Home Care, Home Health Care, and Private Duty Care: What’s the Difference?
Choosing the Right Care Option
When it comes to care at home, families are often faced with confusing terminology: home care, home health care, private duty care. At first glance, they may sound interchangeable, but they each represent very different services, levels of support, and funding options.
Understanding the differences is essential when making decisions about safety, independence, and financial planning. This guide breaks down home care, home health care, and private duty care—highlighting what they are, who provides them, how they are paid for, and which situations they best serve.
1. What Is Home Care?
Home care is non-medical care at home, designed to support daily living and maintain independence. Services may include help with bathing, dressing, meals, errands, companionship, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and transportation.
Who Provides It: Home care aides or personal care assistants
Medical or Non-Medical? Non-medical
Covered By: Sometimes Medicaid (state-specific waivers), often long-term care insurance, or private pay
Best For: Older adults or individuals with disabilities who need ongoing support but do not require skilled medical treatment
2. What Is Home Health Care?
Home health care is skilled medical care at home, usually prescribed by a physician and often short-term or time-limited. It is common after hospitalization, surgery, or a serious illness.
Services may include wound care, injections, therapy (physical, occupational, or speech), and ongoing health monitoring.
Who Provides It: RNs, LPNs, and therapists
Medical or Non-Medical? Medical
Covered By: Medicare (if prescribed and eligible), Medicaid (if eligible), sometimes long-term care insurance
Best For: Recovery after hospitalization, managing chronic conditions, or when skilled nursing is required at home
3. What Is Private Duty Care?
Private duty care is a customized care option that may include both non-medical and medical support. It is highly flexible—ranging from hourly to 24/7 live-in care—and is often the best option for families who want a tailored plan that adapts to evolving needs.
Who Provides It: CNAs, HHAs, LPNs, RNs (depending on the level of care required)
Medical or Non-Medical? Can be both
Covered By: Sometimes Medicaid, often long-term care insurance, or private pay
Best For: Individuals needing long-term, personalized support that may combine daily living assistance with skilled medical care
4. Key Differences at a Glance
Below is a side-by-side comparison chart to help families quickly see the differences between home care, home health care, and private duty care.
| Service Type | What It Is | Who Provides It | Medical or Non-Medical | Medicare/Medicaid Coverage | LTC Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Care | Help with daily tasks (bathing, meals, errands, companionship) | Home Care Aides / Personal Care Assistants | Non-Medical | Medicaid (some states), not Medicare | Often, yes |
| Home Health Care | Skilled care after illness/hospitalization (wound care, therapy, injections, monitoring) | RNs, LPNs, Therapists | Medical | Yes, Medicare & Medicaid (if eligible and prescribed) | Sometimes, yes |
| Private Duty Care | Personalized care (medical and/or non-medical), often hourly or 24/7 | CNAs, HHAs, LPNs, RNs | Both | Not Medicare, sometimes Medicaid; private pay common | Often, yes |
5. How Care Is Paid For
In addition to service differences, funding varies significantly:
Home Care: Not covered by Medicare, sometimes Medicaid (state-specific waivers), often covered by long-term care insurance, private pay common.
Home Health Care: Covered by Medicare and Medicaid if eligible, sometimes long-term care insurance, rarely private pay unless ineligible.
Private Duty Care: Not covered by Medicare, sometimes Medicaid, often long-term care insurance, commonly private pay.
Choosing the Right Care for Your Family
Each type of care has its strengths. Home care is best for ongoing, non-medical support. Home health care is ideal for short-term medical recovery at home. Private duty care offers the most flexibility, combining personal and medical support in customized plans.
By understanding these differences, families can make confident decisions that balance health needs, independence, and finances. If you’re ready to explore private home care services in Illinois, Assured Care at Home is here to help with compassionate caregivers and personalized plans.
📞 ContactAssured Care at Home today to learn more.
