What is Home Care Assistance

Donna Nichols • October 9, 2020

Home Care Assistance – What Every Caregiver Needs to know.

Home care assistance is just that, assistance with care in your home.

Most home care assistants don’t provide any type of nursing, but depending on your loved one’s condition, a nurse may be what you need.

Home care assistants are there to help with bathing, cooking, feeding, dressing, and some will even run errands and provide transportation.

This can ease the mind of a working family member who has to work and cannot be home 24/7 to assist in their care.

There are many different types of home care assistance out there, and it depends on each circumstance as to which type is best for your situation.

If you need help in deciding which is the best assistance for you, schedule a FREE Consultation with one of our Compassionate Senior Advisors Today!

Personal care aide or senior companion.

These types of companions can usually be found on care.com, caring.com, or Angie’s list, this way you can see reviews and recommendations.

This is probably the safest way to find someone to stay with your loved one unless you know of someone personally who recommends a companion.

They can provide light housekeeping, transportation, meal preparation, and companionship.

A home health aide is needed should you require a little more assistance.

They can monitor their condition, check vital signs, and assist with bathing, and dressing. They also have to have a certain number of hours of federal training that must be met and they must be certified.

A licensed nursing assistant or certified nursing assistant.

They can observe and report changes, take vitals, set up medical equipment, change dressings, clean catheters, monitor infections, conduct range-of-motion exercises, help with walking assistance, and administer some treatments.

Licensed practical nurses.

They are licensed by the state and have met federal standards for health and safety. They can evaluate, manage, observe, and provide direct care that others cannot.

Examples are: administering IV drugs, tube feedings and shots, changing dressings, and diabetes care. Some are even trained in providing therapy.

Registered nurse.

They hold a nursing diploma or have an associate’s degree and have passed the National Council Licensure Exam. They provide direct care, administer medications, operate medical monitoring equipment, and assist doctors in procedures.

So, the level of declination of your loved one will tell which kind of home care assistance you will need.

How much is home care assistance?

The cost of home care assistance varies with the level of care needed.

Personal aides or companions charge anywhere from $12.00 – $17.00 per hour, they are not normally covered by insurance . Which means it is an out-of-pocket expense.

They set their own hourly rate.

Home health aides, licensed nursing assistants, and certified nursing assistants charge about the same as home companions and again are usually out-of-pocket expenses.

Some of them set their own rates as well unless working for a company.

Licensed practical nurses can earn more than the above aides and usually come to you from a doctor’s office.

Sometimes they have retired but kept their license active so they can provide a service to you on their terms. This is a great way for retired nurses to make extra income.

Registered nurses will come to you from a hospital or doctor’s office and they are usually always covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or your insurance.

You would need to check your specific policy to see what benefits are available. Again, sometimes registered nurses retire and keep their license up-to-date so they can assist clients as well.

If this is the case, they would NOT be covered by insurance.

How to qualify for home care assistance?

Once again, how you qualify depends on the level of assistance needed. If you live with a family member and they work and just want someone with you during the day, there is no qualification from you needed. Just make sure to do your research before leaving someone in the home with your loved one.

For more intensive care, you need to be under the care of a doctor who would write a referral for home health care assistance. You must also be homebound and unable to visit a doctor due to mobility issues.

What local agencies provide home care assistance?

There are many agencies around who provide home care assistance as well as private companions and caregivers.

They can be found on such websites as care.com, caring.com, and Angie’s list.

The websites will allow you to view reviews and references for the caregiver listed. Agencies will be registered with the state and follow certain guidelines, so you should be able to perform a google search on the specific company.

You could also give Assisted Living Made Simple a call at 386-847-2322 for a list of local companies and companions you may call to compare prices and services provided. This is a big decision, you don’t have to make it alone!!!

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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