Home Care for Seniors: A Simple Guide to In‑Home Help and How to Get It
Quick overview
Who this is for: Older adults who want to stay at home safely and comfortably, and families helping a loved one.
What you’ll learn: The two main types of in‑home care, what Medicare does and doesn’t cover, how to choose a provider, and how to get started today.
Goal: Help you quickly find the right care and connect with trusted services in your area.
Types of in‑home care
There are two main kinds of help at home. Many people use both.
1. Medical home health care (covered by Medicare if you qualify)
What it is: Short‑term, medically necessary care provided at home by licensed professionals (nurses, therapists).
Common services:
Skilled nursing (wound care, injections, medication management)
Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
Medical social work
Aide visits to support personal care as part of a clinical plan
Who qualifies:
A doctor has created and signed a plan of care
You need intermittent skilled services (not 24/7 care)
You meet Medicare’s homebound criteria (you can leave home, but it’s taxing and infrequent)
What Medicare generally does not cover: Around‑the‑clock care, ongoing custodial/personal care if that’s the only need, housekeeping, or long‑term supervision.
2. Personal care (non‑medical home care)
What it is: Day‑to‑day help that makes living at home easier and safer. Typically paid privately; may be covered by Medicaid waivers, Veterans benefits, or long‑term care insurance.
Common services:
Personal care: bathing, dressing, grooming, continence support, safe transfers
Daily living support: meal prep, light housekeeping, laundry, changing linens
Reminders and companionship: medication reminders, conversation, hobbies, email/letter reading
Home support: errands, shopping, coordinating deliveries, vendor oversight
Transportation: appointments, social visits, activities
Caregiver relief: scheduled respite, phone check‑ins, 24‑hour on‑call support
Safety checks: fall prevention routines, home organization, simple handyman tasks
Helpful to know
In some states, agencies must be licensed and bonded; in others, regulation is limited. Always verify credentials, insurance, and background checks.
Many medical home health agencies now offer separate non‑medical services you can add.
What Medicare and other programs may cover
Medicare (Parts A and/or B): Covers intermittent skilled home health care when criteria are met. Does not cover 24/7 care or long‑term personal care as a standalone service.
Medicaid: Depending on your state, Home- and Community‑Based Services (HCBS) waivers may cover personal care at home.
Veterans benefits: VA programs may fund in‑home support for eligible veterans and spouses.
Long‑term care insurance: May reimburse personal care hours. Review your policy benefits and elimination periods.
Private pay: Many families pay hourly for non‑medical care and combine it with Medicare‑covered home health.
Call now(800) 989-8137 or click “Find Care Near Me” to get matched with options today.
Helpful services for home safety and upkeep
Home repair and maintenance: Deep cleaning, accessibility modifications (grab bars, ramps), minor repairs, and yard work are often provided by specialized companies. Ask if providers are licensed, insured, and experienced with senior safety.
Remote care technologies: Telehealth check‑ins, remote monitoring, and emergency response devices can add peace of mind between visits.
How to choose a home care provider (simple checklist)
Confirm the type of care you need: Medical (home health) vs. non‑medical (personal care) or both.
Verify credentials:
Licensure status (if required by your state)
Insurance and bonding
Employee background checks and caregiver training
Ask about quality and fit:
Care plans tailored to your routines and preferences
Supervision and care coordination (nurse oversight, regular updates)
Backup coverage if a caregiver is out
Understand costs and coverage:
Hourly rates, minimum shift lengths, and 24‑hour live‑in options
Assistance with insurance, Medicaid, VA benefits, or long‑term care claims
Read reviews and request references:
Independent ratings, testimonials, and family references
Start with a trial:
Begin with a short schedule and adjust as needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between home health and home care?
Home health is short‑term medical care ordered by a doctor and may include nursing and therapy. Home care (non‑medical) covers daily living help like bathing, meals, and companionship.
How many hours of help can I get?
You can schedule from a few hours per week to 24‑hour support. Medicare home health visit lengths are time‑limited and based on clinical needs; non‑medical care is flexible and based on your preferences.
Am I “homebound” for Medicare?
You may still qualify as homebound if it’s difficult and taxing to leave home and you do so infrequently or for short, necessary trips (e.g., medical visits, brief family events). Your doctor determines eligibility.
Can I receive both home health and personal care at the same time?
Yes. Many families combine Medicare‑covered home health with privately paid personal care for fuller support.
Who pays for non‑medical home care?
Common options include private pay, Medicaid waivers (in many states), Veterans programs, and long‑term care insurance.
Is telehealth real home care?
Telehealth can complement in‑person visits with remote check‑ins and monitoring. It does not replace hands‑on personal care.
How soon can services start?
In many areas, non‑medical care can begin within 24–72 hours after your assessment. Medicare home health start times vary based on doctor orders and agency capacity.
