Home health care is a type of skilled medical care, for those who qualify, that’s designed to help you recover from specific health situations, such as a medical procedure, or from a fall or illness. Home health care is often performed by a skilled nurse, rehabilitation therapist, home health aide, or medical social worker. Typically, this kind of care requires a physician’s order and that you meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify. Medicare often will cover it.

For private in-home care, you don’t need a physician’s order or need to meet eligibility requirements in order to receive services. Non-medical care provided is less focused on improving a health condition and, and instead is meant to provide support or assistance with activities of daily living which may include personal care, household chores, and more. Typically Medicare doesn’t cover this type of care, and instead, you’re responsible for paying for it privately, so you get to decide on the services you need and how often you receive them.