includes help with shopping, daily errands and transportation.³ Medical or "skilled service" homecare refers to services like doctor's diagnoses, recovery treatment, professional nursing, and therapy. Medical homecare is required for 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. Indeed, today, an overwhelming number of medical conditions can be treated in the home with professional medical attention without submitting to hospital stays, assisted living homes or nursing homes.

Homecare is designed to be personalized for every person to ensure the highest level of care and ready access to necessary services. Whether it is help with everyday tasks and assistance around the house, or professional medical treatment and therapy, non-medical and medical homecare are available to keep people in their homes and promote comfort and independence.