If you are researching in-home care for a loved one, it’s useful to understand the three main types of home care. Choosing the right level of care is key to ensuring comfort, dignity, and the best possible quality of life.
Perhaps an aging parent requires help while recovering from surgery or shows signs of memory loss or frailty. Perhaps they struggle with a chronic illness or must navigate the final stages of life.
Individual circumstances and conditions are as varied as the clients we serve. Arcadia Home Care specializes in Personal Care Services and can help coordinate other levels of care. Here’s a helpful overview of the three primary types of home care that are available—Personal Care Services (PCS), Home Health, and Hospice—to help you determine what’s best for your situation.
Personal Care Services (PCS)
Best for: Individuals who need help with daily activities but do not require skilled medical treatment at home.
PCS provides non-medical support that helps individuals maintain independence, safety, and quality of life in their own homes. Care is delivered by trained Home Care Aides and includes assistance with:
- Personal hygiene (bathing, grooming, toileting)
- Dressing and mobility
- Attentive assistance to avoid falls or household accidents
- Meal planning and preparation
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Medication reminders
- Companionship and emotional support
- Transportation to appointments or errands (in some locations)
This type of care is ideal for older adults aging in place, individuals with disabilities, or anyone who needs a helping hand to manage day-to-day life. For families, PCS brings peace of mind and much-needed respite while ensuring their loved one is supported with compassion and dignity.
Home Health Care
Best for: Individuals recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, or those managing chronic health conditions under a doctor’s supervision.
Home Health brings skilled clinical care into the home. It is typically ordered by a physician and may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Services are provided by licensed healthcare professionals and can include:
- Skilled nursing (such as wound care, injections, and chronic condition management)
- Physical therapy to improve strength, balance, and mobility
- Occupational therapy to enhance independence in daily tasks
- Speech therapy for communication or swallowing challenges
- Home health aide services for personal care during a treatment plan
- Medication education and monitoring
- Vital sign tracking and health status reporting
This care is most appropriate for individuals who might otherwise need to recover in a hospital or rehab facility but prefer to do so in the comfort of home. It helps reduce hospital readmissions and supports long-term health goals.
Hospice Care
Best for: Individuals with a life-limiting illness who are no longer seeking curative treatment and wish to focus on comfort and quality of life.
Hospice is a holistic, team-based approach to care that provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support during the final stages of life. Services are tailored to each patient’s needs and may include:
- Pain and symptom management
- Routine visits from nurses, aides, and social workers
- Emotional and spiritual care for both the patient and family
- Grief counseling and bereavement support
- Respite care to give family caregivers a break
- 24/7 on-call support for urgent concerns
- Assistance with medication, medical equipment, and care planning
Hospice care is delivered wherever the patient calls home—whether that’s a private residence, assisted living, or nursing facility—and honors their wish to spend this time in a familiar, comforting environment.
Importantly, hospice is not a one-time or permanent decision. If a patient’s condition improves or stabilizes, they may be discharged from hospice and resume curative or rehabilitative care. Patients can also return to hospice later if their condition declines. This flexibility ensures that care always remains aligned with the individual’s evolving needs and goals.
Choosing the Right Level of Care
Understanding the distinctions between PCS, Home Health, and Hospice helps families to make informed choices that reflect their loved one’s health, lifestyle, and personal values. In many cases, individuals may transition between services over time as their condition changes.
If you’re unsure which service is the right fit, our team can guide you through your options, coordinate with healthcare providers, and develop a care plan that prioritizes comfort, safety, and peace of mind. We are here to help.