Skip to main content
773.274.9262

What is the Difference Between a Home Caregiver and a Home Health Aide?

January 27, 2023

Realizing that your loved one needs help to remain in the comfort of their home is difficult. You may feel at a loss for what to do. You want to be certain that your loved one gets precisely the care they need, but as you research the different home care options, that may raise even more questions. One of those primary questions may be: what is the difference between a home caregiver and a home health aide? Is there one?

The answer is a resounding “YES.” While the general duties of home care and home health care overlap quite a bit, there is one major difference between the two. It all comes down to medical care.

What is the Difference Between a Home Caregiver and a Home Health Aide?

How does a home health aide differ from an at-home caregiver?

Due to additional licensure or a degree in higher education, home health aides can offer seniors a variety of medical support. They can offer assistance with physical rehabilitation, offer pain relief services, and help older adults administer medication.

Home health aides can also be licensed to operate medical equipment, such as oxygen or monitoring equipment. A great rule of thumb to consider is whether or not your loved one requires medical supervision. If they do have a medical condition or concern that needs to be addressed, a home health aide is the better option.

What does an at-home caregiver do?

While an at-home caregiver cannot help with any medical concerns, they can provide support with any other activities of daily living. Some examples of these home care services include:

  • Personal care. An at-home caregiver can assist with toileting, bathing, dressing, and other grooming activities so your loved one looks and feels their best.
  • Medication reminders. If your loved one has trouble keeping track of what medications to take when, an at-home caregiver can set up a system of medication reminders and management.
  • Meal preparation. If conceptualizing a meal, going grocery shopping, cooking the meal, and cleaning up afterward is exhausting, your caregiver can help.
  • Light housekeeping and laundry. Maintaining one’s home is a great deal of work, but a caregiver can help ensure the home is sanitized. They also help ensure your loved one has clean clothes to wear.
  • Errands. Making a trip to the post office or pharmacy is difficult when one has limited mobility. Your loved one’s caregiver can run whatever errands they need.
  • Brain games and activities. To help your loved one keep their mind sharp, a caregiver can assist with any brain games or activities as needed.
  • Companionship and social interaction. While aging in place is ideal, it can be an isolating experience. Caregivers provide the compassionate social interaction your loved one needs.

Home care and home health care are different

An at-home caregiver is perfect for seniors who do not require regular medical assistance, but do require help with certain daily tasks to remain in the comfort of their homes.

For home care in Chicagoland, consider Home Care Powered by AUAF

For 30 wonderful years, Home Care Powered by AUAF has offered seniors in and around Chicagoland the help they need to age in place. Our staff is trained to give clients dignified, compassionate home care services. This helps them feel supported in every aspect of their lives. This not only is beneficial to seniors, but it also offers seniors peace of mind.

If you think an at-home caregiver may be right for your elderly loved one, call us at (773) 274-9262. We would be happy to discuss our program. If you’re curious, we can also tell you about our family caregiver program. This allows you to receive compensation for caring for your loved one.

Contact Request




View All Articles

Call Now! 773.274.9262

back
top
 
-->