The Difference Between Home Health and In-Home Care: What Families Need to Know

Emily Duckum
Apr 14
2 min read

When a loved one needs support at home, understanding care options is key. At MasterCare In Home Service Providers, we often help families navigate the difference between home health and in-home care. Though both happen at home, their purpose, approach, and coverage differ.

Home Health Care: Clinical & Temporary

Home health is medical care provided by licensed professionals—usually under a doctor’s order.

Common Services Include:

Wound care or IV therapy
Physical or occupational therapy
Post-surgical support
Chronic illness monitoring

Covered by Medicare or private insurance, home health is often short-term and focused on recovery.

In-Home Care: Supportive & Ongoing

This is where MasterCare shines. In-home care is non-medical, supportive assistance with everyday tasks to help seniors stay safe, comfortable, and independent at home.

Our caregivers provide:

Help with bathing, dressing, and hygiene
Companionship and conversation
Medication reminders
Light housekeeping, meals, and errands
Mobility support and fall prevention

In-home care is flexible, ongoing, and typically covered through private pay or long-term care insurance.

Quick Comparison:

	Home Health Care	In-Home Care (MasterCare)
Care Type	Medical/clinical	Non-medical/personal
Care Team	Nurses, therapists	Professional caregivers
Duration	Short-term	Short or long-term
Payment	Medicare/private insurance	Private pay or LTC insurance
Focus	Recovery & health	Independence & quality of life