Discover the key differences between home care and home health care to help you choose the right support for your loved one’s needs.

When aging parents or loved ones begin to need extra help at home, many families start searching for terms like home care services in Brunswick County or in-home care Wilmington NC. But often, what they’re really asking is: What’s the difference between home care and home health care?

While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to very different types of support, and choosing the wrong one can delay care, create stress, or result in unmet needs.

Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision about which is right for your situation.

What Is Home Health Care?

Home health care refers to intermittent, physician-directed medical care . It is typically provided by nurses, physical therapists, or other licensed clinicians after a hospital stay or injury. Most often, this care is short-term and recovery-focused.

Examples of home health care include:

• Wound care after surgery

• Injections or IV medications

• Physical or occupational therapy

• Monitoring of a medical condition like diabetes or COPD

This care is ordered by a doctor, regulated by federal guidelines, and often covered by Medicare or private insurance but it is not designed to support long-term daily living .

To learn more about what’s included and covered, you can visit Medicare.gov’s guide to home health care .

What Is Home Care?

In contrast, home care is non-medical, ongoing support provided by trained caregivers who are not nurses or therapists. This type of care is designed for people who want to age in place and need help with daily tasks.

At Coastal Companion Care, our home care services in New Hanover and Brunswick County include:

• Bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene

• Companionship and emotional support

• Meal preparation and light housekeeping

• Help with mobility, errands, and appointments

• Medication reminders

• Respite for family caregivers

This support typically lasts for weeks, months, or even years , depending on your loved one’s needs. It is not covered by Medicare but may be paid privately or through long-term care insurance. 

For more detail on how the two types of care differ, aplaceformom.com breaks it down here .

At Coastal Companion Care, we believe that care is more than a checklist. Our caregivers offer meaningful companionship. Someone to talk to, share a meal with, or simply be present. This human connection plays a powerful role in reducing isolation, lifting spirits, and promoting overall well-being

Signs That Home Care May Be the Right Fit

Many people are surprised to learn that their loved one doesn’t qualify for home health —or only qualifies briefly—and would actually benefit more from ongoing non-medical home care.

You might consider home care if your loved one:

• Is generally stable but needs support with personal care or mobility

• Lives alone and shows signs of isolation, confusion, or fall risk

• Is beginning to forget tasks like eating, hygiene, or taking medications

• Has family members trying to provide full-time care but struggling to keep up

Still unsure? MyLivingChoice outlines 10 common signs it may be time to consider home care services.

Quick Comparison: Home Health vs. Home Care

Why Families in Coastal NC Choose Home Care

Home care services in Wilmington and Brunswick County allow older adults to remain safely in their homes , surrounded by familiarity and dignity. Our caregivers are selected for their compassion and practical experience, not just credentials.

At Coastal Companion Care :

• We have over 20 years of experience serving local families

• Our team brings 120+ combined years of home care knowledge

• 100% of our caregivers have personal caregiving experience

• Our caregiver retention rate is 60% which is triple the national average

You’re not just hiring help. You're trusting a team that knows and loves this community. Read more about why families trust Coastal Companion Care .

A Note About Caregiver Experience

We don’t hire based on certifications alone. We hire people who have done this before such as people who’ve cared for spouses, parents, neighbors. That’s why our team knows how to build trust, provide real support, and show up with empathy.

We believe life experience matters , and that makes all the difference.

You can find the right caregiver through our team at Coastal Companion Care.

FAQs About Home Care vs. Home Health

How do I know what kind of care we need?

When you contact our office, we’ll schedule an assessment with our RN Nurse Supervisor. This free meeting helps determine what services your loved one needs, how often, and how we can help.

Is a doctor’s referral needed for home care?

No. Unlike home health, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to begin care with us. Just give us a call at 910-457-5300 (Southport) or 910-444-0650 (Wilmington).

How can I pay for services?

We accept Private Pay and Long-Term Care Insurance. Our staff can help you understand your insurance policy and even assist with submitting claims.

Conclusion: Choose Confidently with the Right Information

Choosing between home care and home health isn’t about picking what’s “better”, it’s about understanding what your loved one truly needs. If they need rehabilitation or short-term medical support, home health may be appropriate. But if they need daily help, personal care, or consistent companionship, home care may be the better path forward .

At Coastal Companion Care, we provide non-medical in-home care for 4 or more hours per visit , with a focus on independence, comfort, and dignity .

Need help deciding what’s best? Get started here or contact us today to speak with a local care expert who can walk you through your options.