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Home / Services / Home Health vs. Home Care

Home Health vs. Home Care

Two Types of Support. One Shared Goal.

While they sound similar, Home Health provides clinical medical care, whereas Home Care provides non-medical assistance with daily living. Understand the differences below.

It is incredibly common for families to confuse Home Health with Home Care. The easiest way to remember the difference is that Home Health is medical and clinical (like nurses and physical therapists), while Home Care is non-medical and supportive (like caregivers and companions assisting with daily life).

What is Home Health?

Home Health care is short-term, skilled clinical care designed to treat an illness or injury. Prescribed by a doctor, the primary focus is rehabilitation, wound care, and disease management to help patients regain their independence.

Key Goal: Medical recovery and clinical rehabilitation.

What is Home Care?

Home Care involves trained caregivers assisting individuals with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, and light housekeeping.

Key Goal: Safe, non-medical support for daily living.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Home Health Care Home Care (Non-Medical)
Type of Care Clinical and Medical. Custodial, Companion, and Personal Support.
Services Provided Wound care, injections, vital monitoring, IV therapy, physical/speech therapy. Bathing, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, and companionship.
Who Provides It? Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and specialized Therapists. Caregivers, Home Health Aides (HHAs), and Companions.
Doctor's Order Required? Yes. No.
Payment & Coverage Typically covered 100% by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Usually private pay out-of-pocket, or covered by Long-Term Care Insurance/VA benefits.

Common Questions

Yes! In fact, they often complement each other perfectly. A patient might have a nurse visit twice a week for wound care (Home Health), while a caregiver comes daily to help with meals and bathing (Home Care).
Generally, no. Standard Medicare pays for clinical Home Health services, but it does not pay for custodial Home Care (like 24/7 caregiving or help with daily living activities) if that is the only care you need. However, some Medicare Advantage plans are beginning to offer limited Home Care benefits.
No. Because Home Care is non-medical and usually paid out-of-pocket, you do not need a doctor's order to hire a caregiver or start services. You can simply contact an agency and begin immediately. You do, however, need a doctor's order for Home Health.

Unsure which type of care is right?

Our care coordinators are available to listen to your unique situation and guide you toward the right clinical or supportive services for your family.

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