Supporting Independence Through the Right Care at Home
For seniors and adults with disabilities in Massachusetts and Connecticut, remaining at home often means remaining connected to family, community, and a sense of independence. Understanding the difference between home care and home health is a critical step in building a support system that makes aging in place possible.
At A Better Life Homecare (ABL), our Medicaid-funded programs focus on non-medical home care provided by family members or trusted loved ones, while coordinating with home health services when medical care is needed.
Defining Home Care
Home care refers to non-medical support services that assist individuals with daily activities and ensure safety through consistent supervision. These services are ideal for individuals who need help with routine tasks but do not require ongoing clinical care.
Home care services commonly include:
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Personal care and mobility support
- Meal preparation and household assistance
- Companionship and emotional well-being
- 24-hour supervision within the home
ABL’s programs are built around the belief that care provided by family or loved ones leads to better comfort, trust, and outcomes.
Understanding Home Health
Home health involves medical services delivered by licensed professionals under a physician’s direction. These services address medical conditions, rehabilitation, and recovery needs.
Home health services may include:
- Skilled nursing visits
- Therapy services
- Post-hospital care
- Chronic condition monitoring
Home health does not replace daily caregiving, it complements home care by addressing medical needs.
How Home Care and Home Health Work Together at ABL
ABL’s programs focus on stable, non-medical home care. When medical needs arise, families can incorporate home health services without disrupting daily routines.
This partnership approach ensures:
- Continuity of care at home
- Reduced stress for families
- Improved safety and quality of life
- Support that adapts as needs change
The Added Value of Family-Based Home Care
Care provided by family members or trusted loved ones offers more than physical assistance, it creates stability, trust, and emotional reassurance. Individuals receiving care often feel more comfortable and secure when supported by someone they know, which can lead to better engagement and improved outcomes.
ABL’s programs are structured to ensure caregivers are supported, guided, and compensated appropriately while maintaining compliance with Medicaid requirements.
When Home Health Becomes Part of the Care Plan
While ABL focuses on non-medical home care, there may be times when medical services are needed. In these cases, home health providers can step in temporarily to address clinical needs such as recovery after hospitalization or therapy support.
This layered approach allows families to:
- Maintain continuity of care at home
- Avoid unnecessary facility placements
- Adjust services as health needs change
Building a Better Life at Home in Massachusetts
When families understand the difference between home care and home health, they are better equipped to build care plans that support independence and stability. Through ABL’s Adult Foster Care (AFC) Program, Massachusetts families can provide daily, non-medical care at home while receiving Medicaid-funded support and structured guidance.
By supporting caregivers and working alongside medical providers when needed, A Better Life Homecare helps individuals in Massachusetts continue living safely at home—surrounded by familiar faces, trusted care, and lasting peace of mind.
