Understanding Home Care: What It Is and What It Isn’t
April 10, 2025
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North Conway, NH – Home care is an essential service that allows individuals to receive medical and personal support in the comfort of their own homes, but many people are unsure about what home care truly involves. Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine is committed to educating our community about the realities of home care, what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can help individuals maintain independence and quality of life.
According to the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, more than 12 million Americans receive home care services each year, with demand growing as more individuals choose to age in place. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that home health and personal care aide jobs will grow by 22% by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. These numbers highlight the increasing role home care plays in healthcare today.
What Home Care Is
Home care provides skilled medical services and daily living support for individuals recovering from an illness, managing a chronic condition, or facing mobility challenges. These services can include:
- Skilled nursing care, including wound care, medication management, and chronic disease support
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to aid recovery and maintain mobility
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation
- Palliative and hospice care for those with serious illnesses seeking comfort and symptom management
What Home Care Is NOT
While home care offers essential support, it is important to understand its limitations:
- It is not 24/7 live-in care, though some services can be scheduled multiple times a day
- It does not replace family caregivers but rather supports them with professional expertise
- It is not the same as private-duty care, which typically focuses on non-medical companionship and household tasks
- It is not just for seniors—people of all ages can benefit from home health services
Home Care vs. Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse home care with palliative and hospice care, but each serves a unique purpose:
Home Care Services focus on recovery, rehabilitation, and managing chronic conditions. Services may be short-term (after surgery or illness) or long-term (for ongoing health concerns). The goal is to improve quality of life and maintain independence.
Palliative Care provides specialized medical care for individuals with serious illnesses, regardless of life expectancy. It is designed to relieve symptoms, improve comfort, and enhance quality of life while patients continue with curative treatments if they choose. Palliative care can be provided alongside other medical care at home, in hospitals, or in long-term care facilities.
Hospice Care is for individuals with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. The focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort care, symptom management, and emotional support. Hospice care can be provided at home, in a nursing home, or in a hospice facility, ensuring dignity and comfort in the final stages of life.
“Many families are unsure when and how to seek home care services, often waiting until a crisis occurs,” said Sandy Ruka, RN, MSN, Executive Director of Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice. “Understanding the difference between home care, palliative care, and hospice care can help people make informed decisions about the best care for themselves or their loved ones.”
For more information about home care, palliative care, and hospice services, eligibility, and how to access support, please visit www.VNHCH.org or call 603-356-7006.