"Home care" and "home health care" are often used as if they mean the same thing. They don't, and the difference matters when you're arranging help for a loved one and figuring out who pays.
Home health care is medical care
Home health care is skilled care ordered by a doctor. It's provided by licensed professionals such as registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. Typical examples include wound care, injections, monitoring a serious condition, and rehab exercises after a stroke or joint replacement.
Visits are usually short and scheduled a few times a week, and the service usually ends once the person reaches their therapy or recovery goals. When the person qualifies, Medicare often covers it for a limited time. See our guide Does Medicare pay for home care?
Home care is help with daily life
Home care, sometimes called non-medical home care, private duty care, or custodial care, is help with everyday activities. Caregivers help with bathing, dressing, toileting, meals, mobility, light housekeeping, medication reminders, errands, and companionship.
Home care is flexible. It can be a few hours a week or round-the-clock care, and it can continue for as long as it's needed. Most families pay privately, though long-term care insurance, veterans' benefits, and some MassHealth programs may help. See how to pay for home care in Massachusetts.
Side-by-side
- Who provides it: Home health comes from nurses and therapists. Home care comes from caregivers, home health aides, and personal care aides.
- What it covers: Home health covers medical treatment and therapy. Home care covers personal care, supervision, household help, and company.
- Doctor's order: Home health requires one. Home care doesn't.
- How long: Home health is usually short-term, with visits of an hour or less. Home care can be a few hours a week or 24 hours a day, for as long as needed.
- Who pays: Medicare or health insurance often pays for home health when the person qualifies. Home care is mostly private pay, with some insurance and benefit programs helping.
Many families use both
A common example is someone coming home after hip surgery. A physical therapist visits twice a week through home health, and a caregiver helps every day with bathing, meals, and getting around safely. The two work well together. Learn about our after-hospital and post-surgery care.
Not sure what your family needs?
Call us at (978) 479-0499 or request a free consultation. We'll help you work out whether you need home care, home health, or both, and point you in the right direction even if it isn't us.