---
title: "What Is Hourly care? Home Care Glossary | HomeCare.com"
description: "Hourly care is home care booked by the hour instead of by the day or live-in arrangement. A caregiver visits for a set number of hours to help with tasks..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/hourly-care/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Types of care

# Hourly care

Hourly care is home care booked by the hour instead of by the day or live-in arrangement. A caregiver visits for a set number of hours to help with tasks such as meals, bathing, errands, or company. Families choose the length and number of visits.

## Why it matters for your family

Hourly care works well for needs that come and go. A caregiver might come for three hours each morning to help with a bath and breakfast, or for an afternoon so a spouse can rest. Because families pay for the time used, it can cost less than round-the-clock care when needs are small. Some agencies set minimum hours, so ask. HomeCare.com says families choose the number of visits and the hours per visit, with no minimums and no contracts. A common mistake is waiting too long. Needs often grow, and a short visit can turn into longer ones.

Source: [nia.nih.gov](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/services-older-adults-living-home)

[Read more: Companion care](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/companion-care/)

## Related terms

-   [**Companion care**Companion care is non-medical home care that focuses on company and everyday help.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/companion-care/)
-   [**Personal care**Personal care is hands-on help with daily self-care, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and moving around.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/personal-care/)
-   [**Overnight care**Overnight care is home care provided during the night.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/overnight-care/)
-   [**Live-in care**Live-in care is home care in which one caregiver lives in the client's home and supports them through the day and night.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/live-in-care/)
-   [**Private pay**Private pay means a family pays for care directly from its own money.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/private-pay/)
-   [**Respite care**Respite care is short-term care that gives a family caregiver a break.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/respite-care/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

## Talk to a care advisor today.

Free consultation. No minimums, no contracts.

[800-974-3458](tel:+18009743458)

[Call a care advisor](tel:+18009743458)[Find a caregiver online](https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com)

![A caregiver brushing an older woman's hair](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/_astro/companion-hero.VQ7SEy6E_1cBo5h.webp)