Home Health versus Home Care

Understanding the difference between home health and home care is essential, as they address separate needs and provide different levels of care for your loved one. It is important to note that someone may receive both services at the same time to best suit their overall needs at home.

	Home Health	Home Care
Definition	Home health involves skilled medical services, such as nursing care, physical therapy, or chronic disease management.	Home care involves non-medical services, like assistance with daily activities (bathing, dressing, toileting, etc), companionship, or personal care.
Inquiries	Physician order is required	No physician order required
Cost	Covered by insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial plans. *	Paid privately by an individual or covered by long-term care insurance. (Sometimes also reimbursed through Medicaid or VA benefits)*
Services	Skilled Care: Nursing Care Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Wound Management Medication Management Pain management Chronic Illness Management Social Services	NON- Skilled Care: Companion Care Personal Care: Bathing, Dressing, Toileting, Assistance Medication Reminders Meal Preparation Light Housework Transportation and Errand Assistance
Service Time	Session length between 30 minutes to 1 hour of care. Often 3-4 times per week. (Will vary depending on need) Usually with an average length of 30-60 days depending on insurance coverage	Length between 2 hours - 24/7 hours, or live-in care. Depends on the needs of the individual. Often has minimums for hours or shifts per week.
Goals	To assist the client in recovery, or to regain strength and independence. Usually after an acute incident or serious health issue.	To assist and empower the client to their current needs. This may be on short term basis or long term.

Important Notes:

Insurance coverage and payment options will vary for both home health, and home care.
Limitations may include state variability, coverage caps, limited-service areas, and eligibility requirements (income, assets, and need).
To determine home care eligibility; please check with your insurance to determine coverage.

To determine eligibility for covered home care, please check with your long-term care insurance, State Medicaid Home Care Program, or Veterans Service Office.

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