Home Care vs. Home Health Care

Approximately 70% of all seniors will require some type of long-term care at some point as they age. A good number of seniors prefer to receive care in their homes, where they have a lifetime full of memories and are familiar with their surroundings. Home care and home health care make that possible, but knowing which type of care is best suited for an individual’s needs can be confusing. Both types of care address very specific needs, so it’s important to understand their differences.

This guide covers the choice between home care vs. home health care, including the types of care provided, the costs for both and what the best option is based on individual needs.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care

The average cost of home care varies greatly from one location to the next and is also impacted by the number of hours an individual needs help. According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of care in the United States for 44 hours per week is $4,957. The hourly rate is around $27.

Seniors looking for an alternative to residential care, including an assisted living facility or nursing home, may choose home care instead. This type of care may be ideal for those struggling with mobility issues and needing help to safely move throughout their homes. Other criteria for home care may include:

• Individuals who can no longer drive or need transportation for basic errands and medical appointments
• Seniors without family and friends close by and who feel isolated
• Those who require help with activities of daily living
• Individuals who’ve just been diagnosed with memory issues
• Those recovering from an accident or illness

One of the main reasons to choose home care is to provide help for seniors who can no longer care for themselves. There will be signs that an individual needs assistance, including weight loss, decreased mobility, poor hygiene, isolation and an increase in falls and accidents.

Home health care is provided by licensed or highly trained individuals, and a referral from a physician is needed. Home health providers typically work very closely with an individual’s physician to ensure all medical needs are met and the physician receives regular updates on a patient’s condition.

Because home health care includes professional assistance, the cost tends to be slightly more than traditional home care. The estimated cost across the United States is around $5,148 per month. This is less than nursing home costs but tends to be more than assisted living costs. Keep in mind, the cost of home health care can vary depending on your location and the types of care provided.

Both public and private insurance may cover part of the cost of home health care. Room and board and social activities are generally not covered; however, medically necessary services are usually covered. Many seniors use savings or income to pay for home health care and other long-term care services. Other options for payment may include a home equity loan, annuities, life insurance cash-outs and reverse mortgages.

Older adults who want to save money by taking care of their own medical care needs may be excellent candidates for home health care. Seniors who own their homes or those who prefer to remain with family and friends while still receiving adequate care may benefit most from home health care.