What’s the Difference Between Home Health and In-Home Care? Understanding Your Options

When a loved one begins to need help at home, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the choices. Two terms often come up—home health and in-home care—and while they sound similar, they offer very different kinds of support.

At Forrester Home Care, we’re here to help you understand the difference, so you can make informed decisions with confidence and compassion.

What Is Home Health?

Home health services are medical in nature. These services are provided by licensed professionals—such as registered nurses, physical therapists, and medical social workers—and are usually prescribed by a physician. Home health care is often short-term and focused on helping someone recover from an illness, surgery, or manage a chronic condition.

Common Home Health Services:

• Skilled nursing care (e.g., wound care, medication injections, IV therapy)

• Pain and chronic disease management

• Post-surgical care

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

• Stroke recovery and gait training

• Psychiatric nursing and medication monitoring

• Speech-language pathology for communication or swallowing difficulties

Covered by Medicare/insurance when medically necessary
Typically short-term or episodic
Requires a doctor’s referral or prescription

What Is In-Home Care?

In-home care, sometimes called non-medical care or personal care, focuses on daily living assistance. These services are provided by caregivers like home health aides, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), sitters, and companions.

In-home care helps people stay independent, safe, and comfortable—especially seniors or those living with dementia, Alzheimer's, or mobility challenges.

Common In-Home Care Services:

• Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)

• Light housekeeping and meal prep

• Medication reminders (non-clinical)

• Companionship and emotional support

• Appointment escort and transportation

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s care

• Safety supervision and fall prevention

Flexible schedules—short-term or long-term
Private pay or long-term care insurance
Focuses on enhancing quality of life and independence

Which One Is Right for Your Loved One?

You may not have to choose just one. Many families benefit from a combination of home health and in-home care.

For example:

• A stroke survivor might receive physical therapy and skilled nursing (home health) while also needing help with meals and mobility (in-home care).

• A senior with dementia might not need medical care, but greatly benefit from companionship, safety supervision, and daily support.

Forrester Home Care: Helping You Navigate Every Step

Choosing the right kind of care doesn’t have to be complicated. At Forrester Home Care, we offer both clinical and non-clinical services, allowing us to create customized care plans that evolve with your loved one’s needs.

If you're not sure where to start, we’re here to listen, guide, and support—with empathy, expertise, and a team you can trust.

👉 Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you understand your options.