Simone Lawson
Home health care is a wide range of health care services provided in a patient's home. It is often used for patients who are unable to live independently and may need assistance with daily tasks. This can include at-risk newborns, children, and teenagers, as well as older adults who may have physical or mental health issues, or patients with chronic illnesses who do not require hospitalization. Home health care can also be beneficial for patients who have been discharged from the hospital but have not fully recovered and require short-term skilled care. This type of care can include skilled nursing care, rehabilitative care, physical therapy, and the use of medical devices and technology.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Qualifying criteria | Needing part-time or "intermittent" skilled care |
| Requiring acute but non-critical hospital care | |
| Being medically and psychiatrically stable | |
| Having a safe physical and social home environment | |
| Having medical conditions that are manageable within the service limits of the HITH program | |
| Having minimal risk of needing care at night | |
| Having access to informal caregivers or caregiver networks | |
| Benefits | Remaining in the home allows a person to be as independent as possible |
| Being surrounded by the people and things they most care about | |
| Promoting comfort and dignity | |
| Maintaining the family unit | |
| Avoiding the cost of hospitalizations | |
| Avoiding the long-term effects of lengthy institutionalizations | |
| Avoiding foster care or institutional placement for at-risk newborns, children, and teenagers | |
| Being able to leave home for medical treatment or short, infrequent absences for non-medical reasons | |
| Being able to continue attending adult day care |
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What You'll Learn
Cost of home care
The cost of at-home care is a significant consideration for many families, but it's important to weigh the expense against the benefits it provides. At-home care can be a more affordable option than hospitalisation, with healthcare costs being 52% lower for at-home patients than those who stayed overnight in a hospital, according to a study by the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Hospital costs per day average $2,607 throughout the United States, with overnight stays costing an average of $11,700. Uninsured patients face a lower daily average of $9,300, while Medicare patients pay around $13,600 per day.
The national average cost of in-home care in the United States is $4,957 monthly, or a median of $33 per hour for non-medical care in 2025. This hourly rate varies from $24 to $43 per hour depending on the state. In-home care has become a popular option for those who wish to age in place, and evidence suggests that receiving support with daily tasks helps people maintain their independence for longer.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance plans will usually cover at least some of the costs of short-term home health care services if certain criteria are met. Medicare, for example, covers patients over 65, as well as those with kidney failure and certain disabilities. Before beginning home health care, the agency should inform the patient of how much Medicare will pay, as well as any costs that will not be covered.
While hiring a private caregiver may be less expensive than working with an agency, agencies provide important benefits such as background checks, training, insurance, and payroll tax management. Additionally, community services such as Meals on Wheels and senior programs can provide low-cost or free social support and assistance.
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Eligibility criteria
Home health care is a wide range of health care services that can be provided at home for an illness or injury. This allows individuals to remain in the comfort of their residence, surrounded by loved ones, while their health care and daily living needs are managed.
To be eligible for home health care, a health care provider (like a nurse practitioner) must assess you face-to-face before certifying that you need home health services. A health care provider must order your care, and a Medicare-certified home health agency must provide it. If your provider decides you need home health care, they should give you a list of agencies that serve your area.
In most cases, "part-time or intermittent" means you may be able to get skilled nursing care and home health aide services up to 8 hours a day (combined), for a maximum of 28 hours per week. You may be able to get more frequent care for a short time (less than 8 hours each day and no more than 35 hours each week) if your provider determines it's necessary. You won't qualify for the home health benefit if you need more than part-time or "intermittent" skilled care. You may leave home for medical treatment or short, infrequent absences for non-medical reasons, like attending religious services. You can still get home health care if you attend adult day care.
At-risk newborns, children, and teenagers may receive home care services to avoid foster care or institutional placement. When people receive supportive services within their home, they are able to remain connected with their family, neighbourhood, community, and places of worship. Remaining in the home allows a person to be as independent as possible.
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Benefits of home care
Home health care is a wide range of health care services provided at home for an illness or injury. It is usually less expensive, more convenient, and just as effective as care received in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Here are some benefits of home care:
Comfort and Familiarity
Home care allows individuals to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones and the things they care about. This promotes their comfort, dignity, and sense of normalcy, especially for older adults who may struggle with admitting they need help due to their desire to maintain independence.
Personalized Care
Home health care provides personalized and tailored care plans, ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time. This one-on-one attention helps build trust between the patient, caregiver, and home health care team, which often includes nurses, therapists, social workers, and aides.
