Companion care vs. personal care
Two terms families hear constantly — and mixing them up leads to the wrong help and wasted money. Here's the clear difference, side by side.
In short: companion care is non-medical support and company — meals, housekeeping, errands, transportation, reminders. Personal care adds hands-on help with bathing, dressing, and transfers. Home health is clinical care from licensed professionals. Haven Grove provides companion care; many families combine levels as needs change.
Side-by-side comparison
| Companion care | Personal care | Home health | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical? | No | No (hands-on) | Yes |
| Company & conversation | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Meals, housekeeping, errands | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Transportation | ✔ | Sometimes | — |
| Medication reminders | ✔ (reminders) | ✔ (reminders) | Administers |
| Bathing, dressing, transfers | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Nursing / therapy | — | — | ✔ |
| Haven Grove provides | Yes | No | No |
Which does your loved one need?
Choose companion care if your loved one is largely independent but would benefit from company, meals, transportation, reminders, light housekeeping, and a safer home. This is the most common need — and what Haven Grove provides.
Choose personal care if they need regular hands-on help with bathing, dressing, toileting, or transfers.
Choose home health if they need clinical care — nursing, wound care, or physical/occupational/speech therapy — usually physician-ordered.
Many families combine them: companion care for most of the week, with personal or medical care added for specific needs. Our senior care options guide maps the full spectrum.
Signs you may need to move up a level
- Your loved one now needs hands-on help to bathe, dress, or move safely → personal care
- There are wounds, injections, or therapy orders → home health
- Needs are around-the-clock and complex → talk with their medical team about options
We'll always tell you honestly when needs exceed non-medical companion care, and help you find the right provider.
Frequently asked questions
Does companion care include bathing?
No — hands-on bathing and dressing is personal care. Companion care is non-medical support and company.
Can we start with companion care and add more later?
Yes — many families do exactly that as needs evolve.
Is companion care cheaper than personal care?
Rates vary, but because companion care is non-medical and often part-time, families frequently find it a cost-effective starting point. See paying for home care.
Not sure which level fits? Our free Family Peace of Mind Assessment™ helps you see clearly.
Take the assessmentRelated services: Companionship · All services
Related guides: Companion care guide · Senior care options · Signs your parent needs help