---
title: "What Is Intake? Home Care Glossary | HomeCare.com"
description: "Intake is the first step in starting care, when a provider gathers basic information about the person, their needs, location and family contacts. It..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/intake/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Care process

# Intake

Intake is the first step in starting care, when a provider gathers basic information about the person, their needs, location and family contacts. It happens before care begins. The answers help the provider suggest services and plan the match with a caregiver.

## Why it matters for your family

Intake is usually a phone call or a form. Be ready with the person's name, address, health needs, daily routine, mobility, memory concerns and any safety risks. Also share schedule needs, such as hours or overnight help. A common mistake is to leave out details that seem embarrassing, such as incontinence or wandering. Those details affect who should be matched and what tasks are needed. Intake is not a medical exam. At HomeCare.com, new families can speak with a care advisor at 800-974-3458 or request a call. Have a list of questions about hours and cost ready. Updating the details after care starts is normal.

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

[Read more: Contact HomeCare.com](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/contact/)

## Related terms

-   [**Care advisor**A care advisor is a person who helps a family understand home care options, share needs and arrange care.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/care-advisor/)
-   [**Care assessment**A care assessment is a review of a person's health, abilities, home and support to decide what help they need.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/care-assessment/)
-   [**Needs assessment**A needs assessment is a structured review of what help a person needs and what support they already have.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/needs-assessment/)
-   [**Caregiver match**A caregiver match is the pairing of a caregiver with a client based on needs, skills, schedule, location and personality.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/caregiver-match/)
-   [**Start of care**Start of care is the day a caregiver begins working with a client under an agreed plan.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/start-of-care/)
-   [**Care plan**A care plan is a written plan that lists a person's needs, goals, tasks, schedule and who does what.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/care-plan/)

[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 helping an older adult walk safely](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/_astro/mobility.Doj5AZnu_14WFFj.webp)