When a loved one needs support at home, it’s not always easy to know what kind of help they need—or where to begin. Families often hear the terms homecare and home health and assume they’re interchangeable. While both provide essential in-home support, they serve different purposes and are designed for different situations.
At Salus Homecare, we understand how important it is to find the right care solution. Whether your loved one is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness, or simply needs help with daily tasks, we’re here to help you understand your options and make the best choice.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between homecare and home health, what services each provides, how they’re paid for, and when you might benefit from both.
What is Homecare?
Homecare refers to non-medical support services that help individuals remain safe and independent in their own homes. This type of care is often used by seniors or adults with disabilities who need assistance with everyday activities but do not require skilled nursing or medical treatment.
Unlike home health care, homecare is not provided by licensed medical professionals. Instead, trained caregivers or homecare aides deliver compassionate, hands-on support with daily living tasks.
Common Homecare Services:
- Bathing, dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene
- Meal preparation and feeding assistance
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Medication reminders (not administration)
- Transportation to medical appointments or errands
- Companionship and social engagement
- Mobility assistance or fall prevention support
- Respite care for family caregivers
Homecare is highly customizable and can be scheduled for just a few hours a week or around-the-clock. It’s a great option for individuals who want to age in place, recover at home after an illness, or avoid moving to a facility. Want to know if you’re eligible? Follow this link.
What is Home Health?
Home health care involves skilled medical services delivered at home by licensed professionals, such as registered nurses, physical therapists, or occupational therapists. It is typically prescribed by a doctor and designed to treat a specific medical condition, aid in recovery, or prevent hospital readmission.
Home health is most often used after a hospitalization, surgery, injury, or serious illness. It may also be part of an ongoing care plan for someone managing a chronic condition like heart failure, COPD, or diabetes.
Common Home Health Services:
- Skilled nursing care (e.g., wound care, injections, IVs, medication management)
- Physical therapy to improve mobility and strength
- Occupational therapy to restore the ability to perform daily tasks
- Speech therapy for communication or swallowing disorders
- Post-surgical care and monitoring
- Pain and symptom management
- Chronic disease education and monitoring
- Medical assessments and care coordination with physicians
Home health professionals work under a physician’s orders and document your loved one’s progress. The goal is to help clients heal, stabilize their condition, and regain independence.
Key Differences Between Homecare and Home Health
| Feature | Homecare | Home Health |
|---|---|---|
| Type of care | Non-medical | Medical / Skilled care |
| Provided by | Caregivers / Homecare Aides | RNs, PTs, OTs, Speech Therapists |
| Common use cases | Assistance with daily living | Recovery from illness or surgery |
| Requires physician’s order? | No | Yes |
| Covered by Medicare? | No (Private Pay/Long-term care) | Yes (if medically necessary) |
| Goal of care | Comfort, safety, independence | Healing, recovery, medical stability |
Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right care plan. In some cases, individuals may need both services at once—for example, a senior recovering from surgery may need a nurse to change dressings (home health) and a caregiver to help with bathing and meals (homecare).
Who Pays for Homecare vs. Home Health?
Homecare is typically paid for out-of-pocket or through long-term care insurance. In some cases, local programs or veteran’s benefits may help cover costs. Because it is non-medical and not prescribed by a doctor, Medicare and most health insurance plans do not cover homecare.
Home health, by contrast, is often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance—if it is deemed medically necessary and provided under a physician’s care plan. To qualify for Medicare home health benefits, the patient must:
- Be under the care of a doctor
- Be homebound
- Need intermittent skilled nursing care or therapy
Salus Homecare’s care coordinators can help you understand your coverage and determine what services are available under your plan.
When Should You Choose Homecare?
You may want to consider homecare if your loved one:
- Is having difficulty with personal hygiene or household tasks
- Is feeling lonely or isolated
- Needs regular assistance but is otherwise medically stable
- Wants to avoid moving to an assisted living facility
- Has a family caregiver who needs a break (respite care)
Homecare is often used long-term and can be increased or decreased as needs change. At Salus, we tailor care plans to each individual and provide services from just a few hours a week to 24/7.
When Should You Choose Home Health?
You may need home health services if your loved one:
- Was recently discharged from a hospital or rehab facility
- Is recovering from surgery, injury, or illness
- Needs wound care, injections, or IV therapy
- Is managing a chronic condition and needs medical monitoring
- Requires therapy to regain strength or function
- Has frequent changes in medications that need professional supervision
Home health is often temporary and focused on recovery or stabilization. Once the individual’s condition has improved, services may be discontinued or transitioned to homecare if ongoing non-medical support is needed.
Can You Combine Homecare and Home Health?
Yes, and many families do. For example, a person recovering from hip surgery might need:
- Home health: Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility
- Homecare: Assistance with showering, dressing, and preparing meals
Salus Homecare offers both services, making it easier for families to coordinate care through a single provider. Our team communicates across disciplines to ensure continuity and quality at every stage of recovery or aging.
Choosing the Right Provider
Whether you’re seeking homecare, home health, or a combination of both, it’s important to work with a provider you trust—one that puts your loved one’s well-being first and offers seamless communication, quality care, and compassionate service.
Salus Homecare is proud to offer homecare services in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County.
We also provide home health services across Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.
Our broad service area across Southern California makes it easier for families to find the right care—close to home and with a provider that values dignity, comfort, and connection.
Still Not Sure What You Need?
You don’t have to figure it out alone. At Salus, we offer free consultations to assess your loved one’s needs and help you determine the best path forward.
📞 Call us at 888-881-4822
🌐 Visit www.salushomecare.com to get started.
Whether your loved one needs help getting dressed in the morning or recovering after a hospital stay, we’re here to help them live safely, comfortably, and with dignity at home.
FAQ
What is the difference between homecare and home health?
Homecare is non-medical support such as help with meals, bathing, and companionship. Home health involves skilled medical services like nursing and therapy, typically prescribed by a doctor.
Does Medicare cover homecare or home health?
Medicare does not cover non-medical homecare, but it does cover home health services if they are medically necessary and ordered by a physician.
Can you receive both homecare and home health at the same time?
Yes. Many families use both—home health for medical needs like wound care, and homecare for daily assistance like cooking and personal hygiene.
What areas does Salus Homecare serve?
Salus offers homecare in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County, and home health in Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.
