What is Medically Intensive Home Health Care?
Home health care is all about keeping families together, allowing people to live independently in the comfort of their own homes. If you're investigating home health care for a family member, you might be confused about the difference between home health care and medically intensive home health care (MIHC). There are some similarities. Both require a licensed nurse (RN, LPN), and both are performed in the home. Yet there are also differences, and it's important to understand those differences so you know what you can expect:
Home Care
- Generally does not require RNs or LPNs
- Home care provides companionship for those in need of an extra set of hands around the house
- Home care offers options for chores and errands for those who cannot complete the chores themselves
Home Health Care
- Home health care encompasses a broad spectrum of social and health services for recovering, disabled, and chronically ill persons
- Home health care provides medical and supportive care in visits usually 1 to 2 hours per day in length (for diabetic teaching, for example)
- May include Hospice Care or Palliative Care
Medically Intensive Home Health Care
- For medically-fragile individuals who are dependent on life-support systems
- Provides one-to-one nursing care
- MIHC provides medical care in shifts of 8, 10, or 12 hours, providing round-the-clock care if needed
- Also called Private Duty Nursing - continuous skilled nursing (RN or LPN) care in the home
Please contact us to learn more about the differences in care options and how to make the best choice.
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