Home Healthcare vs. Home Care: What’s the Difference?

December 30, 2025

When it comes to getting extra help at home, the terms home healthcare and home care are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean very different things. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right type of support for yourself or a loved one.

What is Home Healthcare?

Home healthcare refers to medical care provided in your home by licensed professionals such as registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists or speech therapists. These services are often prescribed by a doctor after a hospital stay, surgery, or for managing a chronic condition.

Home healthcare may include:

• Skilled nursing care

• Medication management

• Wound care and monitoring

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Vital sign monitoring and health assessments

Home healthcare focuses on helping patients recover, regain independence, and avoid hospital readmissions—all under the supervision of medical professionals.

What is Home Care?

Home care, on the other hand, is non-medical assistance that helps with everyday tasks and enhances quality of life.

Home care services may include:

• Bathing and personal hygiene assistance

• Dressing and grooming

• Meal preparation

• Light housekeeping

• Transportation to appointments or errands

• Companionship and daily support

This type of care is especially valuable for older adults or individuals who need help with daily routines but do not require medical attention.

How to Choose the Right Type of Care

Choosing between home healthcare and home care depends on your needs or your loved one’s condition.

You may need home healthcare if:

• You are recovering from surgery or illness

• You need medical monitoring or therapy

• Your doctor recommends skilled care at home

You may need home care if:

• You need help with daily activities

• You want to remain independent at home

• You need companionship or routine support

In some cases, patients benefit from both services working together to provide complete support.

In simple terms, home healthcare helps you heal, while home care helps you live more comfortably.

Get The Right Care in the Comfort of Your Home

Whether recovering from illness or simply needing extra support at home, understanding the difference between home healthcare and home care ensures you or your loved one receives the right kind of care, at the right time, in the comfort of home.

Presbyterian’s Home Health program can provide skilled home healthcare in many locations throughout New Mexico. For more information, visit our website at: phs.org/healthcareathome.

Clinical information provided by Heather Olguin, Director of Presbyterian Hospice and Home Health