What Are The 3 Main Types Of Home Care?
For seniors who are aging in place, home care can include a wide range of services and supports with one common purpose: providing ways to maintain independence, stay safe, and remain in your own home longer. If you’re just beginning your research for some extra help at home, you may run into a lot of confusing terms. Many agencies will use blanket terms to define the services they provide, while others give you explanations and prices.
So, what exactly is home care? Is it medical? Non-medical? Does it involve a physical therapist coming to your home or a companion running errands and doing light housekeeping? Which type of home care will best suit your needs?
Trying to make sense of home care can be a challenge. Fortunately, it’s a challenge we’re ready to tackle! Let’s clear up some of that confusion by exploring the 3 main types of care.
Companion Care
Companion care is non-medical care offered to older adults and adults with disabilities. It can be provided through an agency or by a friend or family member. The goal of a companion is to improve a senior’s quality of life through a variety of services and emotional support.
If a home care agency offers companion care, you can usually expect these services:
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADL)
- Meal prep
- Errand-running
- Emotional support
- Engaging in cognitive and social activities
- Transportation
- Light housekeeping
- Engaging in the care recipient’s favorite activities and hobbies
- Providing company for appointments
- Facilitating and encouraging conversation
- Medication reminders
Companions go above and beyond, providing emotional support, friendship, and much-needed social interaction. Additionally, it can bring families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are in the hands of a competent, caring individual. With personalized care plans tailored to every individual and their needs, they can enjoy enhanced quality of life and quality time with their new companion.
How much does companion care cost?
The cost of companion care varies from state to state and even city to city. It also depends on the hours needed and the services provided. While typically less expensive than home health care, the national median for companion care is around $30 an hour (according to Genworth).
Personal Care
Personal care includes non-medical, custodial care essential to maintaining a senior’s dignity, independence, and safety at home. A caregiver can be anyone who regularly looks after and provides assistance, though a personal care assistant (PCA) is a common professional hired.
If a home care agency offers personal care, you can usually expect these services:
- ADL assistance such as bathing, eating, dressing, and toileting
- Meal prep
- Mobility assistance
- Light housekeeping
- Incontinence care
- Transferring
- Cosmetic assistance
- Medication reminders
- Post-op assistance
Typically, those who need custodial care have a chronic condition or are recovering from a stroke or illness. Personal care can allow seniors to receive the services they need from the comfort of their own homes. This hands-on approach benefits not only seniors but their families, too.
How much does personal care cost?
While many factors influence the cost of personal care, the median monthly cost of these services is around $5,720 for homemaker services and $6,292 for home health aide services.
Skilled Care
Skilled care can only be provided by a trained, licensed professional. Providers are nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. This type of care is medically necessary and often costly.
If a home care agency offers companion care, you can usually expect these services:
- Wound care
- IV therapy
- Injections
- Disease management
- Rehabilitation
- Vital sign monitoring
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Neurological care
- Diabetic care
- Cardiac care
A licensed healthcare professional can create a tailored care plan addressing every aspect of your well-being. They can help you get back on your feet after an illness or injury and avoid a future hospital stay.
How much does skilled care cost?
On average, this type of specialized care can cost anywhere from $50 to $130 hourly.
When it’s time for home care…
Having a home care provider can be an essential part of safely aging in place. Families can relax knowing that their loved ones are being taken care of and, recipients benefit from a continuum of care tailored to their specific needs.
Popular Articles About Home Care
Originally published January 03, 2025
Author(s):
