“Home health care” and “in-home personal care” may sound similar, but they are actually two distinct, commonly confused services. Unless you or a loved one has previously used these services, you may not be aware of the differences between the two home care terms and how each can benefit the older adult in your life.

Companion care for seniors provides older adults with assistance to live safely and comfortably at home. This type of home care covers a range of basic tasks and activities that many seniors find difficult to perform on their own. These obstacles can put seniors at risk of losing their independence in other situations. But with companion care, seniors can maintain their routines and continue to age in place.

Personal home care—or private duty care—makes it possible for older adults to age in place while living with physical disabilities or a chronic health condition. This type of home care includes help with personal activities, such as dressing, bathing, and mobility. Seniors who receive private or personal home care can maintain their independence and continue living at home, rather than moving to a care facility.

Respite care is a support system for family caregivers. With other types of in-home care, professional caregivers perform the majority of caregiving duties. Respite services, meanwhile, are provided in cases where family caregivers are performing most of this work on their own.