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El Paso Thrive After 60

Understanding The Different Types of Home Care Agencies

Jun 06, 2022 09:19AM ● By El Paso Seniors Guide

There are various types of organizations that provide care in the home. It is important though, to distinguish between medical or skilled care services and non-medical, in-home care services.

Medical or Skilled Home Health Care Agencies

The most familiar provider of medical home care services is the skilled home health agency. The home health agency is licensed and usually Medicare certified and may also accept other third party health insurances. Medicare certification means that the agency has met specific federal guidelines and criteria. 

The main purpose of this type of agency is to provide skilled care for treatment or rehabilitation services to homebound patients. Home health care professionals must strictly adhere to a physician approved plan of care that is deemed medically necessary in order for Medicare benefits to continue.

Services provided generally include medical or psychological services, wound care, pain and medication management, disease management, nursing care services, oxygen services, medical supplies and equipment, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and home health aide care.

Hospice Care Agencies

These are a specialized type of skilled home health for individuals needing pain management and compassionate end-of-life services. 

Non-Medical, In-Home Care Agencies

These agencies are also referred to as personal care, custodial care, homemaker, companion, and private duty agencies. A non-medical, in-home care agency provides services which are not considered skilled or medical care. They provide non-skilled, supportive, custodial care that is supplied by certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and home health aides (HHAs) or by non-certified nurse aides, homemakers, personal care aides, personal attendants, caregivers, sitters and companions.

Non-medical caregiver agency services include personal care, companionship and supervision, as well as help in the home with tasks such as meal preparation, medication reminders, laundry, light housekeeping, errands, shopping, and transportation.