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Homecare Options: What Works Best for You?

May 09, 2024

From our home to yours, there are homecare options to fit every need.

It is important to understand the difference between the different options. Take private duty and certified homecare nursing, for example. Each offers unique benefits and caters to different needs.

Katie Mauriello, senior director at Independence at Home, goes over some key differences:

Independence at Home (private duty)

“At Independence at Home, we provide solely nonmedical care when living independently becomes difficult,” Mauriello says. “For this service, clients do not need an order from their physician.”

  • Services. A care plan is made and caregivers can help with all nonmedical homecare, such as light housework, bathing, medicine reminders, cooking and errands. A caregiver can help anywhere from four hours per visit up to 24 hours.
  • Caregivers. Caregivers in private duty care have varying levels of experience and undergo state and national background checks. They also receive ongoing industry standard training.
  • Payment. Payment for Independence at Home is private pay. If the client’s insurance policy allows, long-term care insurance and reimbursements are accepted.

Independence at Home accepts veteran benefits if the client is eligible.

Hartford HealthCare at Home (certified)

“Hartford HealthCare at Home, provides routine medical and post-surgical homecare. For this service, patients must get an doctor’s order from their physician,” Mauriello says.

  • Services. Some services Hartford HealthCare at Home provides are skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, hospice care, palliative care and, medical social work.
  • Caregivers. Caregivers in certified homecare are licensed professionals such as Registered Nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified home health aides, physical, occupational and speech therapists.
  • Payment. Payment for Hartford HealthCare at Home is covered by most insurances.

Key Considerations

When trying to choose between private duty and certified homecare, Mauriello suggests considering:

  • The person’s physical needs
  • Range of services offered
  • Caregiver qualifications and training
  • Insurance coverage and payment options
  • Certified homecare typically covers a couple of months, whereas private duty can be long term
  • Certified homecare requires medical necessity and homebound status, whereas Independence at Home, being a homemaker companion agency, does not require that.

Sometimes, Mauriello notes, it’s not about choosing one service or the other, but using both jointly so each service can fill in gaps in coverage by the other.

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