Homecare Agencies vs. Home Health Agencies: What’s the Difference?

When families search for at‑home support, they often encounter two terms that sound similar—homecare agencies and home health agencies—but in reality, they serve very different roles. Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the right level of care for your loved one. Below, we break down the key differences and explain how Maxona Care can provide whichever option best fits your needs.

1. Scope of Services

Homecare Agencies (Non‑Medical Care):

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, and mobility.

• Household Tasks: Meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, errands, and companionship.

• Respite Care: Short‑term relief for family caregivers.

• Companion Services: Social engagement, medication reminders, and basic wellness check‑ins.

Home Health Agencies (Skilled Nursing & Therapy):

• Medical Services: Skilled nursing services such as wound care, IV therapy, ostomy care, and injections.

• Therapies: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy under physician orders.

• Clinical Assessments: Monitoring vital signs, blood glucose checks, and post‑surgical rehabilitation.

• Care Planning: Development and periodic review of clinical care plans by registered nurses.

2. Licensing & Certification

• Homecare Agencies must meet state regulations for non‑medical support providers, but they do not require Medicare certification.

• Home Health Agencies are licensed by the state and certified by Medicare and Medicaid. Certification allows them to bill insurance for skilled nursing visits and therapy services.

3. Who Provides the Care?

• Homecare Agencies: Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), personal care aides, and companion caregivers—trained to support daily living but not to administer clinical treatments.

• Home Health Agencies: Licensed professionals, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and licensed therapists, who deliver medically prescribed treatments.

4. Payment & Insurance

Feature Homecare (Private Pay) Home Health (Insurance‑Covered) Payment Source Private pay or long‑term care insurance Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance Billing Structure Hourly or live‑in flat rate Per‑visit or per‑therapy session Coverage Limits You choose hours needed Limited to what physician orders Out‑of‑Pocket Costs Fully responsible Possible co‑pays, deductibles

5. Ideal Use Cases

• Choose a Homecare Agency when:

  • Your loved one needs help with everyday tasks but doesn’t require medical interventions.

  • You want flexible schedules—overnight, weekend, or a few hours a day.

  • Companionship and light homemaking are top priorities.

• Choose a Home Health Agency when:

  • A doctor has ordered skilled nursing or therapy services.

  • You need clinical expertise for wound care, post‑op rehabilitation, or chronic disease management.

  • You plan to use Medicare or Medicaid benefits.

6. Combining Both for Complete Support

Many families find the best solution is a hybrid approach—using home health services for clinical visits and homecare aides for ongoing daily support. This model maximizes insurance coverage for skilled care while ensuring continuous personal assistance and companionship.

Why Maxona Care Delivers Both Options

At Maxona Care, we understand that each family’s needs are unique. That’s why we offer:

• Comprehensive Home Care Services: Personal care, homemaking, respite, and companionship by certified aides.

• Skilled Home Health Care Coordination: Referrals and coordination with licensed nurses and therapists under a physician’s orders.

• Seamless Care Transitions: A single point of contact for both non‑medical and clinical services—ensuring continuity and clear communication.

• Transparent Pricing & Benefit Navigation: Guidance on private‑pay rates, Medicare certification, and Medicaid waivers like CDPAP.

Ready to tailor the perfect care plan? Call (470) 756‑1751 or visit www.maxonacare.com to schedule your free in‑home consultation. Our office at Cedar Falls, IA 50613 is here to help you navigate homecare and home health options—so your loved one can live safely, comfortably, and independently at home.