Kaiser Permanente Care at Home, Big Island Home Health

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.