Home Care vs. Home Health in Oregon: What Families Need to Know
When families in Oregon begin exploring support for an aging loved one, they often encounter two common terms: home care and home health care. While they sound similar, these services are actually very different — and understanding the distinction is crucial when choosing the right type of support for your loved one.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between home care and home health in Oregon, who provides each service, what’s covered, and how to know which is the right fit.
What Is Home Care in Oregon?
Home care refers to non-medical, supportive care delivered in the comfort of a person’s home. It is designed to help seniors and adults with daily living activities so they can remain independent and safe while aging in place.
Typical Home Care Services
Personal care assistance (bathing, grooming, dressing)
Meal preparation and light housekeeping
Medication reminders (non-medical support)
Transportation to appointments or errands
Companionship and social engagement
Mobility support and fall prevention
Who Provides Home Care?
In Oregon, trained caregivers or home care aides provide these services. They are not nurses, but they are skilled professionals who work one-on-one with clients to ensure comfort and safety.
Payment Options for Home Care
Private pay (most common)
Long-term care insurance
Oregon Medicaid waiver programs (for those who qualify)
Home care is ideal for families who need consistent, compassionate support for daily living — but do not require medical treatment at home.
What Is Home Health Care in Oregon?
Home health care is medical care provided at home under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional, often following a hospitalization, illness, or injury. It is usually prescribed by a physician.
Typical Home Health Services
Skilled nursing (wound care, injections, IV therapy)
Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
Post-surgical recovery and monitoring
Chronic illness management (diabetes, heart disease, COPD)
Health education for patients and families
Who Provides Home Health?
Home health care in Oregon must be provided by licensed professionals, such as:
Registered nurses (RNs)
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
Physical and occupational therapists
Speech-language pathologists
Payment Options for Home Health
Medicare (if eligibility requirements are met)
Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan)
Private health insurance
Home health is best for individuals recovering from an illness, surgery, or injury who need medical oversight at home.
Choosing the Right Care in Oregon
Families in Oregon often use both services together. For example, a senior recovering from surgery may receive home health visits from a nurse, while also relying on a home care aide for meals, bathing, and companionship.
Example: You may engage Providence Home Health and Providential home care at the same time. Home Health for Recovery and Home Care to keep your loved one with their daily support as they get into post recovery.
At Providential Home Care, we specialize in in-home care that helps seniors safely age in place in Portland and surrounding Oregon communities. Unlike large, corporate-owned agencies, we are a locally owned and family-operated business, deeply committed to serving our neighbors with compassion and trust.
Our caregivers are carefully selected, trained, and supported so they can provide personalized assistance, companionship, and peace of mind for your loved one.
