So what’s the difference between “home care” and “home health”? These terms are often used interchangeably, but it is important to be aware of the differences between “home care” and “home health” services.
In Pennsylvania all agencies that provide home care and home health services must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. There are different regulations for home care and home health agencies. Agencies that are licensed as home care agencies are usually referred to as HCA’s, while agencies that are licensed as home health agencies are often referred to as HHA’s.
Home Care Agencies (HCA’s) – Are licensed to provide non-skilled services such as:
- assistance with self-administered medications;
- personal care (i.e., assistance with personal hygiene, dressing and feeding)
- homemaking (i.e., assistance with household tasks, housekeeping, shopping, meal planning and preparation, and transportation);
- companionship;
- respite care (i.e., assistance and support provided to the family); and
- other non-skilled services.
Home Health Agencies (HHA’s) – Are licensed to provide skilled services and are typically provided on a short term basis. These skilled services can include:
- Part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care.
- Physical therapy.
- Occupational therapy.
- Speech-language pathology services.
- Medical social services.
- Part-time or intermittent home health aide services (personal hands-on care)
The type of agency you choose depends on the type of services that you will need. Keep this information in mind as you select an agency to provide services to you or your loved one.
NEPA Home Health 