“Home care” is a broad term that describes support and health care services provided in a person’s own home. Depending on your needs, home care may include non-medical help with everyday tasks, skilled nursing care, or specialized health services.

At its core, home care empowers people to remain where they feel most comfortable while receiving the level of assistance necessary for their health, safety, and well-being.

If you’re wondering what home health care is and how it differs, the term typically refers to care delivered by licensed medical professionals, such as nurses and therapists, under a physician’s direction. Non-medical care is often called personal care or companion care.

Personal care and companionship are some of the most common home care services. These supports focus on daily activities and emotional well-being rather than clinical treatments.

This type of care is ideal for seniors or adults who need a little extra help but don’t require ongoing medical services.

Caregivers in this category help with:

This approach allows individuals to maintain independence while receiving the help they need to stay safe and comfortable.

Home health care services involve medically necessary treatments provided by licensed professionals. If you’re recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, or managing a chronic health condition, this may be the right fit.

What is home health care? In simple terms, it’s skilled medical care delivered at home, under a doctor’s orders. It often includes therapy and education to help you regain independence.

Here are some common examples of home health care services:

A key distinction: Medicare and insurance usually cover home health care when it’s ordered by a physician and meets eligibility criteria.

When someone has complex medical needs that go beyond intermittent nursing visits, private duty nursing can be essential.

Private duty nursing care provides extended, sometimes 24-hour, in-home medical support from Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

Services may include:

This type of care is common for individuals with severe disabilities, chronic illnesses, or advanced recovery needs. Because it requires highly trained professionals, it’s typically more costly and may be covered by private insurance or Medicaid waiver programs in some cases.

When a loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, hospice or palliative care provides comfort, dignity, and symptom management.

Hospice care is designed for those with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease follows its normal course. Care teams often include nurses, social workers, chaplains, and home health aides, working together to support the patient and family emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

Palliative care is similar but can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, alongside curative treatment.

In addition to core home health services, many people benefit from specialized therapies delivered in the home. These services may be part of a broader care plan or provided as stand-alone support.

Common therapy services include:

Some individuals need additional help with household tasks or errands. While these services are not medical care, they can make it possible to live independently longer.

Examples of supportive services include:

The process starts with an assessment. A nurse or care coordinator will visit your home to evaluate needs, preferences, and goals. Based on this information, they’ll recommend a customized care plan.

Services can be scheduled as needed. From a few hours a week to 24-hour live-in care. Home care agencies like CARE Homecare handle scheduling, supervision, and caregiver matching.

Home care offers many advantages over facility-based care:

1. Personalized attention in a familiar setting
2. Better emotional well-being and quality of life
3. Reduced risk of hospital readmission
4. Support for families balancing caregiving responsibilities
5. Cost savings compared to nursing homes (in many cases)

In summary, home care providers:

• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities (IADLs)
• Deliver skilled nursing and therapeutic services
• Offer companionship and emotional support
• Help manage medications and monitor health conditions
• Coordinate care with physicians and specialists

Learn more about what home care providers do.

Selecting the right services begins with understanding your situation:

1. Do you need medical treatments or rehabilitation? Consider home health care.
2. Is your priority help with daily activities? Personal care and companionship may be ideal.
3. Does your loved one have advanced care needs? Explore private duty nursing or hospice care.
4. Are you a family caregiver who needs respite? Short-term support services can help.

Always consult with a reputable home care agency or your healthcare provider to develop a care plan that matches your goals and budget.