As more seniors opt to age in place, home health agencies like Boost have adapted by offering health care services, including skilled nursing and medical care, directly in clients’ homes. In comparing skilled nursing vs. home health care, while both are very useful and often conflated, they are both very different. Here’s what you need to know.
Skilled nursing vs. home health care
The two services may seem similar, but regarding skilled nursing vs home health care services, there are vast differences. Let’s deep dive into the nuances and necessity of each.
Services provided
The biggest difference centers on the services provided to a patient. Skilled nursing services, like those offered by Boost Home Healthcare, are predominantly clinical, medically related, and ordered by a patient’s physician. Rather than performing these tasks in a hospital or a rehabilitation facility, skilled nursing services make it possible for an individual to recover at home.
In-home skilled nursing care includes personalized attention that takes place in the comfort and familiarity of home, reducing the risk of falls in this known space. Specialized services include administering medication, catheter care, ostomy care, infusion/ IV therapy, feeding tube care for enteral feedings, post-op care, wound care, pain management, and post-orthopedic surgery care. The services normally last for a shorter duration of time, generally 60-90 days, as a person gets back on their feet.
Home health services focus on patients’ non-medical service requirements. These services can involve household chores that are difficult for an older adult or someone recovering from an injury or illness to handle, like light housekeeping tasks such as vacuuming, washing dishes, folding laundry, and meal planning and preparation.
Personal care services are another element, as a caregiver can help clients run errands, attend doctor appointments, enjoy social activities, or simply get out of the house. Medication reminders, safety supervision, and companion care are all part of these ongoing and long-term services.
Skill level of providers
The type of care providers for skilled nursing care, like Boost Home Healthcare and home care, are also not the same. Skilled nursing employs registered nurses assigned to a patient to ensure that their medical care needs are addressed properly and with precision, including their recovery progress after an injury or illness. In-home nursing services provide tailored home care and health care services to seniors based on their needs.
Home care staff are skilled care providers who can comply with the services required. A medical degree isn’t necessary as the services rendered are based on safety, comfort, and companion care.
The cost of the services
The cost difference between home health and skilled nursing care is significant and can vary greatly depending on the exact care services. Home care is generally much cheaper than skilled nursing because expenses are primarily limited to paying the in-home caregiver. In contrast, skilled nursing involves higher costs due to the care provider’s experience and the comprehensive medical services provided.
The patient’s need
Finally, the people who are in need of these services are different. Patients who use Boost Home Healthcare or skilled nursing care are often recovering from surgery or illness who require medical supervision as they recover from the comfort of home. They require medical monitoring, various therapies like physical therapy or occupational therapy and other care.
In home care, services are provided for patients who require personal and home assistance with grooming, dressing, meal preparation, and additional light chores. Although a caregiver may give medication reminders, patients don’t require the medical attention of a skilled nurse to stay safe at home.
Final thoughts on skilled nursing vs. home health care
Skilled nursing services are predominantly clinical and medically related, such as catheter care, ostomy care, infusion/ IV therapy, and more. Skilled nursing has many benefits. Home health care focuses on non-medical household services like vacuuming, washing dishes, folding laundry, etc.
No matter what you or a loved one may need, Boost Home Healthcare is clinical home healthcare that helps individuals get a boost back to better after a health setback. Our elevated approach to home healthcare is nurse-inspired. We increase collaboration with doctors so our clients can reclaim their health independence.
Discover the Best Franchise Opportunity for You with Boost Home Healthcare
Boost Home Healthcare is focused on providing nurse-inspired clinical excellence, one patient at a time. Take advantage of the proven leadership, exceptional staff, and comprehensive training and resources our franchise model has to offer to start your future strong. To learn more about our opportunities, including available territories with hot markets, request your franchise kit today!
