Types of care

Eight kinds of elderly care, explained in plain language.

Most families arrive knowing a situation, not a category. These pages explain what each type of care actually involves, what the caregiver may and may not do, the qualifications to ask for, indicative costs, and the warning signs that a higher level of care is needed.

Companion care

For seniors who are independent but should not be alone all day — company, meals, errands and reminders.

Attendant care at home

For seniors who need help with bathing, toilet, dressing, mobility or medicines — no clinical tasks.

Dementia care at home

For forgetfulness, confusion, wandering or changed behaviour — supervision, routine and trained patience.

Skilled nursing at home

For injections, drips, wound dressing, catheter, oxygen or tube feeding — trained nurses only.

Post-surgery care at home

For the weeks after an operation or fracture — wound care, mobility, medicines and a clear escalation plan.

Bedridden patient care

For someone who cannot get out of bed — turning, hygiene, bedsore prevention, feeding and dignity.

Palliative and end-of-life care

Comfort, dignity and symptom relief at home — with clear support for the family as well.

Physiotherapy at home

Visits from a physiotherapist for mobility, strength and recovery after a stroke, fracture or surgery.

Not sure which one you need?

The matcher asks six plain-language questions and works out the level of care, a fair price range for your city, and the hiring checklist that goes with it.

Start (takes 2 minutes)