For clarification purposes, there is a difference between home health care and home care services. Although they sound the same (and home health care may include some home care services), home health care is more medically oriented. While home care typically includes chore and housecleaning services, home health care usually involves helping seniors recover from an illness or injury. That is why the people who provide home health care are often licensed practical nurses, therapists, or home health aides.

You need to determine if you need home care or home health care. The hourly rate for home care or home health care differs by state for example California’s hourly rates are $12 to $35 dollars for hour. The online resource http://www.homehealthcareagencies.com has information about different types of caregivers, salaries by state, and a search by zip code to help you find care for your mom. http://www.care.com is another online resource that can help you.

One of the most common issues with agencies is the communication between the caregiver, the family, and the loved one receiving care. Communicate clearly what your expectations are, and have frequent meetings to discuss issues that arise.