Home health care can be an excellent compromise between independent living and necessary medical assistance. Home health care, or assisted living, is defined as specialized care allowing ill, elderly, or disabled patients to remain in their home for treatment. It can be long- or short-term, basic or comprehensive. Most home health care is provided on an as-needed basis, depending on an individual's specific medical condition. Some patients may need several visits daily to receive hypodermic injections, catheterization, or hygienic care, while others may only require weekly visits from a physical therapist. Differing levels of care also necessitate varying degrees of medical knowledge. Depending on your needs, your home health caregiver may have no formal medical education, or a bachelor's degree in nursing or physical or occupational therapy. In addition to your specific preferences for a caregiver, you may need to consider your health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare's requirements for home health care professionals.
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