Glossary
Home health
Home health is skilled medical care at home, such as nursing, physical therapy or wound care, ordered by a doctor and delivered by a licensed home health agency.
Medicare covers intermittent home health for homebound patients. It is different from non-medical in-home care, which Medicare does not cover.
Related terms
In-home care
In-home care is non-medical help at home with bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping, errands and companionship, provided by a caregiver from a licensed agency or hired privately.
Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and over; it covers hospital and medical care and short-term skilled nursing or home health, but not assisted living, memory care, or long-term custodial care.
Definitions reviewed September 5, 2026. Rules vary by state and change over time; confirm specifics with the community and the licensing agency.