For seniors who are aging in place, home care can include a wide range of services and supports with one common purpose: providing ways for maintaining independence, staying safe, and remaining 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 terminologies. Many agencies will use blanket terms to define the services they provide, while others give you explanations and prices-galore. Let’s try to clear up some of that confusion by taking a look at the 3 main types of care.
Companion Care
Companion care is non-medical. 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 supports.
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
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
Skilled Care
Skilled care can only be provided by a trained, licensed professional. Providers are nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
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
The Cost of Home Care
Although it will vary by company and location, the national average cost of care is $26 per hour. This average has increased by about 8% from 2020 to 2021 and is expected to continue increasing, largely because of supply and demand issues within the industry.
When calculating the cost of care, keep in mind:
- Most agencies charge by the hour, but some offer discounted rates with monthly contracts. So, be sure to ask about billing options!
- The overall cost will vary by need.
- Many companies will require that you schedule a minimum amount of hours per week. This can also affect the overall cost.
Related: Long-Term Care Insurance Basics
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.
Are you looking for home care? Then start here!
