More families today are choosing home health care with private duty nursing (PDN)—and for good reason. Let’s take a closer look at the differences, and why in-home healthcare may be the smarter choice for your loved one.

What Is Private Duty Nursing?

Private duty nursing is a service where a licensed nurse—either an RN or LPN—provides extended, one-on-one care in your home. This type of care is designed for people who have complex or long-term medical needs.

It’s often used for:

• Children with tracheostomies, ventilators, or seizure disorders
• Adults recovering from surgery or living with chronic illnesses
• People with conditions that require ongoing monitoring, medication, or equipment support

Unlike brief home health visits, PDN nurses often stay for 6–12 hour shifts, sometimes even overnight.

Many states offer coverage for PDN through Medicaid, making it an accessible option for many families.

Hospital Care: When Is It Needed?

Hospitals are the best place to go for emergencies, surgeries, or serious infections. They provide:

• Around-the-clock access to doctors and specialists
• Lab tests, X-rays, and treatments on site
• Intensive care units for critical situations

But they aren’t always ideal for long-term stays.

Over time, hospital care can lead to:

• High medical bills
• A higher risk of infections
• Emotional stress from loud, busy environments
• Less control over daily routines

While hospitals save lives, they are not always the best place to live and heal over weeks or months.

Why Home Health Care Is a Better Long-Term Option

Home health care with private duty nursing brings medical care to the place people feel safest: their own home.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Nurses follow a custom care plan designed for each patient
• Patients avoid the risk of catching infections from others
• Loved ones are more involved in daily care
• People sleep better, eat better, and feel more at ease at home

Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that patients who receive home-based care often have better health outcomes, especially with chronic conditions.

Pediatric Home Care: Safe, Supportive, and Family-Friendly

Children with complex medical needs benefit greatly from staying at home. Instead of being surrounded by machines and hospital staff, they’re surrounded by their families, pets, toys, and familiar sights and sounds.

In-home pediatric nurses can handle:

• Breathing support (ventilators, tracheostomies)
• G-tube feeding and medications
• Seizure monitoring and emergency protocols

They also work with parents and doctors to support the child’s development, education, and emotional health.

Adult Home Care: Restoring Comfort and Independence

Adults with serious conditions—like ALS, stroke, or spinal cord injuries—often need skilled care every day. With PDN, they can stay home and still get the help they need.

Nurses help with:

• Wound care, mobility, and hygiene
• Catheter or ostomy care
• Monitoring chronic diseases like diabetes or heart failure
• Preventing hospital readmissions

According to AARP, home care is one of the best ways to help older adults stay independent and avoid costly, unnecessary hospital stays.

Comparing the Two Options

Here’s a quick side-by-side:

When you need long-term care for a child or adult in your family, it’s important to weigh all your options. While hospitals play a vital role in emergencies, they are not designed for comfort, privacy, or personalized day-to-day care.

Private duty nursing at home offers something better: expert medical help in a space that feels safe, normal, and loving.

If you’re thinking about in-home healthcare, talk to a trusted home health agency. They can help you find the right nurse, understand your insurance options, and create a care plan that fits your needs.

Helpful Resources

• National Association for Home Care & Hospice
• Medicare Home Health Services
• Family Voices – Help for Children with Special Needs