The Real Difference Between Home Care and Home Health — and Which One Your Loved One Actually Needs

Families often reach a point where they know their loved one needs extra support, but they aren’t sure which type of care is appropriate. The healthcare system can be confusing, and terms like “home care” and “home health” are often used interchangeably—when in reality, they are two completely different services with different purposes.

Understanding the true difference can help you make the best decision for your loved one’s safety, independence, and long-term well-being. This guide breaks down what each service offers, how they work, and how to know which one is the right fit.

What Is Home Care?

Home care is non-medical, private-pay support that helps seniors remain independent at home. These services focus on daily living tasks, safety, and quality of life. Home care does not require a doctor’s order, does not involve medical treatment, and can be customized to any schedule.

Common Home Care Services Include:

• Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene

• Meal planning, meal preparation, and light housekeeping

• Mobility assistance and fall-prevention support

• Companionship and routine check-ins

• Transportation to errands and appointments

• Medication reminders

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s support

• Overnight care, respite care, and long-term care options

Home care is flexible, consistent, and designed to make daily life easier. It is staffed by trained caregivers who provide hands-on support in the home. At agencies like Loved Ones Home Care, clients also receive RN assessments, customized care plans, and ongoing nursing oversight when needed.

What Is Home Health?

Home health is medical, short-term care ordered by a physician. This service is typically covered by insurance or Medicare and focuses on clinical needs after a change in health.

Common Home Health Services Include:

• Skilled nursing care

• Wound care and dressing changes

• Medication administration

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Disease management education

• Short-term monitoring after illness, injury, or hospitalization

Home health visits are scheduled for specific clinical goals and typically last for a few weeks at a time. Once the patient achieves these goals, the service ends.

Key Differences at a Glance

Home Care Home Health Non-medical support Medical, skilled care Private pay Usually covered by insurance/Medicare No doctor’s order required Must have a doctor’s order Helps with daily living Treats medical conditions Long-term, ongoing Short-term and goal-focused Provided by caregivers Provided by nurses and therapists Assists with safety & independence Assists with recovery & medical needs

Do Some Seniors Need Both?

Yes—many seniors benefit from having both services at the same time.

For example:

• Home health can come in for wound care or therapy after a hospital stay.

• Home care can provide daily support such as bathing assistance, meal preparation, and fall-prevention to maintain safety between nursing visits.

Once home health services end, home care often becomes the ongoing support system that keeps seniors independent at home.

How to Know Which One Your Loved One Needs

Here are a few common scenarios:

Choose Home Care If Your Loved One Needs:

• Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, or meals

• Companionship, safety checks, or mobility support

• Consistent daily or weekly care

• Dementia or Alzheimer’s supervision

• Long-term or flexible assistance

Choose Home Health If Your Loved One Needs:

• Skilled nursing for wounds, injections, or monitoring

• Physical or occupational therapy

• Medical treatment after illness or surgery

• Services ordered by a doctor

If you are still unsure, start by evaluating the daily challenges your loved one is facing. If the primary concerns involve safety, mobility, or daily living tasks, home care is the right option.

How Loved Ones Home Care Supports Your Family

At Loved Ones Home Care, we make the process simple. Every new client receives a Registered Nurse (RN) assessment and a customized care plan. Our team works closely with home health agencies in the Mid-Ohio Valley to ensure your loved one receives complete, coordinated care—both medically and non-medically.

If you’re not certain which service your loved one needs, we can guide you through the decision and help you understand the best fit based on their situation.

Ready to Learn More?

If your loved one is beginning to struggle at home—or you’re noticing signs of decline—support is available. Contact Loved Ones Home Care to discuss your options or schedule an RN assessment.

Call: 740-629-9996
Website: www.movseniorcare.com