In-Home Care & Help

Most people want to stay in their own home, and in-home care is what makes that possible. It spans a far wider range than families expect — from a few hours of companionship a week to around-the-clock support. This category covers personal care aides, companion care, homemaker services, respite care for family caregivers, dementia and memory support at home, and overnight or live-in care.

Agency or independent caregiver? An agency handles background checks, insurance, payroll taxes, and sends a replacement when your caregiver is sick. An independent caregiver often costs less and offers more continuity, but the family takes on employer responsibilities, including tax and liability questions. Neither is wrong — decide deliberately rather than by accident.

Questions worth asking. How do you screen and train caregivers? What happens if the assigned caregiver is a poor match, and how fast can we change? Who supervises, and how often do they visit? What's the minimum visit length? How do you handle a no-show at six in the morning? Is there a written care plan, and who updates it?

For family caregivers. Respite is not a luxury. Caregiver burnout is the most common reason a home arrangement fails and a facility becomes necessary. Even a few scheduled hours a week protects both of you.