Homemaker Services vs. Home Care: Why Some Families Use Both

Families navigating aging-at-home support often hear terms like home care, home health, and homemaker services used interchangeably. In reality, these services serve different roles — and many families benefit from using more than one.

Understanding the difference helps families build practical, well-balanced care plans.

Understanding ADLs vs. IADLs

Long-term care planning often distinguishes between:

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• Bathing

• Dressing

• Mobility

• Eating

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

• Housekeeping

• Laundry

• Meal preparation

• Maintaining a safe home environment

Home care agencies typically focus on ADLs, while homemaker services focus on IADLs.

What Home Care Agencies Typically Provide

Home care services often include:

• Personal care assistance

• Supervision and safety monitoring

• Support with mobility and hygiene

These services are essential for individuals who need hands-on personal care.

What Homemaker & Housekeeping Services Provide

Homemaker services focus on the home environment, including:

• Routine cleaning and upkeep

• Laundry and light household tasks

• Supporting a safe, functional living space

These services are non-medical and often scheduled separately from personal care visits.

Why Care Plans Often Separate These Roles

Care plans frequently distinguish between home care and homemaker services because:

• Different skill sets are required

• Insurance policies categorize them separately

• It allows care teams to allocate resources more effectively

This separation is common in long-term care insurance planning.

How This Affects Long-Term Care Insurance Claims

Some LTC policies allow homemaker services as a standalone benefit when included in the approved plan of care. Others require coordination with care managers or additional documentation.

For families and care managers seeking housekeeping-only support that aligns with long-term care insurance claims, Bay Mint Cleaning outlines our approach to LTC Housekeeping Services here.

Final Thoughts

Homemaker and home care services often work best together, not in competition. Understanding the distinction helps families build care plans that are supportive, compliant, and sustainable.