In-Home Care vs. Home Health

When a loved one needs help at home, families often encounter two terms: in-home care and home health. While they sound similar, these terms refer to two very different types of support.

“Understanding the distinction can help families make more confident, informed decisions while ensuring their loved one gets the right kind of care at the right time,” said Sandi Levy, BSEd, RN, Director of Nursing for Cambridge Caregivers.

While both terms contain the word “home,” keep in mind that these services aren’t limited to private residences. They may be provided to individuals who need extra support or personalized care in a senior living community or even in a hospital room. Caregivers may also accompany a person to doctor visits, on errands, to social occasions, or on trips to church or a synagogue.

What is in-home care?

In-home care provides non-medical support services in the client’s home. This type of care focuses on helping individuals remain safely and comfortably at home by supporting daily routines and quality of life.

Because these services are not considered “medical” by insurers, they are typically paid out of pocket or through long-term care insurance. (In some cases, Medicaid or veterans’ benefits may help cover the cost. Pilot programs offered by Medicare may also potentially offer some in-home services.)

At Cambridge Caregivers, this type of support is the core of what we provide. Our focus is on helping clients maintain independence and dignity in their own homes. Our caregivers can help with the everyday activities that can become more challenging with age, illness or mobility limitations, such as:

• Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming
• Transferring or mobility help (getting in and out of bed; walking support)
• Meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry
• Medication reminders (but not administering medication)
• Transportation to appointments or errands
• Companionship and social engagement

One of the defining features of in-home care is flexibility. Services can be scheduled as needed, for as long as is needed and sustainable for the family.

What is home health?

Home health, by contrast, is medical in nature. This care involves skilled services delivered at home under a physician’s orders and according to a formal plan of care.

These services are typically provided by licensed professionals such as registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. Because it is medical care, these services are often covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance—but only if the patient meets specific eligibility criteria.

Examples of home health services include:

• Wound care
• Injections or IV therapy
• Medication administration and management
• Monitoring vital signs and health status
• Disease education and management
• Physical, occupational or speech therapy

Unlike in-home care, home health usually comes with limitations. Services are authorized based on medical necessity and may require periodic recertification. Patients often must meet criteria such as being “homebound,” and visits may be scheduled intermittently rather than continuously.

How the two work together

For many families, the choice is not one or the other. In-home care and home health often complement each other.

“For example, a client recovering from surgery might receive home health visits from a nurse or therapist a few times a week, while an in-home caregiver provides daily help with bathing, meals and mobility,” said Sandi. “Together, these services create a more complete support system.”

When both medical and non-medical caregivers are assisting your loved one, it’s important for these services to be coordinated. This allows caregivers to share information regarding changes in the client’s condition.

Choosing the right option

If you are unsure which type of care is needed, start by asking this question: Is the primary need medical or non-medical?

• Choose in-home care when your loved one needs help with daily activities, safety or companionship, but does not require ongoing medical treatment.
• Choose home health when there is a clear medical need, such as recovery from surgery, wound care or therapy.

Understanding the difference between in-home care and home health is the first step. Finding the right combination of services, tailored to your loved one’s needs, is what truly makes the difference.

“If you’re not sure which type of care is needed, don’t hesitate to call us for guidance,” said Sandi. “I work closely with our marketers and schedulers to help make this determination. And while Cambridge Caregivers focuses on in-home care, we do also have a pool of RNs and LVNs who can provide skilled medical care when that level of service is needed.”

Side-by-Side Comparison