When Is It Time for Home Care?
Learn about common signs that a loved one may benefit from more support with daily routines, mobility, supervision, or personal care.
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Resources
Helpful Information for Families Navigating Home Care
Understanding home care can feel overwhelming. This page brings together practical guidance, service information, and trusted resources to help families make informed decisions.
Family Guides
Common Questions About Home Care
These topics can help you understand what to consider before care begins.
Choosing the Right Type of Care
Understand the difference between personal care, home health aide support, private-pay care, and more specialized services.
Compare ServicesPreparing for the First Conversation
Know what information is helpful to have ready when discussing home care needs with an agency.
Read MoreQuestions to Ask a Home Care Agency
Use a simple checklist to make sure you understand staffing, scheduling, communication, care planning, and service expectations.
Read MoreMedicaid & Enrollment Guidance
Review general information about navigating program options, paperwork, referrals, and enrollment steps.
View GuidanceDementia Care at Home
Learn how familiar routines, calm communication, supervision, and personal support can help families caring for someone with dementia.
Learn More
Guide 1
When Home Care May Be Helpful
Home care may be worth considering when daily tasks are becoming harder, family caregivers are stretched thin, or a loved one needs more support to remain comfortable and safe at home.
✓ Difficulty with bathing, dressing, grooming, or toileting
✓ Changes in mobility or increased fall risk
✓ Need for supervision or companionship
✓ Missed meals or difficulty preparing food
✓ Family caregivers feeling overwhelmed
✓ Need for more consistent daily routines
Guide 2
Preparing for the First Home Care Conversation
You do not need to have everything figured out. A few basic details can make the conversation easier and help identify the right next step.
Helpful information to have ready:
- What help is needed during a typical day
- How often support may be needed
- Any mobility or safety concerns
- Current family support and caregiving schedule
- Preferred language, routines, or cultural considerations
- Any questions about Medicaid or private-pay options
Guide 3
Questions Families Can Ask a Home Care Agency
How is the care plan created?
Ask how the agency learns about the client’s needs, preferences, routines, and goals.
How are caregivers matched?
Ask what factors are considered when assigning a caregiver to a client.
How is communication handled?
Understand who families can contact if there are changes, concerns, or schedule questions.
What happens if needs change?
Ask how the care plan can be adjusted as the client’s situation changes.
What services are included?
Make sure you understand what the caregiver can and cannot provide.
How does scheduling work?
Ask about hours, availability, minimum visit requirements, and coverage for changes.
Trusted Information
Official New York Resources
For program eligibility, benefits, and current state requirements, use official government sources whenever possible.
Important
Resources Are for General Information
The information on this page is educational and does not replace medical advice, legal advice, or an official Medicaid eligibility determination. For urgent medical concerns, contact the appropriate healthcare provider or emergency services.