Resources · 6 min read
Hourly, live-in or respite care: which type of home care is right for your family?
Compare hourly, live-in, respite and companionship home care for an older adult, with the questions to ask an agency before you choose.
Published by AMP Staffing Network on . Reviewed by the AMP Staffing Network team.
Start with the day, not the diagnosis
Non-medical home care is about everyday living: getting up and dressed, eating well, keeping the home safe and tidy, getting to appointments, and having someone to talk to. Before comparing care types, write down a typical day for your loved one and mark where help would make the biggest difference.
Hourly care
A caregiver visits for a set number of hours, from a few hours a week to every day. It suits people who manage most of the day on their own but need help with mornings, meals, errands or evenings. Hourly care is the easiest to start small and adjust as needs change.
Live-in care
A caregiver lives in the home and provides consistent support throughout the day, with a dedicated place to rest. It suits people who should not be alone for long periods, or families who want one familiar person rather than a rotation of visits.
Respite care
Temporary care that gives a family caregiver time to rest, travel or attend to their own health. Respite can be a few hours a week or a longer block, and it often becomes the first step toward regular hourly care.
Companionship care
Conversation, activities, walks and social connection for someone who is lonely or isolated, often combined with light help around the home.
Questions to ask any home care agency
Good answers to these tell you more than any brochure.
- How are caregivers screened, and how are they matched to my loved one?
- What happens if the regular caregiver is sick?
- How will you keep the family informed?
- Can the plan change as needs change, without starting over?
- What is included, and what is not (for example, medical tasks)?
A free assessment is the simplest next step
AMP Staffing Network's home-care team offers a free care assessment: a conversation about your loved one and the everyday help that would make home easier, followed by a plan you can start small and grow.