When it comes to staying safe and comfortable at home as you age, you may hear the terms home health and home care — sometimes used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you or your loved ones get the right support at the right time.
What is Home Health?
Home health is medical care delivered at home, typically by licensed professionals like nurses, therapists, or aides under the direction of a physician. This kind of care is usually ordered by a doctor after an illness, injury, surgery, or hospital stay.
Examples of home health services:
- Wound care
- Medication management and injections
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Monitoring serious health conditions
- Skilled nursing assessments
Length of Service:
Home health is generally short-term and focused on recovery. Services are provided until specific health goals are met.
Who Pays for Home Health?
Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance often cover home health when it’s deemed medically necessary and ordered by a physician.
What is Home Care?
Home care (sometimes called non-medical home care or private-duty care) helps with everyday tasks and personal needs. Care is provided by trained aides or companions, not licensed nurses.
Examples of home care services:
- Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Meal preparation
- Companionship
- Transportation or errands
Length of Service:
Home care can be long-term or short-term — from a few hours a week to round-the-clock care, depending on what you or your loved one needs.
Who Pays for Home Care?
Home care is usually paid out-of-pocket by the individual or family. Some long-term care insurance policies may help cover the cost, and certain veterans’ benefits or waiver programs may apply.
Which Do You Need?
Sometimes, people benefit from both home health and home care. For example, someone recovering from surgery might have a nurse visit to check wounds and a home care aide to help with bathing and meal prep.
Key Takeaway
Home health = medical care to recover and manage health conditions.
Home care = help with daily living to stay safely at home.
Knowing the difference can help you plan for the right services to stay independent and comfortable where you want to be — at home.