What Is Non-Medical Home Care?
Non-medical home care is professional support provided to seniors in their own homes — helping with the activities of daily living (ADLs) that become harder with age, without requiring a licensed medical professional.
Unlike skilled nursing or home health care (which involves wound care, medication administration, or physical therapy), non-medical home care focuses on:
- Companion care — conversation, social engagement, errands, and light housekeeping
- Personal care — bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting assistance
- Meal preparation — grocery shopping, cooking, and nutrition support
- Mobility assistance — helping with walking, transfers, and fall prevention
- Transportation — doctor appointments, pharmacy runs, and social outings
Who Needs Non-Medical Home Care?
Non-medical home care is ideal for seniors who:
- Live alone and need regular check-ins and companionship
- Have early-to-moderate dementia or Alzheimer's disease
- Are recovering from a fall, surgery, or hospitalization
- Have family caregivers who need respite support
- Want to remain at home rather than move to an assisted living facility
How Much Does It Cost?
The national average for non-medical home care is $27–$35 per hour in 2026. Costs vary significantly by location — urban markets like New York City and San Francisco can run $40–$55/hour, while markets like Dallas or Atlanta typically range from $22–$30/hour.
Most families start with 10–20 hours per week and increase as needs grow.
Is It Right for Your Family?
If your parent is safe at home but struggling with daily tasks, non-medical home care is almost always the right first step. It preserves independence, delays facility placement, and gives family members peace of mind — at a fraction of the cost of assisted living.
CareMatch at Home matches families with two pre-screened, vetted home care providers in their area — completely free of charge. Our Care Finder takes 3 minutes and delivers personalized matches within 24 hours.