Understanding Home Care: What is it called when you take care of old people at home?

Oct 9, 2025 4 min read •

senior care Home Health Aging in Place

According to the AARP, approximately 53 million Americans are family caregivers, many of whom provide care for older adults at home. For those navigating this role, understanding the correct terminology is crucial when you take care of old people at home, as it helps in identifying appropriate resources and support services.

Quick Summary

Caring for an older person at home is broadly known as home care, elder care, or in-home care. The individual providing the assistance is typically referred to as a caregiver, which can include both professional and non-professional family members. This comprehensive approach to care allows seniors to maintain independence in familiar surroundings.

Key Points

Home Care & Eldercare: These are the general terms used to describe the act of caring for older individuals within their own homes.
Caregiver: The person providing the care is known as a caregiver, which can be either a family member (informal) or a trained professional (formal).
Types of Care: Home care services range from companion and personal care to more medically complex skilled home health care.
Aging in Place: Home care supports the growing trend of older adults choosing to age comfortably and independently in their familiar environment.
Support is Available: Resources like respite care and professional agencies are vital for supporting informal family caregivers and preventing burnout.

Defining Home Care and Eldercare

Broadly speaking, the act of caring for an older person within their own residence is referred to as home care or eldercare. These terms encompass a wide range of support, from non-medical assistance with daily activities to more specialized medical services. While some people may use the term "caretaker," "caregiver" has become the more common and preferred term, especially within the healthcare industry. Caregiving roles can be filled by professional staff, volunteers, or most frequently, family members.

Professional vs. Informal Caregiving

The distinction between professional and informal care is key to understanding the landscape of home-based support. A professional caregiver is a trained individual, often employed by an agency, who provides skilled or non-skilled services. An informal caregiver, by contrast, is typically a family member, friend, or neighbor who provides unpaid assistance.

Professional Caregivers

Home Health Aides (HHAs): Provide assistance with daily living activities (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as some light housekeeping.
Personal Care Assistants (PCAs): Offer similar services to HHAs but with more of a focus on daily well-being, including meal preparation, companionship, and transportation.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): Have a higher level of medical training and work under the supervision of a registered nurse to perform more advanced tasks.

Informal Caregivers

Family caregivers: A spouse, adult child, or other relative providing unpaid care.
Volunteer caregivers: Individuals who offer their time and services without receiving payment.

Types of In-Home Care Services

The type of care required can vary greatly depending on the senior's needs, leading to several specialized forms of home care.

Companion Care: Focuses on providing social interaction and emotional support to prevent loneliness and isolation. This might include activities like reading, conversation, or accompanying the senior on outings.
Personal Care: Involves assistance with more intimate, day-to-day tasks, such as bathing, grooming, and using the restroom.
Skilled Home Health Care: Provided by licensed medical professionals like nurses or therapists for managing complex medical conditions, administering medication, or wound care.
Respite Care: Temporary care services designed to give the primary (often informal) caregiver a much-needed break.
Live-in Care: A professional caregiver lives in the senior's home to provide constant supervision and assistance.

The Benefits of Home-Based Eldercare

Choosing to provide care at home offers numerous advantages for both the senior and their family. Seniors often benefit from the comfort of familiar surroundings, which can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. For those with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, staying in a consistent environment can be particularly important. This option also allows for greater personalization of care, tailoring assistance to the individual's specific needs and preferences. While the rewarding nature of family caregiving is significant, it's also vital for caregivers to recognize the challenges and seek support when needed. For more information on navigating the caregiving journey, including the emotional and physical toll, resources from organizations like the National Institute on Aging are invaluable.

Comparing Professional vs. Family Caregiving


Feature	Professional Caregiving	Family Caregiving
Services	Often more specialized medical support; trained in diverse needs.	Generally non-medical, based on personal knowledge of the senior's needs.
Reliability	Consistent schedules and backup staff from an agency.	Can be disrupted by the caregiver's personal life; potential for burnout.
Cost	Can be significant; varies based on service type and hours.	No direct cost for labor, but can involve indirect financial burdens on the family.
Emotional Aspect	Can provide emotional support without the added stress of family dynamics.	Deep emotional connection, but can be emotionally draining and challenging.
Training	Certifications and ongoing training in eldercare.	Varies; often based on on-the-job learning and personal experience.
Availability	Can arrange for part-time, full-time, or 24/7 care.	Often relies on juggling the caregiver's existing responsibilities.

Making Home Care Sustainable

For both professional and informal caregivers, sustainability is key. This involves creating a safe home environment by making modifications like installing grab bars, ensuring proper lighting, and removing tripping hazards. Care plans should also be developed, outlining responsibilities, schedules, and emergency contacts. Regular communication with the senior and other family members helps manage expectations and reduces conflict. Ultimately, whether it's through paid or unpaid assistance, the goal of home care is to help older adults age with dignity, comfort, and safety in the place they call home.

Conclusion

So, what is it called when you take care of old people at home? The most common terms are home care and eldercare, provided by individuals called caregivers. This spectrum ranges from loving, unpaid support from a family member to the skilled services of a professional home health aide. Choosing the right path involves carefully assessing the senior's needs and the family's capabilities, remembering that a mix of professional and informal care can often be the most effective solution for sustainable, high-quality support.

Frequently Asked Questions

When a family member provides care, they are often referred to as an "informal caregiver" or a "family caregiver." This is a common and rewarding form of eldercare, though it often comes with significant responsibilities.

While often used interchangeably, the term "caregiver" is now widely preferred in healthcare, particularly for roles involving personal support for individuals. "Caretaker" can sometimes imply a more general role, like property maintenance, though its use for elderly care is still common.

Yes, companion care is a type of home care that focuses primarily on providing companionship and social interaction. A companion caregiver may also assist with light housekeeping and errands but does not provide medical services.

Home health care is a specific, medically-focused type of home care provided by licensed professionals like nurses or therapists. Home care is a broader term that can include non-medical services, such as personal care or companionship.

Services can include a wide array of assistance, such as help with daily living activities (bathing, dressing), meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation, companionship, and skilled medical procedures, depending on the need.

Respite care is temporary care provided by a professional, designed to give the primary family caregiver a much-needed break. It benefits both the caregiver, who gets to rest and recharge, and the senior, who receives continued care.

You can find professional caregivers through home health agencies, which screen and hire qualified staff. These agencies can match a caregiver to your specific needs and handle scheduling, payment, and other administrative tasks.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.