The Difference Between Home Care and Home Health Care

Understanding the Services That Support Your Loved One at Home By Davida

As families explore care options for aging loved ones, one of the most common questions they ask is:“What’s the difference between home care and home health care?”

Although the names sound similar, these two services meet very different needs. Understanding the distinction helps families make the best decision for their loved one’s comfort, independence, and well-being.

What Is Home Care?

Home care provides non-medical support to help seniors stay safe, comfortable, and independent at home. These services focus on daily living, companionship, and personal assistance.

Home Care Includes:

• Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene

• Light housekeeping and laundry

• Meal preparation and feeding assistance

• Medication reminders

• Transportation to appointments or errands

• Mobility and transfer support

• Companionship and social interaction

• Alzheimer’s or dementia support

These essential services allow seniors to stay in the comfort of their own home while receiving help tailored to their needs.

Who Provides Home Care?

Home care is provided by trained caregivers or home care aides— professionals who support clients with compassion, patience, and personal assistance.

What Is Home Health Care?

Home health care is medical care delivered at home by licensed healthcare professionals. It is ordered by a doctor and typically needed after hospitalization, illness, or injury.

Home Health Care Includes:

• Skilled nursing services

• Wound care

• Injections and IV therapy

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Monitoring vital signs

• Medical assessments and care planning

Who Provides Home Health Care?

Home health care is delivered by nurses, therapists, and other licensed medical professionals.

Key Differences at a Glance

Home Care	Home Health Care
Non-medical support	Medical treatment
Helps with daily activities	Helps recover from illness/injury
No doctor’s order needed	Requires doctor’s order
Provided by caregivers	Provided by nurses & therapists
Focuses on independence & comfort	Focuses on health & rehabilitation

Can Someone Receive Both?

Absolutely — and many seniors do.

A client may receive home health care after surgery or a hospital stay while also receiving home care for help with daily activities and companionship. Together, these services create a complete support system at home.

Why Families Choose Davida

At Davida, we specialize in non-medical home care that brings peace of mind to families and comfort to loved ones. Our compassionate caregivers offer personalized assistance designed to meet each client’s unique daily needs.

We’re here to help your loved one live safely, independently, and happily — right where they belong: at home.