Definition
In senior care, Home care refers to non-medical help at home with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meals, and companionship.
Agencies and families use this label for non-medical support at home — bathing, dressing, meal preparation, transportation, medication reminders, and companionship. It does not include skilled nursing, physical therapy, or other services that require a doctor's order.
Home care is usually paid privately, through long-term care insurance, or in some cases through Medi-Cal programs such as IHSS or HCBS waivers. Medicare generally does not pay for ongoing custodial home care when skilled needs have ended.