Type of program with health and social services given to individuals and families where they reside for promoting, maintaining, or restoring health and minimizing effects of illness and disability.

Public or private licensed, certified, or authorized state agency or organization that gives home care services that have been prescribed by a patient’s physician such as skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and personal care by home health aides. To be certified under the Medicare program, a provider or agency must meet certain health and safety standards and provide skilled nursing services and at least one additional therapeutic service (physical, speech, or occupational therapy; medical social services; or home health aide services) in the home. Some outpatient services may be covered if equipment is necessary and cannot be used in the patient’s home. Also called home health care agency .

Person who, under the supervision of a home health or social service agency, assists elderly, ill, or disabled person with household chores, bathing, personal care, and other daily living needs. Social service agency personnel are sometimes called personal care aides .