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What Are The 3 Main Types Of Home Care?

Posted by Jennifer Otto May 4, 2022
Elderly woman shrugging at the question, 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 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 playing a puzzle

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

home care personal care assistant

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

Related: Senior Resource Glossary of Home Care Terms

Skilled Care

home care skilled nurse

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

piggy bank with woman doing bills in background

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…

home caregiver playing jenga with woman

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!


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Posted by Jennifer Otto May 4, 2022 Posted in Aging-In-Place

Published by Jennifer Otto

Jennifer is the Senior Resource Content Editor, Writer, and Webmaster. View more posts

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