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
Related terms
- Companion careCompanion care is non-medical home care that focuses on company and everyday help.
- Personal carePersonal care is hands-on help with daily self-care, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and moving around.
- Overnight careOvernight care is home care provided during the night.
- Live-in careLive-in care is home care in which one caregiver lives in the client's home and supports them through the day and night.
- Private payPrivate pay means a family pays for care directly from its own money.
- Respite careRespite care is short-term care that gives a family caregiver a break.
