Non-medical in-home care is provided by trained caregivers that can assist older adults with a diverse range of support in everyday life. A few examples include light housekeeping, cooking, laundry, transportation, medication reminders, personal care, and of course, companionship.

Paid caregivers are also trained to help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting.

Also known as home health care, medical care is provided by skilled professionals to treat an illness or injury. These services, often prescribed by a doctor, involve medical tasks such as administering medications, wound care, or monitoring vital signs, all aimed at supporting recovery and maintaining health at home.

Both care types can be provided on a full-time and part-time basis, but caregivers usually have a 4-hour shift minimum. Care can also be hired for overnight care, weekends, or special hours.

This type of care is often cheaper and offers flexible hours based on personal agreements, making it a good choice for many families. However, reliability can sometimes be an issue and you may need to find a replacement with short notice. Independent caregivers' skills and certifications can also differ, so it's important to check their qualifications.

Most care matching services offer background checks and some will allow you the option to pay a caregiver directly through the platform. For any caregivers you hire via community networks and word of mouth, you will need to manage background checks and payments yourself.

While typically more expensive, home-care agencies tend to offer several advantages. Agencies ensure that caregivers are properly trained and certified, especially for specialized medical tasks. They handle all administrative and legal responsibilities, including payroll, taxes, and insurance. If your regular caregiver is unavailable, the agency provides a replacement to maintain consistent care. Agencies often require a minimum schedule commitment.

According to Genworth's Annual Cost of Care Survey , the national median cost of home care services (non-medical care) in 2024 is $30 per hour, and the monthly median cost for part-time care is $2,600 (4 hours/5 days a week). For home health aides, who additionally assist with medical tasks, the median cost is $33 per hour and the monthly median part-time cost is $2,860.

Many in-home care providers charge an hourly rate but may offer weekly or monthly discounts. This type of care may be a good fit if the older adult only needs part-time assistance or if there is more than one person needing care in the same location. 24/7 care at home tends to be more expensive than facility care.

To ensure a loved one is safe at home, start with an assessment of their mobility challenges as well as the living space. From there, explore home modifications and assistive technologies for aging in place. Technology innovations such as video doorbells, digital voice assistants, and smart plugs can be a great way for caregivers to stay informed while also giving older adults independence and autonomy in their lives.

If your loved one is at risk of falling, small home modifications can enhance their comfort and independence. Installing grab bars, using non-slip flooring, improving lighting, and removing tripping hazards are good first steps. For homes with multiple levels, stairlifts or ramps can provide additional safety and accessibility. It can also be helpful to consult a professional home assessor who can suggest products tailored to your loved one's home and guide you in creating a safer, more comfortable space.

Personal emergency response systems are wearable devices that can detect falls and call for help. These go a long way in providing peace of mind for caregivers and older adults - especially if older adults wear them regularly. There are also new canes and walkers with integrated sensors to alert users about obstacles and lightly assist with mobility.

Technology in the home can be a great investment for keeping older adults independent and safe. Voice-activated assistants can help with reminders, sending alerts, or even making calls. Security cameras and motion sensors can also monitor for unusual activity or falls (even from afar!). Installing smart lighting systems can also help prevent accidents around the home and ensure lights are on and off appropriately.