The Difference Between Home Care and Home Health Care

If you're exploring care options for a loved one, you may have come across two similar-sounding terms: home care and home health care. While both involve support provided in the comfort of a person’s home, the type of services, goals, and professionals involved are very different.

Understanding the difference between non-medical home care and medical home health care is crucial for making the right decision for your family. Here’s a clear breakdown of what each service includes and when each one is appropriate.

What Is Home Care?

Home care refers to non-medical, personal assistance that helps individuals maintain their independence and quality of life at home. It’s ideal for seniors, individuals with disabilities, or anyone who needs support with daily tasks but does not require clinical or medical treatment.

Common Home Care Services Include:

• Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Meal preparation
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Companionship and emotional support
• Transportation to appointments or errands
• Medication reminders
• Incontinence care and toileting assistance
• Respite care for family caregivers

At Michigan Home Care, we provide these in-home support services throughout Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland, giving families peace of mind while helping loved ones stay safe and independent in their own homes.

What Is Home Health Care?

Home health care is a clinical or medical service prescribed by a doctor and provided by licensed healthcare professionals. These services are often used after a hospital stay, surgery, or during recovery from illness or injury.

Common Home Health Services Include:

• Wound care
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Skilled nursing care (e.g., injections, monitoring vital signs)
• Medical equipment education
• Chronic disease management

Home health care is typically short-term and covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, but it must be ordered by a physician and provided by a licensed agency.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care: A Quick Comparison

Which One Does My Loved One Need?

Choose Home Care if your loved one:

• Needs help with cooking, cleaning, or dressing
• Feels lonely or isolated and could use companionship
• Needs transportation to errands or appointments
• Has trouble managing daily tasks due to aging or disability
• Requires support but does not need skilled medical care

Choose Home Health Care if your loved one:

• Is recovering from surgery or hospitalization
• Requires wound care, therapy, or injections
• Needs health monitoring or skilled nursing
• Has a new diagnosis that requires clinical oversight
• Has a doctor’s order for in-home medical services

In many cases, families may use both services together—medical support from a home health provider and daily living assistance from a home care agency.

How Michigan Home Care Supports Independence at Home

At Michigan Home Care, we specialize in non-medical in-home care services across Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland, MI. Our caregivers provide compassionate, reliable support to help seniors and individuals maintain dignity, comfort, and independence in their homes.

We work closely with families to develop a personalized care plan that addresses daily living needs while promoting safety and emotional well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have home care and home health care at the same time?

Yes. Many families combine medical care from a home health agency with personal care from a home care provider like Michigan Home Care.

Is home care covered by insurance or Medicare?

Home care is not typically covered by Medicare but may be covered by long-term care insurance or Veterans benefits. Most clients pay out of pocket for flexible, customized home care.

How do I get started with home care in Michigan?

Contact Michigan Home Care to schedule a free consultation. We’ll assess your loved one’s needs and build a care plan that fits your schedule and budget.

Get the Help You Need — At Home

If your loved one needs support with everyday activities, home care may be the right fit. At Michigan Home Care, our trained caregivers offer personalized care that helps seniors live well in the comfort of their homes.

Call us today at (989) 245-7488 or contact us online to learn more about our services in Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland, MI.