When exploring care options for an aging loved one, it’s easy to get confused by the terms “home care” and “home health care.” While they sound similar, they provide very different types of support. Understanding the difference is essential for choosing the right care for your family’s needs.
In this post, we will break down the key differences between home care and home health care—and help you decide which is right for your situation.
What Is Home Care?
Home care provides non-medical support to help seniors remain safe, independent, and comfortable at home. These services are usually provided by trained caregivers (also called home care aides or personal care assistants).
Examples of Home Care Services:
- Help with bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Meal preparation and assistance with feeding
- Medication reminders
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Mobility assistance and fall prevention
- Transportation and errands
- Companionship and social engagement
At A Homemade Plan, our home care services are customized to each client’s needs and preferences. We focus on enhancing the quality of life and promoting independence in the comfort of home.
What Is Home Health Care?
Home health care is medical care provided at home by licensed healthcare professionals. It is usually prescribed by a doctor after an illness, injury, or hospital stay.
Examples of Home Health Care Services:
- Wound care
- IV therapy or injections
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Monitoring of vital signs
- Medication administration
- Post-surgical recovery care
Home health care is often short-term and designed to treat a specific medical condition. Services are usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance if they meet certain criteria.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Home Care | Home Health Care | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Care | Non-medical support | Medical care |
| Care Providers | Caregivers or aides | Nurses, therapists, and other clinicians |
| Who It Helps | Seniors needing help with daily living | Individuals recovering from illness/injury |
| Payment Options | Private pay, LTC insurance | Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance |
| Goal | Promote independence and daily functioning | Treat or manage a medical condition |
Which One Is Right for Your Loved One?
If your loved one needs assistance with daily activities, companionship, or help staying safe at home, home care is likely the right choice. If they require medical treatment or skilled nursing, home health care may be necessary.
In many cases, families use both types of care together—home health care for medical needs and home care for day-to-day support and peace of mind.
How A Homemade Plan Can Help
At A Homemade Plan, we specialize in non-medical in-home care that allows seniors to age in place with dignity, independence, and comfort. Our caregivers are compassionate, trained, and dedicated to helping your loved one thrive at home.
We collaborate with families and health professionals to ensure the right balance of support—whether your loved one needs a few visits a week or 24/7 care.
Need Help Navigating Your Options?
Understanding the difference between home care and home health care can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Contact A Homemade Plan today to learn more about how our in-home care services can support your loved one’s needs and enhance their quality of life.
