The Difference Between Companion Care and Personal Care
- handinhomeack
- Jul 25
- 2 min read
When your loved one begins to need help at home, understanding the types of care available can feel overwhelming. Two of the most common services provided by home care agencies like Hand In Home Cares are Companion Care and Personal Care—but what’s the difference?
Let’s break it down so you can choose the right level of support for your loved one.
What Is Companion Care?
Companion care is non-medical support focused on social interaction, emotional well-being, and basic assistance around the home. This type of care is ideal for seniors who are mostly independent but may feel isolated or need help with light tasks.
Companion caregivers can help with:
Conversation and companionship
Playing games, watching movies, or reading
Meal preparation and light housekeeping
Transportation to appointments or errands
Medication reminders
Companion care helps reduce loneliness and promotes engagement, especially for seniors who live alone or far from family.
What Is Personal Care? 🧼
Personal care goes a step further and includes hands-on assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). This service is typically recommended when a loved one begins to experience mobility challenges, memory loss, or declining physical health.
Personal caregivers assist with:
Bathing and dressing
Grooming and hygiene
Toileting and incontinence care
Transferring and mobility support
Fall prevention and safety checks
This type of care ensures your loved one maintains their dignity and safety, even as physical needs increase.
Real-Life Scenarios: Which Care Is Right?
Scenario 1: Your mom lives alone, is in good health, but seems lonely and forgets to eat on time. → Companion Care
Scenario 2: Your dad struggles with balance, needs help showering, and has mild dementia. → Personal Care
Scenario 3: Your loved one needs both companionship and some hygiene support. → Combination Care Plan
Choosing the Right Fit for Your Family
Still unsure? The best way to know what level of care your loved one needs is to talk to a professional. At Hand In Home Cares, we offer free in-home consultations to assess your loved one’s needs and recommend the right service plan—personalized, flexible, and compassionate.
📞 Call us at (561) 510-6237 or visit handinhomecares.com to get started.
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