Home health, hospice and personal care
All three bring help to the person's home but do different jobs: skilled medical care, comfort care at the end of life, and everyday help.
Last reviewed October 27, 2026
Which one fits?
Home health care
Skilled medical care at home, such as nursing or therapy, ordered by a doctor for a limited time.
Signs it may fit
Is home after a hospital stay, surgery or injury and needs nursing or therapy.
Has a doctor who can order skilled care at home.
Leaving the house takes a major effort.
- Doctor's order needed
- Doctor-orderedYes. A doctor orders it.
- How long it lasts
- Short termShort term, while there are goals to reach.
- Who pays
- Medicare, if rules metMedicare covers it when its rules are met, including a doctor-ordered plan and difficulty leaving home. Medicaid and many insurers may also pay.
More details
- What it is
- Nursing and therapySkilled nursing and therapy, such as wound care, physical therapy or medication teaching.
- Who it is for
- Recovering or managing a conditionPeople recovering from surgery, illness or injury, or managing a condition.
- Who provides it
- Nurses and therapistsNurses, therapists and aides from a licensed agency.
Hospice
Comfort-focused care and support for the person and the family when a cure is no longer the goal.
Signs it may fit
Has a serious illness, and the family has decided to focus on comfort rather than cure.
A doctor expects about six months or less if the illness runs its usual course.
Hospital visits are becoming frequent or hard on the person.
- Doctor's order needed
- Doctor-certifiedYes. A doctor certifies eligibility.
- How long it lasts
- While eligibleAs long as the person remains eligible. It can be renewed.
- Who pays
- Medicare hospice benefitThe Medicare hospice benefit covers most care related to the illness. Medicaid and many insurers may also pay.
More details
- What it is
- Comfort and supportPain and symptom relief, plus emotional and spiritual support for the person and the family.
- Who it is for
- Life-limiting illnessPeople with a life-limiting illness whose doctor certifies a prognosis of about six months or less.
- Who provides it
- A hospice teamA team of nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers.
Personal care
Non-medical help with daily living and companionship, for as many hours as the family chooses.
Signs it may fit
Needs a hand with bathing, dressing, meals or getting around, but no medical care.
Wants to stay at home, and the family can't cover every hour.
Would benefit from company and a regular routine.
- Doctor's order needed
- Not neededNo.
- How long it lasts
- OngoingOngoing. The family sets the hours.
- Who pays
- Usually private payUsually private pay. Long-term care insurance, VA benefits and some state Medicaid programs may help. Original Medicare does not cover it.
More details
- What it is
- Everyday helpHelp with bathing, dressing, meals, errands and company.
- Who it is for
- Hands-on help at homeOlder adults who need hands-on help to stay at home safely.
- Who provides it
- Caregivers and aidesCaregivers and aides, usually non-medical.
Where they differ
Home health care
Hospice
Personal care
Doctor's order needed
Doctor-ordered
Yes. A doctor orders it.
Doctor-certified
Yes. A doctor certifies eligibility.
Not needed
No.
How long it lasts
Short term
Short term, while there are goals to reach.
While eligible
As long as the person remains eligible. It can be renewed.
Ongoing
Ongoing. The family sets the hours.
Who pays
Medicare, if rules met
Medicare covers it when its rules are met, including a doctor-ordered plan and difficulty leaving home. Medicaid and many insurers may also pay.
Medicare hospice benefit
The Medicare hospice benefit covers most care related to the illness. Medicaid and many insurers may also pay.
Usually private pay
Usually private pay. Long-term care insurance, VA benefits and some state Medicaid programs may help. Original Medicare does not cover it.
More details
Home health care
Hospice
Personal care
What it is
Nursing and therapy
Skilled nursing and therapy, such as wound care, physical therapy or medication teaching.
Comfort and support
Pain and symptom relief, plus emotional and spiritual support for the person and the family.
Everyday help
Help with bathing, dressing, meals, errands and company.
Who it is for
Recovering or managing a condition
People recovering from surgery, illness or injury, or managing a condition.
Life-limiting illness
People with a life-limiting illness whose doctor certifies a prognosis of about six months or less.
Hands-on help at home
Older adults who need hands-on help to stay at home safely.
Who provides it
Nurses and therapists
Nurses, therapists and aides from a licensed agency.
A hospice team
A team of nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers.
Caregivers and aides
Caregivers and aides, usually non-medical.
Frequently asked questions
Usually not for the same illness. The hospice team covers care related to it. Someone can still get other care for an unrelated condition. Ask the agency how it works for your family.
Yes. A person can stop hospice at any time, for example if they choose to seek treatment again or their health improves. They can usually return later if they qualify.
Yes. Hospice goes to where the person lives, including their home, assisted living and nursing care.
Personal care is not covered by Original Medicare. Most families pay privately. Long-term care insurance, VA benefits and some state Medicaid programs may help.
Next steps
Find home care
Search care providers by location and service.
Assisted living vs. memory care
Both give daily help in a residential community. Memory care adds dementia-trained staff and a secure setting. Here is how to tell which one fits.
This is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Rules, coverage and costs vary by state, plan and provider, so check with the community, agency or program before you decide.