When a loved one begins to need help at home, families are often faced with a confusing question: What kind of care do we actually need?
It’s common to hear terms like “personal care,” “skilled nursing,” or “home health,” but the difference isn’t always clear. Understanding these options is the first step to making the right decision for your family’s comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
At JNH Home Health Services, we support families across Chicago in choosing care that fits their loved one’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking for daily help with bathing or require professional nursing at home, this guide will help you understand the difference between personal care and medical home care, and which is right for your situation.
What Is Personal Care?
Personal care is non-medical assistance that helps with everyday activities, often called “Activities of Daily Living” (ADLs). These include:
- Bathing and hygiene
- Dressing and grooming
- Toileting and incontinence care
- Mobility support
- Meal preparation
- Medication reminders
- Companionship
- Light housekeeping
This type of care is provided by trained caregivers or home health aides, not nurses, and is ideal for seniors or individuals who are aging in place, living with disabilities, or recovering from surgery.
If your loved one is still relatively independent but needs help with day-to-day tasks, personal care is often the best place to start.
What Is Medical Home Care?
Medical home care, also known as skilled nursing care at home, involves licensed healthcare professionals providing clinical services in the home. These services are typically prescribed by a doctor and may include:
- Medication administration and injections
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Catheter or IV management
- Post-surgical care
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Monitoring of chronic conditions
This level of care is usually provided by Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), or certified therapists, and is often short-term and condition-specific.
For high acuity patients, those with complex medical needs, medical home care can be essential to recovery, safety, and quality of life.
The Main Differences at a Glance
| Personal Care | Medical Home Care |
| Non-medical support | Clinical, medical care |
| Help with hygiene, meals, companionship | Wound care, injections, vitals monitoring |
| Provided by caregivers or aides | Provided by licensed nurses or therapists |
| Private-pay or long-term insurance | Often covered by insurance or Medicare |
| Ideal for daily living support | Ideal for recovery or ongoing medical needs |
Can You Combine Both Types of Care?
Yes, and many families do.
Often, a loved one may need both personal care and skilled nursing. For example, someone recovering from surgery might need help managing medications and wound care (medical), while also needing assistance with bathing, dressing, and meals (personal).
At JNH, we help families combine both services by coordinating care with trusted nursing agencies in Chicago, ensuring your loved one gets the support they need from both a medical and daily-living perspective.
How Do You Know Which One You Need?
Here are a few ways to determine what kind of care is right for your loved one:
Choose Personal Care if:
- They need help with grooming, bathing, or mobility
- They feel lonely and would benefit from companionship
- They’re mostly stable but need routine assistance
- You want to prevent falls or maintain hygiene
- Family caregivers are overwhelmed and need a break
Choose Medical Home Care if:
- They’re recovering from surgery or illness
- They need wound care, injections, or tube feeding
- They have complex or high acuity health conditions
- They require regular vitals monitoring or assessments
- A doctor has prescribed in-home clinical support
Still unsure? That’s okay. Many families start with a consultation, and we’re happy to help assess the situation with clarity and care.
Why Personal Care Is Often the First Step
For many families, personal care is the first, and sometimes only, type of help needed. It’s less about managing disease, and more about supporting a person’s lifestyle, routine, and dignity.
Tasks like bathing, dressing, and preparing meals may seem simple, but they’re key to independence. At JNH, our caregivers are trained to provide these services with warmth, patience, and professionalism, whether it’s part-time help or full-time support.
And if medical needs ever arise? We’re here to guide you toward the right level of home nurse care, working alongside home care agencies in Chicago or licensed medical providers.
Serving Every Corner of Chicago With Compassionate Home Care
From high-rises on 36 South Wabash Avenue to family homes in Archer Heights, we provide personal care services that feel natural, respectful, and personalized.
If you’re searching for:
- Private home nursing
- Home health care in Chicago
- High acuity care
- Or simply help at home in Chicago IL
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our Promise at JNH Home Health Services
- Flexible plans, personalized to your family’s lifestyle
- Trusted caregivers, matched by personality, language, and cultural fit
- Transparent communication to keep families in the loop
- Affordable options, with guidance on insurance or out-of-pocket care
- Support for both personal and medical care needs, when needed
We know this journey can be emotional and overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
Ready to Talk Through Your Options?
Let’s figure out together what kind of care would best support your loved one, with comfort, dignity, and confidence.📞 Call JNH Home Health Services at 312-548-2523
🌐 Visit jnhhhs.com to request a free consultation
📍 Proudly serving families across Chicago with care that feels like home
