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Home Health Aide vs. Caregiver: What’s the Difference and Who Do You Need?

When a loved one needs help, you may hear terms like "caregiver" or "home health aide" and wonder what they mean. Understanding the differences is crucial for their health, comfort, and safety. We'll break down the distinctions so you can make the most informed choice.

Home Health Aide vs. Caregiver: What’s the Difference and Who Do You Need?

When a loved one needs help, you may hear terms like "caregiver" or "home health aide" and wonder what they mean. Understanding the differences is crucial for their health, comfort, and safety. We'll break down the distinctions so you can make the most informed choice.

August 8, 2025

Two Roles. One Shared Goal: Supporting Your Loved One at Home.

When a parent or aging relative begins to need more help than you can offer, one of the first decisions families face is what kind of care is best. You might hear terms like caregiver, home health aide, nursing assistant, or even companion care—and wonder what it all means.

While these roles may overlap in some ways, the differences matter—especially when it comes to your loved one’s health, comfort, and safety.

At 24 Hour Caregivers, we’re here to break down the distinctions so you can make the most informed choice for your family.

 

What Is a Caregiver?

A caregiver—sometimes called a personal care aide or companion—is a trained professional who provides non-medical support to help individuals live safely and independently in their own homes.

 

  • Check vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature)
  • Assist with medical equipment (e.g., colostomy bags, catheters)
  • Provide wound care support or post-surgical assistance
  • Help monitor chronic conditions like diabetes or COPD
  • Document changes in condition for clinical follow-up
 
checked All caregivers are our in-house employees (not contractors)
checked We match clients with professionals trained in their specific needs
checked Our services scale with you—from a few hours a week to 24-hour or live-in care
checked We provide support for both medical and non-medical needs
checked You get consistency, reliability, and peace of mind
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Medicare can cover skilled home health services for eligible, homebound seniors, but not custodial or 24 hour care. This guide explains what is covered, what is not, and how to start a claim with a Medicare certified agency.

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Our Office Locations

Los Angeles

10801 National Blvd, Suite 576
Los Angeles, CA 90064

Thousand Oaks (Corporate mailing)

2659 Townsgate Rd, Suite 132
Westlake Village, CA 91361

Palm Desert

73-211 Fred Waring Dr, Suite 202
Palm Desert, CA 92260

Pasadena

260 S Los Robles Ave, Suite 321
Pasadena, CA 91101

Orange County

1940 W Orangewood Ave, Ste 9
Orange, CA 92868

Redondo Beach

2615 W 190th St
Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Sherman Oaks

26500 Agoura Rd
Calabasas, CA 91302

Santa Clarita

22777 Lyons Ave, Suite 221
Santa Clarita, CA 91321

San Diego

7710 Balboa Ave, Suite 212C
San Diego, CA 92111

Our Office Hours

Monday - Friday, 9.00 am - 5 pm (visits by appointment only)
Saturday, Sunday - closed

Contact Us

(866)681-7778