The terms get used loosely, but the distinction matters when you're arranging care.
Home care
- Non-clinical: daily living, companionship, household support
- No physician order required
- Usually private pay, long-term care insurance, or certain Medicaid programs
- Delivered by caregivers and aides
Home health
- Clinical: skilled nursing, physical/occupational/speech therapy
- Ordered by a physician; time-limited and goal-based
- Often billed to Medicare or insurance when eligibility criteria are met
- Delivered by licensed clinicians through a certified agency
Aveno provides home care as described above. It is not representing itself as a Medicare-certified home health agency. What's available is confirmed with each family based on current licensing.
This article is general information, not medical, legal, or financial advice. For guidance about a specific person, talk with their care team and a licensed professional.
Want to talk it through with someone?
A conversation with the Aveno team costs nothing and there’s no obligation.