Companion Care vs. Personal Care

You help your aging loved one whenever you have the time, but lately you’ve noticed they need more help than you’re able to provide alone. Between bathing, feeding, running errands and even socializing, it’s hard to do it all. Family caregivers in your situation may turn to professionals who fall into one of two care categories: companion care and personal care. While it helps to understand the difference between the two, you might see these services grouped together as “non-medical in-home care” when you start exploring your care options.

What is Companion Care?

Companion care is a type of non-medical care provided at home to seniors or those with disabilities. A companion caregiver typically provides emotional support and may help with socialization. If you hire a companion care provider, they’ll do a variety of tasks including:

• Housekeeping
• Preparing meals
• Running errands
• Transportation to and from appointments and other places
• Running social activities
• Household chores including doing laundry, dishes
• Communicating with family members

They may visit daily, weekly, or even live in the residence — the extent of the care depends largely on the needs of the individual. Should you hire a professional, they will work with you to determine your needs and create a schedule for visiting.

What is Personal Care?

The main focus of a personal care worker is to assist with personal hygiene, toileting, and other daily tasks. Personal care workers are often hired to provide custodial care. Whether or not they also provide assistance with every day errands is up to your discretion. Personal caregivers may also help with:

• Bathing and showering
• Assistance with dressing
• Oral hygiene
• Applying lotions and creams, hair products, etc.
• Maintaining a catheter bag
• Toileting
• Changing continence pads and cleaning those areas

A personal care worker will get to know the patient well, taking note of their likes and dislikes, the hygiene products they prefer, and what they’re comfortable with. They will work with you to determine how each task should be performed to ensure maximum comfort for your loved one. You can choose between hiring live-in or visiting support. A visiting caregiver will stop by during the days and hours you specify. Your schedule can be as flexible as need be to ensure maximum comfort and the best care. Live-in support, on the other hand, will live with you and ensure your loved one’s needs are met around-the-clock.

Understanding the Cost of In-Home Care

According to the Cost of Care Survey 2025, the average national median for in-home non medical caregiver services is $6,673 a month. Depending on where you live, what you actually end up paying may be higher or lower than this amount. The number of hours you require care, the type of care required, and the time of day can also affect the price you end up paying. This amount is based on 44-hours of care per week. If fewer hours of care are needed, monthly costs may be lower. However, if your loved one needs assistance with household tasks and daily errands, the 44-hours a week is common.

Costs for in-home care vary widely by location. Families should check current local rates, since hourly, monthly, and annual costs can differ significantly depending on where care is delivered and the level of support required.

Does Your Loved One Require Extra Care?

Hiring a care worker to help you care for your loved one allows older adults to stay in their homes longer, and gives you the extra support you need. It’s a worthwhile investment that can help your loved one remain healthy and happy, particularly with the right supportive care. For families who have obligations keeping them from providing the necessary care, these services are invaluable.

How to Know Which Type of Care Your Loved One Needs

Choosing between companion care and personal care depends on your loved one’s daily needs, level of independence, and overall health.

Companion care may be the best fit if your loved one:

• Feels isolated or lonely
• Needs help with errands, meals, or transportation
• Would benefit from social interaction and supervision
• Can still manage personal hygiene independently

Personal care may be more appropriate if your loved one:

• Needs help bathing, dressing, or toileting
• Has mobility limitations or fall risks
• Requires hands on daily assistance
• Is living with dementia, chronic illness, or physical disabilities

In some situations, families may benefit from combining both companion care and personal care services to provide additional support and help older adults remain safely independent at home.

Frequently Asked Questions