Start with the time of greatest risk
Write down what happens during a typical day and night. Note when personal care, meals, mobility, supervision, transportation, or companionship is needed.
| Schedule | May fit when | Questions to discuss |
|---|---|---|
| Short hourly visits | Help is needed with a specific routine such as bathing, meals, errands, or companionship. | Is the visit long enough to complete tasks without rushing? Does a minimum visit apply? |
| Extended daytime care | The person needs support through several routines or should not be alone for much of the day. | Which meals, appointments, exercises, and personal-care tasks occur during the shift? |
| Overnight care | Nighttime toileting, fall concerns, confusion, wandering, or family caregiver rest is the priority. | Is the caregiver expected to remain awake? How often is hands-on help usually needed? |
| Live-in care | A family wants broad continuity in the home and the arrangement allows required rest and sleep periods. | Is there appropriate sleeping space? Are needs compatible with a live-in arrangement? |
| 24-hour care | Ongoing alert supervision or frequent assistance is needed across both day and night. | How will rotating caregivers share instructions and maintain continuity? |
Information that helps determine coverage
- Care address and desired start date
- Days and exact start/end times
- Personal-care and mobility assistance required
- Memory, behavior, wandering, or nighttime concerns
- Transportation, pets, smoking, stairs, and household routines
- Whether lifting, transfers, or specialized experience is needed
Availability depends on the location, schedule, level of assistance, and caregiver match. A consultation allows the agency to provide a realistic recommendation and price.
Important: This guide provides general educational information, not medical advice. Follow instructions from the person’s physician, nurse, therapist, pharmacist, discharge team, or emergency professionals. Call 911 for an emergency.