What’s the Difference Between Home Care and Home Health Care?

When a loved one needs support at home, families often explore two options: Home Care and Home Health Care. While they sound similar, these services meet very different needs.

Home Care: Support with Daily Living

Home Care provides non-medical assistance to help individuals stay safe and comfortable at home. It’s ideal for seniors, people with disabilities, or anyone who needs help with everyday tasks.

Services often include:

• Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming

• Meal preparation and feeding

• Light housekeeping and laundry

• Companionship and conversation

• Transportation to appointments or errands

  
  

Home Care is typically provided by trained caregivers or certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and it does not require a doctor’s order. Many families pay privately or use long-term care insurance to cover the cost.

Best for: Seniors who want to age in place, individuals recovering from surgery, or anyone who needs help with routine tasks but doesn’t require medical attention.

Home Health Care: Skilled Medical Services at Home

Home Health Care, on the other hand, involves medical care provided in the home, usually after a hospitalization or under a doctor’s care.

Services may include:

• Nursing care (wound care, medication administration, monitoring health conditions)

• Physical, occupational, or speech therapy

• Health monitoring after an illness or surgery

• Medical social work

  
  

These services are typically provided by licensed professionals such as registered nurses (RNs), therapists, and medical social workers. Home Health Care requires a doctor’s order and is often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance if the patient is homebound and meets specific criteria.

Best for: Patients recovering from surgery, living with chronic illness, or requiring skilled therapy and monitoring at home.

In Summary

	Home Care	Home Health Care
Type of Care	Non-medical	Medical
Provided By	Caregivers or CNAs	Nurses, therapists, licensed pros
Requires Doctor’s Order	No	Yes
Typical Payment	Private pay or long-term care ins.	Medicare, Medicaid, insurance
Goal	Assist with daily living	Treat illness or injury

Knowing the difference helps you choose the right type of care for your loved one. In many cases, families use both services together for a complete support system at home.