Choosing the Right Type of In-Home Support for Your Loved One
What Is the Difference Between Home Care and Personal Care?
When a senior begins to need help at home, families are often faced with two terms: home care and personal care.
While they sound similar, they refer to different types of services, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in your loved one's comfort, safety, and well-being.
Understanding these distinctions early on can help you make informed decisions and ensure your family member receives the most appropriate level of support for their specific needs.
In this blog, we’ll clarify the difference between home care and personal care, what services each provides, and how to decide which is the best fit for your family.
What Is Home Care?
Home care refers to non-medical support provided in the comfort of one’s home. It is designed for seniors who need help with daily living tasks but do not require hands-on personal or medical assistance.
Common Home Care Services:
Light housekeeping
Meal preparation
Companionship and supervision
Transportation to errands or appointments
Medication reminders (not administration)
Safety checks and social engagement
Who It’s For:
Seniors who are still largely independent but benefit from routine help or companionship. It’s a popular choice for those who live alone and want to maintain independence with minimal intrusion.
What Is Personal Care?
Personal care, on the other hand, involves hands-on assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). These are essential self-care tasks that some seniors can no longer do safely or comfortably on their own.
Common Personal Care Services:
Bathing and showering
Dressing and grooming
Toileting and incontinence support
Assistance with eating
Transferring from bed or chair
Mobility help and fall prevention
Who It’s For:
Seniors with physical limitations, chronic illnesses, or disabilities who need direct, physical assistance throughout the day.
Key Differences at a Glance
How to Choose the Right Option
Choosing between home care and personal care depends on your loved one’s abilities, health status, and daily needs. If they:
Just need help around the house or feel lonely, home care may be enough.
Need help with personal hygiene, safety, or mobility, personal care is likely the better fit.
At Grand Homes Senior Living, we offer both in-residence personal care and guidance to families considering in-home care options.
We're here to help you determine the most appropriate and dignified path forward.
Not Sure Which Type of Care Your Loved One Needs?
Let us help you navigate this decision with confidence. At Grand Home Senior Living, our team offers free care consultations to assess your loved one’s needs and recommend the best next step—whether it's assisted living, personal care, or connecting you with a trusted in-home care provider.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or tour one of our warm, family-style residences.
Key Takeaways
Home care is for seniors who need help with errands, cleaning, and companionship.
Personal care is for seniors who need physical assistance with bathing, toileting, and more.
The right type of care depends on your loved one’s mobility, health, and daily needs.
Grand Home Senior Living provides personal care services that prioritize dignity, comfort, and independence.
