Helping Miami families choose the right care for their aging loved ones—at the right time
If your aging parent or loved one needs help at home, you're likely hearing a lot of terms: home care, home health, in-home nursing, personal care... and it can get confusing fast.
At Homewatch CareGivers of Coral Gables, one of the most common questions we hear from families across Miami is:
“What’s the difference between home care and home health?”
It's an important distinction—because choosing the right type of care can mean the difference between recovery and frustration, comfort and confusion, peace of mind and ongoing stress.
Let’s break it down together.
What Is Home Care?
Home care is non-medical support that helps seniors live independently and safely in their own homes. It’s ideal for older adults who need assistance with daily routines, personal hygiene, or simply want companionship to stay active and socially engaged.
At Homewatch CareGivers, our home care services include:
- Personal care (bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing)
- Mobility support and fall prevention
- Meal preparation and feeding assistance
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Medication reminders
- Transportation to appointments or errands
- Companionship, conversation, and cognitive stimulation
Home care is not medical care—but it plays a crucial role in improving quality of life and helping seniors stay in their homes longer.
Best for:
- Older adults with chronic conditions like arthritis or dementia
- Seniors recovering from surgery who need help with everyday tasks
- Families seeking respite or part-time support
- Individuals who need long-term, non-medical assistance
What Is Home Health?
Home health care is skilled, medical care provided by licensed professionals such as nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or speech pathologists. It is often prescribed by a doctor following an injury, illness, or hospital stay.
Examples of home health services include:
- Wound care or post-surgical care
- Administering injections or IV medications
- Monitoring vital signs and medical equipment
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology
- Diabetes or medication management
Home health is short-term, medical, and typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance, when prescribed by a physician.
Best for:
- Seniors recovering at home after a hospital stay
- Patients managing serious health conditions like heart disease or COPD
- Individuals who need ongoing clinical supervision from a licensed provider
Home Care vs. Home Health: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Home Care | Home Health | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Care | Non-medical, daily living support | Medical, clinical care |
| Provided By | Trained caregivers and aides | Licensed nurses, therapists, clinicians |
| Services | Personal care, companionship, errands | Wound care, physical therapy, injections |
| Requires a Doctor's Order? | No | Yes |
| Covered by Insurance? | Often private pay or long-term care insurance | Typically Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance |
| Duration | Ongoing, flexible | Short-term, as prescribed |
Can You Have Both at the Same Time? Absolutely.
In fact, many of our clients across Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, and Brickell receive both types of care simultaneously.
For example:
- A stroke patient might receive home health for physical therapy while also getting home care for help with bathing and meals.
- A senior with heart failure may have a visiting nurse to monitor vitals, plus a caregiver who helps with transportation, light housekeeping, and companionship.
At Homewatch CareGivers of Coral Gables, we work closely with families and home health providers to coordinate services and ensure no gaps in care.
A Story from Coconut Grove
Mrs. Williams, an 81-year-old Coconut Grove resident, was discharged from the hospital after a fall. Her doctor ordered home health to support her recovery—nurses visited to monitor her blood pressure and manage pain medications, and a physical therapist helped her regain strength.
But her daughter quickly realized Mrs. Williams also needed daily help around the house—preparing meals, getting dressed, and simply staying safe. That’s where we came in. A caregiver from Homewatch CareGivers began visiting five days a week, supporting her recovery, reducing fall risk, and keeping her spirits high.
How Homewatch CareGivers of Coral Gables Can Help
We understand how overwhelming care decisions can be—especially when your loved one’s needs are changing quickly. That’s why we offer:
- Free in-home consultations to help determine the right level of care
- Flexible scheduling—from a few hours a week to 24-hour support
- Personalized caregiver matching based on personality, language, and lifestyle
- Coordination with medical teams to ensure smooth transitions between home care and home health
- Peace of mind for family caregivers, near and far
Whether your loved one lives in a historic Coral Gables home, a condo in Brickell, or a quiet community in Key Biscayne, we’re here to help them age with dignity, safety, and support.
Still Not Sure Which Is Right? Let’s Talk.
If you’re unsure whether your loved one needs home care, home health, or both, we’re happy to help you figure it out. The most important thing is that your family gets the right care at the right time, without delay or confusion.
📞 Call Homewatch CareGivers of Coral Gables today for a free consultation. Let us walk you through the options and build a care plan that works—for your loved one and for you.
