What’s the Difference Between Companion Care and Personal Care?

Divine Living Homecare
Aug 22
3 min read

When looking into in-home support for an aging loved one, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. One of the most common questions we hear at Divine Living Homecare is:

“What’s the difference between companion care and personal care?”

Both types of care are incredibly valuable—but they serve different purposes and are designed for different levels of need. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key differences between the two, so you can make the best decision for your loved one’s well-being.

👥 What Is Companion Care?

Companion care focuses on providing emotional support, social interaction, and help with non-hands-on tasks. It’s perfect for seniors who are mostly independent but may feel isolated or need help with light household duties.

Services Typically Included in Companion Care:

Friendly conversation and social interaction
Accompanying clients to appointments, errands, or walks
Light housekeeping (laundry, dishes, tidying up)
Meal preparation
Reading, playing games, or watching movies together
Writing letters or helping with technology
Reminding clients to take medications

Companion care is ideal for seniors who are still mobile and capable but may live alone, feel lonely, or need help staying engaged and safe at home.

🤝 What Is Personal Care?

Personal care (sometimes called private duty or hands-on care) involves more direct physical assistance with daily routines, often referred to as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

This level of care is best suited for seniors who are experiencing mobility challenges, recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or showing signs of cognitive decline.

Services Typically Included in Personal Care:

Help with bathing, grooming, and hygiene
Dressing and undressing assistance
Toileting and incontinence support
Safe mobility and transfer assistance (getting in/out of bed or chairs)
Meal preparation with feeding assistance (if needed)
Medication reminders
Light stretching or exercise support
Skin monitoring or observing for health changes

Personal care provides a higher level of support that ensures safety, dignity, and daily comfort—especially for seniors who may struggle to care for themselves on their own.

🧭 How Do I Know Which Type of Care Is Right?

Choosing between companion care and personal care comes down to your loved one’s current abilities and goals.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Care Type	Best For Seniors Who...	Caregiver Tasks
Companion Care	Are mostly independent but feel lonely or need light help	Socializing, errands, light housekeeping
Personal Care	Need physical assistance with hygiene, mobility, or safety	Hands-on help with daily routines

If your loved one is simply looking for connection and minor support, companion care is likely a great fit. But if they need physical assistance, personal care may be the safer, more appropriate choice.

💡 Many Families Start with Companion Care First

At Divine Living Homecare, we often see families begin with companion care—especially when a loved one is resistant to accepting help. It’s a gentle way to introduce support and build trust with a caregiver.

As your loved one’s needs evolve, we can transition seamlessly into personal care, ensuring they receive exactly the right level of help at the right time—without disruption or stress.