What Is Home Care?
Home care is a professional service that provides supportive, personalized care for seniors in the comfort of their own homes. Designed for older adults who wish to age in place, home care may include help with daily activities, companionship, and even medical care, depending on the individual’s needs.
Also known as in-home care or domestic care, home care can range from basic nonmedical support to skilled nursing services. This type of care is ideal for seniors who value their independence but need assistance to stay safe and comfortable at home.
Types of Home Care for Seniors
Home care services are generally divided into two main categories: nonmedical home care and home health care (medical care).
1. Nonmedical Home Care
Nonmedical care is the most common type of in-home support for seniors. It’s provided by personal care aides or caregivers and focuses on comfort, companionship, and assistance with daily living.
Services may include:
Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting (ADLs)
Meal preparation and light housekeeping
Running errands and transportation
Medication reminders (non-clinical)
Mobility and transfer assistance
Emotional support and social interaction
Specialized supervision for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s
2. Home Health Care (Skilled Medical Care)
Home health care is medical in nature and usually prescribed by a doctor for seniors recovering from surgery, illness, or managing chronic conditions. It is provided or supervised by licensed nurses and therapists.
Services may include:
Skilled nursing care (wound care, IVs, injections)
Medication administration
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy
Post-hospital recovery services
Health monitoring and care planning
Benefits of Home Care
Seniors can stay in familiar surroundings, promoting emotional well-being
Flexible scheduling—from a few hours a week to 24/7 live-in care
Personalized care plans tailored to each senior’s specific needs
Reduced risk of infections or hospital readmissions
Relief for family caregivers, helping prevent caregiver burnout
A cost-effective alternative to moving into assisted living or nursing homes
When to Consider Home Care
You may want to explore home care if your loved one:
Struggles with personal hygiene or mobility
Shows signs of isolation or depression
Is recovering from surgery or illness
Has memory loss, confusion, or dementia
Is experiencing frequent falls or medication mishaps
Lives alone and needs companionship or help with chores
Home Care Costs
The national median cost of nonmedical home care is approximately $30 per hour, though prices vary based on:
Geographic location
Level of care required
Hours of care per week
Whether you choose an agency or independent caregiver
Costs for home health care may be higher due to the need for licensed professionals.
What’s typically included:
Personal care and hygiene support
Meal preparation and housekeeping
Transportation and errands
Medical checkups (for home health care only)
Cognitive support for dementia patients
How to Pay for Home Care
Many families use a mix of private funds and insurance benefits to cover home care costs. Payment methods include:
✅ Private Pay
Savings or retirement income
Long-term care insurance
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
✅ Public Assistance
Medicare: Covers home health care (not nonmedical care) under certain conditions
Medicaid: May cover both nonmedical and medical in-home care depending on eligibility
Veterans Benefits: VA Aid & Attendance and Homemaker/Home Health Aide programs
State and Local Programs: Some states offer home- and community-based services (HCBS waivers)
Understanding your options early can help you plan ahead and avoid financial strain.
Choosing a Home Care Provider
You can hire a caregiver either through a home care agency or directly as an independent provider. Each option has pros and cons depending on your needs and preferences.
Home Care Agencies:
Screen and train their caregivers
Handle payroll, scheduling, and taxes
Provide back-up caregivers if needed
Match caregivers based on skill and personality fit
Offer liability insurance and professional oversight
Independent Caregivers:
Often more affordable
More flexibility in scheduling and care tasks
Greater control over the hiring and interview process
Families take on the role of employer (taxes, background checks, etc.)
When selecting a caregiver, consider:
Experience with dementia, mobility issues, or specific medical needs
Personality compatibility
Availability and reliability
References and background checks
Licensing or certifications (for home health care)
Ready to Find the Right Home Care Solution?
At AssistedLivin.com, we help families like yours connect with trusted home care agencies and caregiver options near you.
✅ Compare home care services
✅ Explore costs and payment options
✅ Get personalized recommendations based on your loved one’s needs