Short term home care services can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of months while a senior is recovering from an illness, injury or surgery. In these instances, home care is a temporary service. For example, some home care companies offer special short-term service packages to help seniors make smooth transitions from the hospital back to their homes. Generally, Medicare only covers short-term home health care services that a doctor deems medically necessary.

Skilled home care (often referred to as home health care) includes services like wound care, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, physical therapy, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy. For example, following a stroke, a visiting physical therapist might be needed on a short term basis to help a senior regain their balance and coordination. Of course, an in-home care company can provide both unskilled and skilled services simultaneously, depending on a senior’s needs. Once an elder has recovered, these services will no longer be needed.