What it costs: Runs a few dollars higher per hour than companion care, reflecting the additional training and responsibility involved.
What personal care actually covers
Personal care is hands-on assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) - the physical tasks that become harder to manage independently as dementia progresses. Every caregiver providing personal care is trained specifically in dementia-safe techniques, not just general elder care.
- Bathing and hygiene assistance, with dignity-first techniques
- Dressing and grooming support
- Toileting and continence care
- Mobility and transfer assistance (bed to chair, chair to standing)
- Feeding assistance and mealtime support
- Everything included in companion care as well
Who this service is right for
Personal care is the right fit once a loved one needs actual physical help with daily tasks - not just supervision. This is often the point where family caregivers realize they've been quietly doing hands-on care themselves and are reaching a breaking point, particularly with tasks like bathing, which is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding parts of dementia caregiving.
It's also common for families to start here directly after a hospital discharge or a fall, when hands-on support is needed immediately rather than building up to it gradually.
Why dementia-specific training matters here
Hands-on care with someone who has dementia requires real technique - approaching from the front, narrating each step, giving one instruction at a time, and reading distress signals that a person may not be able to voice directly. A caregiver without dementia-specific training can inadvertently trigger fear or resistance during bathing or dressing; one with the right training turns these moments into some of the calmest parts of the day.
What it costs
Personal care typically runs a few dollars higher per hour than companion care, reflecting the additional training, responsibility, and physical demands involved. Exact rates vary by city - we publish real local ranges on every city page rather than making you call in for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the same caregiver provide both companion and personal care?
Often yes - many families use one caregiver for a blended visit that includes both supervision/conversation and hands-on help, rather than needing two separate people.
How do caregivers handle resistance during bathing or dressing?
Our caregivers are trained in dementia-specific techniques: warming the room in advance, giving one simple instruction at a time, using a handheld showerhead, and maintaining a calm, narrated pace throughout. Resistance is almost always fear or confusion, not stubbornness, and it's treated that way.
Is personal care covered by Medicare?
No - Medicare does not cover ongoing custodial personal care at home. Most families pay privately, sometimes supplemented by long-term care insurance, VA Aid and Attendance benefits, or Medicaid waivers for those who qualify financially.