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What is the difference between Certified and Licenced home care and companion care agencies? Certified Home Health agencies are Medicare certified agencies that provide intermittent skilled health care services such as wound care or rehabilitation. Certified Home health agencies send professionals such as nurses, physical therapist, occupational therapists, speech therapist, medical social workers and registered dietitians into a persons home to educate and provide skilled care. These services are covered by Medicare. A doctor must authorize these services. Persons with chronic illnesses, wounds, a new onset illness, decline in physical status or recent hospitalization benefit greatly from Certified Home Health Services. Licensed Home Care agencies provide certified home health aide to assist the client with bathing, dressing and grooming. The aid will also prepare meals, do laundry and light housekeeping. The aide is not allowed to handle medications or provide medical treatment. Home care agencies also provide nurses. The nurses provide such services as medication management and administration, wound care, intravenous administration and other medical treatments within the scope of nursing practice. Home Care services are primarily paid for privately by the client. Some nursing services may be coved by private insurance. Some agencies accept Medicaid. Companion agencies provide unlicensed staff who are not permitted to provide any hands on care. A companion may provide social stimulation, go grocery shopping, prepare meals, do laundry, light housekeeping and escort the client to doctors appointments and other outings. The Companion may not assist with dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting or transfers.