Home care vs home health is one of the most common points of confusion for families. The names sound almost the same. However, they are different services, with different rules, and they are usually paid for in different ways.
Knowing the difference helps you ask for the right kind of help, and avoid surprises about cost.
The short answer
Home health is medical care at home. A doctor orders it, and licensed clinicians provide it. It usually lasts for a set period while someone recovers.
Home care is help with daily life at home. It covers things like bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping and companionship. It can last a few weeks or many years.
In other words, home health treats a condition. Home care supports a person’s day.
What home health includes
Home health is skilled care. For example, it can include:
- Nursing care, such as wound care or checking on a new medication
- Physical, occupational or speech therapy
- Short visits on a set schedule, rather than long shifts
Home health often begins after a hospital stay or a new diagnosis. Once the person improves, the visits usually stop.
What home care includes
Home care is non-medical support with everyday tasks. For instance, a caregiver may help with:
- Bathing, showering, dressing and grooming
- Moving safely around the house to reduce the risk of a fall
- Preparing meals and keeping the kitchen clean
- Laundry, light housekeeping and errands
- Companionship, conversation and getting out of the house
- Respite, so a family caregiver can rest or go to work
Visits are usually longer. Also, the schedule is built around what the family needs, whether that is a few hours a week or help every day.
Home care vs home health: who pays
This is where the difference matters most.
Medicare covers home health when certain conditions are met. According to Medicare’s guide to home health services, the person generally needs a doctor’s order, must be considered homebound, and must receive care from a Medicare-certified agency.
On the other hand, Medicare does not pay for personal care, such as help with bathing or dressing, when that is the only care someone needs. It also does not cover 24-hour care at home.
As a result, families usually pay for home care in other ways. These can include private pay, long-term care insurance and some state or health plan programs. Coverage depends on the person and the plan. That is why it helps to review your payment options before care begins.
Can someone have both?
Yes. In fact, many people do.
For example, someone coming home after surgery might have a home health nurse visit twice a week. Meanwhile, a home care caregiver helps with showers, meals and getting around the house between those visits.
The two services do different jobs, so they often work best together.
How to tell which one you need
Start with a simple question: is the need medical, or is it daily life?
- If your parent needs wound care, therapy or skilled nursing, ask their doctor about home health.
- If your parent needs help with bathing, meals, housekeeping or safety at home, home care is likely the better fit.
- If you are not sure, it may be both.
Next, talk with their doctor about any medical needs. Then, if daily support is part of the picture, see the services we provide or request care. We will help you sort out what kind of support fits, and tell you honestly if something else would serve your family better.
This article is for general information only and is not medical, legal or insurance advice. Coverage rules change and depend on the person and the plan. Check with Medicare, your health plan or your insurer to confirm your benefits.
