In-Home Care

Although the majority of home care is provided by your friends and family, often referred to as informal caregivers, there is a vast array of professional home and community-based services and supports to help you as well.

Care and assistance in your home may include some combination of informal caregiving, assistive technology, home care (non-medical) and home health care (medical). You may also opt to utilize adult day services where you would go to a center during the day for socialization and care. And if you have a serious or life-limiting illness, then palliative and/or hospice care might be services to consider.

Your home setting may also provide built-in supports. Visit the Housing section to learn more.

Types of In-Home Care

In-home care includes a broad range of services that enable you to receive support and thrive in your home, rather than in a hospital or nursing home.

People of all ages can benefit from in-home services whether you are leaving the hospital to recover from an illness or surgery, need help managing a chronic disease or need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Homemaker-Companion Services:: These services will help you maintain a supportive and comfortable home environment and provide companionship. A homemaker-companion can do laundry, vacuum, provide transportation and more.

Live-in Companions:: If you need help with several activities of daily living, live-in companions provide around-the-clock home care or overnight support. You may either directly hire or go through an agency to receive these services to best meet your specific needs.

Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Services:: These services help you live and work independently and help you to engage with your communities. You may employ a Personal Care Attendant to assist you with the activities of daily living (eating, getting dressed), at work to run errands, participate in social activities and more.

Home Health Care:: Prescribed by your physician typically following a medical assessment, hospitalization or stay in a nursing facility to help you receive medical support in your home. You can receive such services as skilled nursing care, physical therapy, rehabilitation services and more.

Private Care Management:: This service uses a holistic approach to health care to address the care and support a person needs. A private care manager will also work with the individual and the family to set goals and maximize health and wellbeing.

Respite Services:: Friends and family members providing care to older adults and people with disabilities can seek respite care for short-term relief. Respite care is a solution for informal caregivers to stay healthy, engaged and prepared to resume caregiving.