Cattaraugus County Department of Health Chha

Home care allows older adults and people with disabilities to remain in their own homes while receiving support with daily activities. Non-medical home care covers personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming), light housekeeping, meal preparation, companionship, medication reminders, and transportation to appointments. Home health care — a distinct category — involves skilled medical services such as wound care, physical therapy, IV therapy, or nursing assessments ordered by a physician, and is often covered by Medicare. Licensed home care agencies employ and supervise caregivers, carry liability insurance, and typically conduct background checks. When comparing agencies, ask whether caregivers are W-2 employees or independent contractors — employees carry workers' compensation coverage, which protects families in the event of a caregiver injury.