Companion Care vs. Personal Care: What's the Difference?

When you start exploring in-home care, two terms come up over and over: companion care and personal care. They sound similar, but they cover very different needs and price points. Knowing the difference helps you ask better questions and make a better hiring decision.

What Companion Care Includes

Companion care is non-medical, non-hands-on support. It is designed for older adults who are mostly independent but benefit from regular help and social interaction.

• Conversation, reading, games, and emotional support

• Light housekeeping and laundry

• Meal planning and cooking

• Transportation to appointments, errands, and social activities

• Medication reminders (not administration)

What Personal Care Includes

Personal care — sometimes called hands-on care or activities of daily living (ADL) support — covers everything in companion care plus direct physical assistance.

• Bathing, dressing, and grooming

• Toileting and incontinence care

• Mobility assistance, transfers, and fall prevention

• Feeding and oral care

• Specialized dementia and post-surgery support

How to Decide Which You Need

If your loved one can still bathe, dress, and move safely on their own but is lonely or struggling with errands, companion care is usually the right fit. If they need physical help getting in and out of the shower, dressing, or moving around the house, personal care is the better match. Many families start with companion care and add personal care hours as needs change.

Bruma Senior Care offers both — and we'll help you build a custom plan that grows with your family. Reach out for a free consultation in DuPage, Kane, or Kendall County.