Receiving health care at home during old age, chronic illness or recovery after surgery is invaluable for both the patient’s comfort and the speed of recovery. But families face a critical question: where should I get health care from? On a matter that directly concerns public health, it is vital to know the difference between “finding staff” and “receiving health care”.

What Is the Difference Between Employment Agencies and Home Care Centers?

• Private employment agencies: They operate under İŞKUR and their basic purpose is to bring workers and employers together. They may only introduce staff whose work involves no medical intervention, such as domestic helpers or patient companions. They cannot place “nurses” who will perform invasive procedures (IV drips, injections, etc.).
• Home care centers: Medical institutions licensed by the Ministry of Health. They are not just a place to find staff but a mechanism of medical supervision, follow-up and professional responsibility.

Why Choose a Licensed Home Care Center?

1. Medical supervision and professional responsibility. No institution is legally responsible for the medical procedures (IV drips, wound dressing, medication management, etc.) of someone who comes to your home through an employment agency. When you work with a licensed center, there is a responsible manager (a physician) and a professional institution behind the service. Every procedure is recorded and supervised.

2. Risk of malpractice. If a complication occurs at home, it is hard to establish legal accountability with an individual worker. Licensed centers document the competence of their staff and make sure all processes follow medical protocols.

3. Continuity and assurance of staff. If an individual nurse falls ill or leaves, your patient may be left without care. Home care centers keep the service going with a wider team.

The Title “Nurse” Is Not Everything

Some organisations operating under names such as “home care consultancy”, without medical competence, unfortunately match staff on the basis of a copy of a diploma. They play no role in supervising staff and are not accountable when problems arise.

Important: Holding a nursing diploma does not mean a person is authorised to provide health care at home on their own. Health care is the work of a system.

Conclusion: Health Cannot Be Neglected

If the service you bring into your home is not cleaning or cooking but human health, choose institutions protected by law. Entrust your loved ones not just to a caregiver but to a professional system.

Remember: No institution or agency without a Ministry of Health license may provide “home health care” involving medical intervention.