Home Health vs. Home Care

What's the difference?

Home Health Care

Home health care is clinical medical care provided by an registered nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist or other skilled medical professionals, and is often prescribed as part of a care plan following a hospitalization.

Home Care

Home care is provided by caregivers, usually called home care aides, who are trained to understand the nuances of senior care. Home care aides can help older adults with activities of daily living, or just offer some friendly companionship. Unlike home health, home care is classified as personal care or companion care and is considered “unskilled” or “non-clinical.”

Combining Services

Home health and home care are not mutually exclusive services. Many families find that utilizing these services in tandem best help a senior who, for example, is recovery after a hospitalization. The home health staff address clinical and rehabilitative needs during the transition home, while a home care aide can help with personal caregiving and household chores that the senior requires assistance with during his or her recovery.

Payment Options

Home Health Home Care

Covered by Medicare yes no

Private Health Insurance yes no

Private Pay yes yes

Long-Term Insurance no yes

Veteran's Program's yes yes

Home Care Services

Services provided by home care aides may include: