Home Care vs Home Health Care
Understanding the Difference
When a loved one starts needing extra help at home, families are often faced with an important question: Do we need home care or home health care? While both types of support help people stay safe at home, they are not the same.
At Insignia Home Care Solutions, we help families in Houston understand their options so they can choose the right level of care. Whether you’re supporting an older adult who wants to age in place, someone recovering after surgery, or a family member managing a chronic condition like CHF, COPD, or diabetes, knowing the difference between home care vs. home health care makes the decision easier — and more confident.
What Is Home Care?
Home care (also called non-medical care or personal care) focuses on helping individuals with everyday tasks and daily living support. In other words, it provides hands-on assistance that improves comfort, safety, and independence at home.
Home care services may include:
Assistance with bathing, grooming, and dressing
Toileting and hygiene support
Meal preparation and hydration reminders
Light housekeeping and laundry
Medication reminders (not administration)
Mobility assistance and fall prevention
Companionship and emotional support
Transportation to errands or appointments
This type of care is typically provided by trained caregivers, home care aides, or personal attendants. Most importantly, home care can be ongoing, making it ideal for people who need consistent support.
What Is Home Health Care?
Home health care is medical care delivered in the home, and it must be provided by licensed medical professionals. Unlike home care, home health care is clinical and is often ordered by a physician.
Home health care services may include:
Skilled nursing visits (RN or LVN)
Wound care and dressing changes
Medication administration and injections
Post-surgical monitoring and recovery support
Chronic condition monitoring (ex: CHF, COPD, diabetes)
Patient and caregiver education
Physical therapy (PT)
Occupational therapy (OT)
Speech therapy (ST)
Because it is medical, home health care is usually short-term and focused on recovery, stabilization, or preventing complications.
Choosing the right type of caregiver involves assessing the senior’s specific needs and preferences. It is crucial to involve the senior in this decision-making process, ensuring their voice and wishes are heard and respected. Additionally, families should consider the caregiver’s qualifications, experience, and compatibility with the senior’s personality and lifestyle.
Financial considerations also play a significant role in this decision. While in-home care can be cost-effective for some families, others may find the expenses more challenging to manage. Exploring insurance options, community resources, and government programs can help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with long-term care.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes the senior’s well-being and quality of life. By carefully evaluating all options and prioritizing the senior’s needs and desires, families can make informed decisions that honor their loved one’s dignity and independence.
Comparison
Below is a side-by-side comparison of home care and home health care services
Service
Home Care
Home Health Care
Prescribed by a Doctor
Administer Medication
Medication Reminders
Help with Daily Living Activities
Personal Care (bathing/ grooming/ dressing ect.)
Home Therapy (speech, physical & occupational)
Light Housekeeping & Laundry
Grocery Shopping & Errands
Planning & Meal Preparation
Socialization
Transportation
Wound Care, IV & Injections
Both services play crucial roles in ensuring the well-being and comfort of individuals who prefer to stay in their homes rather than moving to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. The choice between home care and home health care often depends on the specific needs of the individual and the level of medical care required. Families are encouraged to assess their loved ones’ conditions and consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about the most appropriate care plan.
Which Should You Choose?
Although both services support quality of life at home, the best option depends on your loved one’s needs.
Choose Home Care if your loved one:
Choose Home Care if your loved one:Needs help with bathing, dressing, or toileting
Has trouble moving safely around the home
Can’t safely prepare meals or manage the household
Feels isolated and needs companionship
Needs daily or ongoing non-medical support
Home care is often ideal for long-term needs because it provides consistent help while allowing the person to remain safely at home.
Choose Home Health Care if your loved one:
Is recovering from surgery or a recent hospitalization
Needs wound care, injections, or medication administration
Has a medical condition requiring monitoring by a nurse
Needs therapy services for rehabilitation
Needs post-discharge skilled nursing support
Home health care is usually the best option when the primary need is medical treatment, recovery, or preventing readmission.
When Someone Needs BOTH Home Care AND Home Health Care
In many cases, families benefit from using both at the same time.
For example:
A nurse may visit 2–3 times per week for wound care
However, a caregiver may still be needed daily for bathing, meals, mobility, and supervision
Because of that, combining services can create a stronger support system and reduce stress on families.
How to Pay for Home Care vs. Home Health Care in Texas
Payment options vary depending on the type of care.
Paying for Home Care
Home care is commonly paid through:
Private pay (out-of-pocket)
Long-term care insurance (if applicable)
Medicaid programs/waivers (when available and eligible)
Paying for Home Health Care
Home health care may be covered by:
Medicare (when eligibility + requirements are met)
Medicaid (depending on program eligibility)
Private insurance plans (varies by payer and credentialing)
💡 Since every situation is different, we always recommend speaking with your discharge planner or care coordinator — and reaching out to our team for guidance.
👉 Visit Texas HHS for In-Home Support information
Choosing between home care and home health care can feel overwhelming at first. However, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Insignia Home Care Solutions, we help families evaluate needs, create personalized care plans, and match the right level of support — whether you’re seeking senior assistance, post-surgical care, or chronic condition support.
Ready to talk with a care coordinator?
📞 Call us today at 866-805-6868 or Schedule a Free Consultation
