Home care and home health care are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but offer very different services.

Learn about the care services each one offers to determine the best solution for your loved one’s needs.

Types of Home Care Services

It is important to understand the difference between nonmedical home care and nursing or health home care. Because the type of care your loved one needs will determine who you seek out, it’s imperative to understand how they differ.

What is non-medical home care?

Non-medical home care is provided by home care assistants as it is supportive care that does not require medical skills. This type of home care can also be applied under the terms personal care, companion care, housekeeping, custody care, non-skilled care, and non-hospital care. Home care assistants provide valuable social interaction, help with household chores, and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing and bathing. Some states make a clear distinction between personal care and companion care when obtaining a home care agency license. Personal care includes hands-on care such as bathing and toileting assistance, while attendant care focuses on social needs and routine household chores.

Know exactly what services you need when interviewing and selecting a home care agency.

Personal care services require higher levels of support and training. Non-medical home care helps older people who depend on daily support at home. If your loved one needs daily help and companionship, but not medical support, non-medical home care may be a good option.

An older woman sitting in a wheel chair and a younger woman behind her with her hands placed on the older woman's shoulders. Both are smiling.

Companion and home care services

Companion and home caregivers provide social and task-focused home care services for seniors, people with disabilities and those recovering from surgery, including:

  • Companionship and socialization
  • Meal planning and preparation
  • Laundry
  • Light housework
  • Shopping and errands
  • Transportation
  • Mobility assistance
  • Medication reminders

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Personal care services

Personal care aides and home health aides (HHAs) can provide all the home care services of a companion caregiver in addition to hands-on physical assistance with personal care needs, such as:
  • Toileting
  • Bathing or showering
  • Oral hygiene
  • Feeding
  • Dressing
  • Incontinence care

What is home health care?

Home health care is medical care that’s sometimes referred to as clinical or skilled care. These services are typically provided by health care professionals. A prescription from a doctor may be required to obtain these services. Home health care provides access to licensed professionals, including:
  • Registered nurses (RNs)
  • Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
  • Physical therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Speech-language pathologists
Services may also be provided by home health aides (HHAs) under the supervision of a registered nurse. Home health care is typically prescribed as a necessary part of a senior’s rehabilitation or treatment while they recover at home. Home health care may benefit seniors who require short-term skilled medical care but want to remain in the comfort of their own homes.
A caregiver handing a blanket to an older woman sitting on a couch.

Home health care services for the elderly

Health care professionals provide skilled medical care for seniors at home, including:
  • Monitoring vital signs
  • Administration of medication (including IVs and injections)
  • Wound care
  • Assistance with recovery from illness, surgery, or injury
  • Physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy
  • Monitoring of medical equipment
  • Expertise in specific medical conditions
Note that there may be some overlap in the provision of in-home care services. For example, a home health care company may also provide non-medical homemaker and personal care services if the need for household assistance is identified in a senior’s care plan.

Home care vs. home health care: Comparing costs and services

The cost of home care usually depends on how much care your loved one receives each month. Non-medical home care and nursing home care are typically billed by the hour, giving families the flexibility to create a care plan that fits their needs and budget.

Because home health care provides licensed medical support, it costs more than home health care, caregiver care, and personal care.

Finding home care for your loved one

Older people’s needs change over time, often in subtle ways. If you’re unsure if your loved one may need more help, look for changes in their activities, mood, and overall routine. Contact us directly if you’d like help in clarifying (and/or validating) your concerns, differentiating between care options, and determining if we’re a good fit for your loved one’s needs.
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