Our 72-hour matching process is a structured intake-to-introduction timeline that helps a family meet a screened in-home caregiver within three days of sharing complete care needs. The steps below are the same whether you live in a large city or a smaller community. They are designed to be easy to follow, even if this is the first time you have arranged home care.
This page explains the mechanics only. It is not a medical diagnosis, a treatment plan, or a substitute for guidance from a clinician. If you are comparing local options first, you can start on our Chicago in-home care hub and return here when you are ready to see how matching works.
What the 72-Hour Timeline Covers
The 72-hour timeline covers the period from a completed care intake to a confirmed caregiver introduction, not a promise that every medical or insurance question will be solved in three days. The clock starts when we have the information needed to match safely: the type of help requested, the home setting, the preferred schedule, and any non-medical preferences that affect day-to-day fit.
Families often look for this kind of speed after a change at home, such as rising memory concerns or a return from the hospital. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, and many households need practical support well before they have every long-term plan in place. The CDC overview of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is a useful starting point if you want general public-health context while you arrange care.
Step 1: Complete a Care Intake
The first step is a care intake in which you describe who needs help, what a typical day looks like, and which tasks should be covered. We ask about mobility, meals, companionship, personal care, overnight needs, language or cultural preferences, pets, and household routines. You do not need a formal diagnosis from us, and we do not diagnose conditions during this conversation.
It helps to be specific about the setting. A person who mainly wants conversation and errands may be a better fit for companion care. Someone who needs hands-on help with bathing, dressing, or toileting is usually better matched to personal care. If memory changes are the main reason you are calling, tell us that clearly so we can look at memory care at home rather than a generic schedule.
You can start intake by phone or online. If more than one family member will make decisions, it is better to include them early so the match is not delayed by conflicting instructions later.
Step 2: We Translate Your Notes Into a Match Profile
The second step is turning your intake notes into a match profile that lists required skills, schedule windows, and household fit factors. This profile is the working document our coordinators use. It is not a medical chart, and it does not replace records held by a physician or hospital.
A typical profile includes the days and hours of coverage, whether one consistent caregiver is preferred, how much physical assistance is needed, and which tasks are out of scope. It also flags logistics that affect who can accept the case, such as stairs, parking, smoking rules, or a second person living in the home.
If the need is short-term coverage so a family caregiver can rest, the profile may point toward respite care. If a loved one is leaving a hospital or rehab stay, we note discharge timing so the first shifts can align with hospital discharge care. Overnight or around-the-clock needs are recorded separately so we do not treat them like a few daytime hours of companionship.
Step 3: We Screen Caregivers Against That Profile
The third step is an internal screen that compares available caregivers with the match profile before anyone is introduced to your household. Coordinators look at relevant experience, schedule availability, communication style, and whether the caregiver is comfortable with the specific tasks you listed.
Screening is about fit and readiness, not about ranking families. A caregiver who is excellent with meal prep and transportation may not be the right person for complex personal care. A caregiver who prefers daytime visits may not be the right person for 24-hour live-in care. We would rather take a few extra hours inside the 72-hour window than send someone who cannot do the job you described.
If memory loss is part of the picture, we look for patience with repetition, a calm approach to changes in routine, and comfort staying with a person who may become confused. Families in Illinois who want community education while they arrange help can also review resources from the Alzheimer's Association Illinois chapter. That organization is listed here as a public resource only. It does not endorse this service.
Step 4: You Review the Proposed Match
The fourth step is a proposed-match review in which you see the caregiver's relevant background and confirm that the schedule, tasks, and personality notes look right. This is your chance to ask practical questions: what time the first visit would start, how keys or building entry will work, and who to call if plans change.
A match is not final until you accept it. If something feels off, say so before the first shift. Common reasons families pause are schedule conflicts, a preference for a different language, or a request for a caregiver with more experience around Alzheimer's-related changes. Those notes go back into the profile so the next candidate is closer to what you actually need.
We keep this review focused on home-care logistics. We will not tell you what diagnosis a person has, what medication to use, or whether a clinic's plan is correct.