Home care refers to non-medical assistance designed to help individuals remain safe and independent in their own homes. These services support daily living activities and often provide important companionship.

Examples of home care services include:

• Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
• Meal preparation and assistance with eating
• Medication reminders (without administering medications)
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Transportation to appointments or errands
• Companionship and social interaction

Home care is also sometimes called personal care, in-home care, or custodial care. It does not require a physician’s prescription. Many families arrange these services privately, though certain Medicaid programs or long-term care insurance plans may cover specific services.

To learn more about what home care is and how it works, visit our article called What Is In-Home Care?

Home health care provides skilled medical services at home, delivered by licensed professionals. A physician’s order is required to initiate care, and the goal is typically to treat a short-term health issue or support recovery after surgery, illness, or injury.

Common home health care services include:

• Skilled nursing (monitoring vital signs, health assessments)
• Wound care and dressing changes
• Injections or intravenous (IV) medications
• Pain management
• Medical tests and health status evaluations
• Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
• Education for patients and caregivers about disease management

Home health care is sometimes referred to as skilled home health or medical home care. When eligibility criteria are met, it is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance.

If you want to review eligibility guidelines and covered services, visit Medicare’s Home Health Services page.

Home care is often long-term and can continue indefinitely based on your needs and budget. For example, an individual living with a chronic condition may arrange daily assistance for years.

Home health care is typically shorter-term. It is prescribed for a specific health episode, such as recovering from surgery or stabilizing after a hospital stay. Care is recertified periodically, often every 60 days, and continues as long as eligibility requirements are met.

Frequency also differs. Home health professionals usually visit a few times per week, while home care aides can provide support hourly, daily or even 24 hours per day.

Home care costs vary depending on the type and frequency of services. The national median cost for non-medical home care is about $30 per hour. Rates may be higher in regions with a higher cost of living. Most individuals pay privately, though long-term care insurance and Medicaid programs in some states can help cover expenses.

Home health care costs are often comparable to nursing home care, but many services are covered by Medicare or private insurance when medically necessary. Out-of-pocket costs depend on your insurance and the length of care.

Home care providers are trained aides or companions. Their training requirements can vary by state. For example, Medicaid-funded agencies often require aides to pass state certification tests. Some caregivers have additional training in dementia care or mobility assistance.

Home health care providers are licensed professionals such as:

• Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
• Physical, Occupational, or Speech Therapists
• Medical Social Workers

These providers follow a care plan ordered by a physician and document your progress carefully.

Home health care delivers skilled care, meaning clinical treatments or therapies performed by licensed clinicians. This includes wound care, IV medications, injections, and rehabilitative therapy.

Home care provides non-skilled care, focusing on personal assistance and daily activities that do not require a medical license. For example, a caregiver may help with grooming and offer medication reminders but cannot adjust dosages or administer injections.

While medical treatment is critical, emotional well-being plays an important role in recovery and quality of life.

Home care offers consistent companionship, which can ease loneliness and support mental health. Regular visits help maintain routines and provide reassurance to both patients and families.

Many individuals benefit from combining home care and home health care. For example, a patient recovering from joint replacement surgery might receive home health care to manage pain, monitor healing, and complete physical therapy, while also arranging daily home care for meal preparation, light housekeeping, and personal hygiene assistance.

When services are combined, it is important to coordinate care plans to avoid confusion or duplicated services.

Consider these factors as you evaluate which approach is appropriate:

1. Does the individual require skilled clinical care or primarily help with daily activities?
2. Medicare covers eligible home health care, but not standard home care.
3. Decide whether you need short-term treatment or long-term assistance.
4. Determine how important it is to remain at home full-time.

If you are unsure, talk to your physician or a licensed care coordinator to help define the right path.

Home care provides non-medical support like bathing, dressing, and companionship. Home health care includes skilled services such as nursing care and therapy ordered by a physician.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans often cover home health care when criteria are met. Home care is usually paid privately, though some long-term care insurance plans help cover costs.

Yes. Many individuals combine home health care for clinical needs and home care for personal support and household help.

Yes. Home health aides delivering skilled care are licensed healthcare professionals. Non-medical aides providing personal care are not considered clinical providers, though they play an important role in maintaining independence.

Recognizing the difference between home care and home health care empowers you to build a plan that fits your health goals, budget, and preferences. Each service has a clear role in supporting well-being at home. To explore additional options or learn more, visit the National Institute on Aging for further information.