Frequently Asked Questions About Home Care vs. Home Health in Pasco County

Families throughout Pasco County are often surprised to learn that Home Care and Home Health are not the same thing.

The names sound similar, but the services, goals, and payment structures are very different.

At Griswold Care Pairing for Pasco County, many families in Wesley Chapel, Trinity, Land O’ Lakes, New Port Richey, and surrounding communities contact us after a hospital stay, rehab discharge, dementia diagnosis, or growing concerns about safety at home.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions families ask.

Is Home Care the Same as Home Health?

No.

Home Health Typically Provides:

• short-term skilled medical services,
• nursing care,
• physical therapy,
• occupational therapy,
• speech therapy,
• wound care,
• and medical oversight ordered by a physician.

Home Health is often covered by Medicare or insurance when medically necessary.

Home Care Provides:

• non-medical daily support,
• companionship,
• bathing and dressing assistance,
• meal preparation,
• mobility support,
• supervision,
• transportation,
• and help with daily routines.

Home Care is typically paid for privately.

Many families use both services together after a hospitalization or during ongoing health challenges.

Does Medicare Pay for Home Care in Pasco County?

In most situations, Medicare does NOT cover ongoing non-medical Home Care.

Medicare may cover:

• nursing visits,
• physical therapy,
• or short-term Home Health services

when ordered by a physician.

However, assistance with:

• bathing,
• dressing,
• supervision,
• meal preparation,
• companionship,
• or ongoing daily support

is usually considered custodial care and is generally paid for privately.

When Should Families Consider Home Care?

Families often begin considering Home Care when a loved one:

• is returning home after hospitalization or rehab,
• is at risk for falls,
• needs help with personal care,
• lives alone,
• has memory problems,
• is becoming isolated,
• or has a family caregiver who is overwhelmed.

For many Pasco County families, support begins gradually with only a few hours of weekly assistance before increasing over time.

Can Home Care and Home Health Be Used Together?

Yes — and this is actually very common.

Home Health addresses the medical condition, while Home Care helps support:

• daily routines,
• safety,
• supervision,
• mobility,
• companionship,
• and caregiver relief.

Using both together may help:

• reduce falls,
• prevent missed medications,
• improve recovery,
• and reduce caregiver burnout.

How Quickly Can Home Care Start?

In many situations, Home Care can begin within:

• 24–72 hours

depending on scheduling needs and caregiver availability.

However, short-notice requests or very short shifts can sometimes be more difficult to staff.

Planning ahead whenever possible usually creates smoother transitions after:

• hospital discharge,
• rehabilitation stays,
• or health changes.

How Many Hours of Home Care Are Usually Needed?

Every family’s situation is different.

Common schedules may include:

• a few hours weekly for companionship,
• 6–8 hour daytime shifts after hospitalization,
• overnight support,
• weekend assistance,
• or around-the-clock care for higher-risk situations.

The right schedule depends on:

• safety concerns,
• mobility,
• caregiver availability,
• budget,
• and overall goals.

What Does Home Care Cost in Pasco County?

Home Care costs vary depending on:

• schedule,
• level of assistance,
• and agency structure.

In many cases:

• employee-based agencies may charge higher hourly rates,
• while Nurse Registry models may offer somewhat lower hourly costs.

Families should also ask about:

• minimum shift requirements,
• holiday rates,
• overnight pricing,
• and payment policies.

Are Caregivers Allowed To Give Medications or Perform Medical Tasks?

Non-medical caregivers are generally not licensed to:

• administer medications,
• perform wound care,
• or provide skilled medical treatment.

However, caregivers may often:

• provide medication reminders,
• assist with opening containers,
• help clients follow routines,
• and observe/report concerns to family members.

Medical tasks are typically handled by licensed Home Health professionals.

How Do Families Know If Home Care Is Enough?

If safety concerns continue despite support — such as:

• repeated falls,
• wandering,
• severe confusion,
• inability to perform daily activities,
• or increasing medical needs

— families may eventually need additional services or a higher level of care.

Needs often change gradually over time, especially with dementia or chronic illness.

Do You Help Families After Hospital or Rehab Discharge?

Yes.

Many Pasco County families seek support after:

• surgery,
• rehabilitation stays,
• falls,
• illness,
• or hospitalization.

Coordinating Home Care before discharge often helps families feel more prepared when a loved one returns home.

Supporting Families Throughout Pasco County

We proudly help families throughout:

• Wesley Chapel
• Trinity
• Land O’ Lakes
• New Port Richey
• Zephyrhills
• Odessa
• Lutz
• and surrounding Pasco County communities

As Pasco County continues to grow with retirees and aging-in-place communities, more families are looking for ways to safely support loved ones at home.

Helpful Resources for Families

Families may also find these resources helpful:

• Post-Hospital Care at Home in Tampa & Pasco County
• When Is It Time to Consider Home Care?
• Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Final Thoughts

Every family situation is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Understanding the difference between Home Care and Home Health can help families make more informed decisions about safety, recovery, caregiving, and long-term support at home.