Skilled Home Health vs. Personal Care: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right type of in-home care for your loved one is a big decision, and you don’t have to make it alone. Whether your loved one needs medical support or everyday assistance, there are services designed to meet their needs at home, where comfort matters most.

What Is Skilled Home Health Care?

Skilled home health provides clinical care at home. It focuses on recovery, rehabilitation and helping your loved one meet their health goals.

This type of care is typically for people recovering from surgery or illness, those recently discharged from the hospital or individuals managing ongoing conditions like diabetes, COPD or heart disease. Skilled home health may also be the right choice for those in need of in-home therapy services like physical, occupational, or speech.

Elara Caring’s skilled home health services include nursing care such as medication management and wound care, in-home therapy and support from medical social workers. We also offer home health aide assistance for daily living needs.

These services are usually covered by Medicare Part A when prescribed by a physician. Depending on your loved one’s situation, Medicaid, private insurance or other funding options may also apply.

When to Consider Skilled Home Health

Skilled home health may be the right choice if your loved one needs post-surgical recovery, medical monitoring, wound care, chronic disease education/management or support regaining strength and independence through therapy.

What Is Personal Care?

Personal care services offer non-medical support that helps individuals maintain their independence and safety at home. If your loved one needs help with day-to-day activities like bathing, dressing or meal preparation, personal care may be the right fit.

This service is ideal for older adults, people with disabilities or anyone who could benefit from reliable support with household tasks and basic routines. It also offers a valuable source of companionship for those who may be feeling isolated or lonely.

The personal care team helps with hygiene, grooming, mobility, meal prep, light housekeeping, errands and companionship—ensuring your loved one stays safe and comfortable in their home.

These services are often covered by Medicaid for those who qualify based on income. Private pay and long-term care insurance may also be options.

When to Consider Personal Care

Personal care may be the best fit if your loved one needs help with daily hygiene, mobility, preparing meals or simply enjoys having someone around to reduce feelings of isolation and maintain a healthy routine at home.

Choosing the Right Care for Your Loved One

The main difference between these two services lies in their focus. Skilled home health provides medical care delivered by nurses and licensed therapists, while personal care focuses on day-to-day living and is delivered by trained caregivers.

Skilled home health is typically prescribed by a doctor and covered by Medicare, while personal care may be covered by Medicaid or paid privately. Both services support individuals in the place they feel most comfortable—home—but serve different needs.

Some patients may also qualify to receive both skilled home health and personal care services at home. Each patient’s care plan and services are tailored to their unique needs.

How Elara Caring Can Help

At Elara Caring, we’re here to help you navigate this decision with compassion and clarity. Whether your loved one needs skilled care to recover from a medical event or day-to-day support to stay safe at home, we’ll guide you through the options and build a care plan that fits.

Connect with us today for personalized guidance.