Getting confused about what kind of professional caregivers are available to you? There are two basic types of care in the home—one is home health care and the other is homecare, also sometimes referred to as in-home care. The biggest difference between home health and homecare is that home health care is a higher level of care that is deemed medically necessary by a physician.
Home Health Care
- Doctor prescribed (a physician has deemed it medically necessary for you or your loved one to receive care in the home)
- Skilled care (care is provided by nurses or health aides)
- Home health care nurses can administer medication
- Aid with activities of daily living (ADL)
- Specialized caregiving in such areas as rehabilitation
Homecare
- Caregivers can provide reminders to clients to take medication
- Aid with activities of daily living (ADL)
- Light housekeeping
- Transportation to appointments
See our chart below for a side by side comparison of what home health and in-home care agencies offer:
| Home Health Care | In-home Care | |
| Doctor prescribed | X | |
| Skilled Care | X | |
| Administering medications | X | |
| Giving Medication Reminders | X | |
| Help with activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) | X | X |
| Specialized services such as rehab | X | |
| Light housekeeping | (minimal) | X |
| Transportation | X | |
| Payment Options | Medicare, Medigap, Managed Care, Medicaid, Veterans Benefits and Private Pay (usually a combination) | Medigap (only a few and if person is also receiving home health care), LTCI, Private Pay |
Need help to find the right homecare agency that fits your needs? Receive a detailed list of homecare providers within minutes using our free Homecare referral service.
