Many families don't realize that 'home care' and 'home health' are completely different services. This guide explains what each includes and which is right for your situation.
The terms "home care" and "home health" sound nearly identical, and many families use them interchangeably. But they refer to fundamentally different services, have different funding sources, and meet different needs. Getting this distinction wrong can lead to frustration, unexpected costs, and care that doesn't match what your loved one actually requires.
This guide explains both types of service clearly so you can make an informed decision and know what questions to ask.
Home health (sometimes called "skilled home health") is a medical service ordered by a doctor and delivered by licensed clinical professionals: registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and medical social workers.
Home health is designed for people recovering from an illness, injury, surgery, or hospitalization, or for those who need ongoing skilled medical management at home. It is typically short-term and goal-directed.
Examples of what home health covers:
Insurance note: Home health is typically covered by Medicare Part A and most private insurance plans when prescribed by a doctor and the patient meets the criteria for being "homebound." Coverage is time-limited.
Home care (also called "personal care," "in-home care," or "non-medical home care") provides assistance with daily living activities to help people remain safely at home. It is not a medical service and does not require a doctor's order.
Home care is designed for people who need ongoing help with daily tasks, not necessarily because of a recent medical event, but because of age, chronic illness, disability, or cognitive decline. It tends to be ongoing rather than short-term.
Examples of what home care covers:
Home care can also include services led by registered nurses, such as RN wellness visits, home safety assessments, and care coordination, which bridge the gap between non-medical support and skilled clinical oversight.
Yes, and many families use both simultaneously. A person recovering from a hip replacement may receive home health physical therapy three times a week to rebuild strength while also receiving home care assistance every morning to help with bathing and dressing. The two services complement each other.
When home health ends (because the covered goals have been met), home care can continue to provide the daily support the person needs to remain safely at home long-term.
If your loved one doesn't need skilled clinical intervention but does need reliable help with daily activities and someone checking in on their wellbeing, home care is likely the right fit. This is especially true if:
RN Perspective: Many families come to us after a hospital discharge, expecting that Medicare home health will cover daily care. When it ends, they're surprised. Planning for both types of care, medical and non-medical, leads to much smoother transitions.
Angela is a registered nurse with years of home care experience. She can assess your loved one's situation and create a care plan tailored to their needs.
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