Social Interaction and Family Support
Home care encourages social interaction and makes it easier for friends and family to visit, combating loneliness and bringing families together. It also relieves the burden on family caregivers by providing support and education on follow-up care, helping to prevent caregiver burnout.
Cost Savings and Convenience
Home health care can save money by avoiding unnecessary hospital trips and delaying or preventing the need for more intensive or institutional care. It is also more convenient, as there are no time restrictions or set visiting hours, and patients can avoid the stress and exposure to germs associated with hospital visits.
Safety and Independence
Home care helps create a safer home environment, reducing the risk of falls and other complications. It also encourages individuals to maintain their independence by continuing with everyday tasks as much as possible.
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Types of home care
Home health care is a wide range of health care services that can be provided at home for an illness or injury. A health care provider must assess you face-to-face before certifying that you need home health care services.
There are several types of home care, including:
Skilled Nursing Care
Skilled nursing care is provided by a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. This type of care involves administering medications, wound care, monitoring vital signs, and providing other medical services that require the skills and expertise of a trained nurse.
Home Health Aide Services
Home health aides assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom. They may also provide companionship, help with meals, light housekeeping, and transportation to medical appointments.
Therapy Services
Therapy services may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. These services can help individuals regain physical function, improve their ability to perform daily tasks, or enhance their communication skills following an illness or injury.
Medical Social Services
Medical social workers provide counselling and support to individuals and their families facing challenges related to their health conditions. They can assist with social and emotional concerns, help navigate community resources, and provide education on coping with the social and psychological impacts of illnesses or injuries.
Custodial or Personal Care
Custodial or personal care involves assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and mobility. This type of care is typically provided by a caregiver or personal assistant and does not require skilled nursing services.
It is important to note that the specific types of home care services available may vary depending on the individual's needs, their location, and the resources provided by their healthcare system or insurance coverage.
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Limitations of home care
Home care is a wide range of health care services provided at a patient's residence for an illness or injury. It is designed to help patients rest, recover, and receive treatment in the comfort of their homes. Home health care services are medically-focused and may include skilled nursing care, medication administration, and rehabilitative therapies.
However, there are some limitations to home care:
- Limited emergency medical care: Home care is not ideal for emergency medical situations. While home health care providers can administer medications and dress wounds, they may not be equipped to handle more severe or unexpected medical issues.
- Availability and scheduling: The availability of physicians and scheduling options for home visits may be limited in certain areas. House calls are typically scheduled on weekdays, and while physicians may be available by phone on weekends or after hours, there could be delays in receiving urgent medical attention.
- Frequency of care: Home health care is generally provided on a part-time or intermittent basis, with skilled nursing care and home health aide services combined for up to 8 hours a day and 28 hours per week. While more frequent care may be approved for a short time, it is still limited to less than 8 hours daily and no more than 35 hours weekly.
- Cost: The cost of home care can be a limitation, especially for those requiring daily support. The national median cost for home care was $30 per hour in 2024, and the amount of care needed will impact the overall expense. While Medicare and insurance plans may cover some costs, there are eligibility requirements and limitations on what services are covered.
- Non-medical services: Home health care typically does not include non-medical services such as cooking, cleaning, transportation, or running errands. These services fall under personal home care assistance, which may be offered at an additional cost by some home health care providers or through separate agencies.
- Discharge planning: There have been reports of issues with hospital discharge planning, where patients are discharged before they are clinically ready, without proper assessment or consultation, and without a home care plan in place. This can lead to higher readmission rates, patient dissatisfaction, and a reduced chance of returning to independence.
It is important to carefully consider the limitations of home care to ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of care and support needed for their specific situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Home health care is a wide range of health care services provided in a patient's home. This includes physical, psychosocial, or palliative care, as well as skilled nursing care and rehabilitative care services.
Eligibility for home health care depends on the patient's needs and their ability to function independently. Factors such as physical and mental health, financial situation, and environmental circumstances are considered when determining eligibility. Patients who are homebound, recently discharged from the hospital, or at risk of foster care or institutional placement may be eligible for home health care services.
If your loved one is experiencing changes in appearance, behaviour, health, or finances, it may be a sign that they need additional support. For example, if they are no longer able to recognize familiar people or places or are struggling with daily living activities, they may benefit from home health care. It is important to involve a healthcare provider who can assess the need for home health services and determine the appropriate level of care.
