Signs It's Time to Transition from Companion Care to Personal Home Care

Brian Callahan • September 6, 2023

Is it time to recognize the need for personal care?


As your loved ones age, their care needs may evolve, and it's crucial to ensure they receive the appropriate level of assistance and support to maintain their quality of life. Companion care and personal home care are two types of in-home care services designed to meet various needs, but they differ significantly in their scope and intensity. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the differences between companion care and personal home care, and we will provide you with valuable insights into the signs that indicate it might be time to transition from companion care to personal home care.


Companion Care vs. Personal Home Care: Understanding the Difference


Companion Care:

Companion care is a non-medical form of in-home care that focuses on providing companionship, emotional support, and other assistance that does not require hands on personal care. It is often an ideal choice for seniors who are still relatively independent but may need some help with tasks such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation, and social interaction. Companion caregivers offer companionship and engage in activities that enhance the overall well-being of their clients.


Personal Home Care:

Personal home care, on the other hand, provides a higher level of assistance and is often required by individuals with more significant care needs. Personal caregivers or Home Health Aides are trained to offer a wider range of services, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility assistance. Personal home care is also suitable for those who require more extensive assistance with meal preparation, medication management, and assistance with daily living activities.


Signs It's Time to Transition to Personal Home Care

  1. Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):

One of the most apparent signs that it's time to transition to personal home care is when your loved one struggles with basic ADLs. According to the National Council on Aging, 40% of people aged 85 and older need assistance with at least one ADL, such as bathing or dressing.

    2.   Increased Risk of Falls:

Falls are a significant concern among seniors, and the risk increases with age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. If your loved one has experienced falls or is at high risk, personal home care can provide the necessary support and supervision to prevent accidents.

    3.   Progression of Chronic Health Conditions:

Chronic health conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or diabetes can worsen over time, requiring more specialized care. The Alzheimer's Association reports that more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, making dementia-related care a significant consideration.

    4.   Complex Medication Management:

Managing multiple medications can be challenging, especially for seniors with several prescriptions. According to the American Pharmacists Association, medication non-adherence is a significant concern, with up to 50% of patients not taking their medications as prescribed. Personal home care can ensure proper medication management and administration.

    5.   Increased Isolation and Loneliness:

While companion care offers companionship, personal home care can provide a higher level of social interaction and emotional support. According to the AARP Foundation, social isolation is a significant issue for older adults, leading to adverse health outcomes.

    6.   Nutritional Concerns:

Malnutrition and dehydration can be common issues among seniors. The National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Aging reports that approximately one in four older adults has poor nutrition. Personal home care can address these concerns by assisting with meal planning and preparation.

    7.   Worsening Cognitive Function:

For seniors with cognitive impairments such as dementia, the need for personal home care becomes more critical as the condition progresses. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's disease are women.

    8.   Family Caregiver Burnout:

When family members are the primary caregivers, the demands of caregiving can take a toll on their own well-being. The Family Caregiver Alliance reports that 40-70% of family caregivers show signs of clinical depression.

    9.   Doctor's Recommendations:

If a healthcare professional recommends a higher level of care, it's essential to heed their advice. Medical experts can assess your loved one's condition and determine the appropriate level of care needed for their safety and well-being.


Choosing between companion care and personal home care is a decision that should be made based on your loved one's individual needs and circumstances. Recognizing the signs that indicate it's time to transition to personal home care is essential for ensuring their safety, health, and overall quality of life.

At 7 Day Home Care, we understand that each client is unique, and we offer a range of personalized in-home care services in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, New York.


Our team of dedicated caregivers is trained to provide the right level of care to meet your loved one's specific requirements. If you're considering a transition from companion care to personal home care or have any questions about our services, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your loved one's well-being is our top priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.


Brian Callahan

7 Day Home Care


Nurse in blue scrubs, touching arm of senior seated on sofa, smiling and holding tablet.

Home Care After Lenox Hill Hospital Discharge: Complete Guide

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • October 27, 2025
How Does 7 Day Home Care Coordinate with Lenox Hill Hospital After Discharge? 7 Day Home Care works seamlessly with your healthcare team at Lenox Hill Hospital to ensure a smooth, coordinated transition from hospital to home. Our registered nurses and care coordinators communicate directly with Lenox Hill’s discharge planners, physicians, and rehabilitation specialists to align every aspect of your home care plan with your prescribed treatment goals. Whether you’re recovering from cardiac surgery, orthopedic rehabilitation, or neurological treatment, we provide personalized, RN-supervised care that supports continued healing once you leave the hospital. Our certified Home Health Aides (HHAs) assist with medication reminders, mobility, and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) while maintaining close communication with your medical providers. Serving all of Manhattan, including the Upper East Side , 7 Day Home Care delivers trusted, professional in-home care that complements your hospital care plan, reduces readmission risks, and promotes comfort and independence in the safety of your own home.
Caregiver in blue scrubs talking to a patient on a couch indoors.

Home Care After Waterview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Flushing, Queens

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • October 24, 2025
After Waterview Nursing & Rehab in Flushing Queens, 7 Day Home Care provides certified home health aides supervised by registered nurses for safe recovery at home.
Two healthcare workers in blue scrubs making heart shapes with their hands, smiling outside a building.

Life Expectancy After Bypass Surgery: Complete Guide

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • October 22, 2025
How long do people live after heart bypass? See survival rates, what improves outcomes, and recovery tips for extending life after CABG surgery.
Caregiver assists elderly woman walking indoors.

7 Day Home Care Accepts UNUM Long-Term Care Insurance

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • October 17, 2025
For more years , 7 Day Home Care has proudly provided trusted, compassionate, and professional in-home care services to families throughout the region. Our long-standing experience has allowed us to build deep expertise in coordinating care for clients with UNUM Long Term Care Insurance, e nsuring a smooth and stress-free process from start to finish. We understand the complexities of long-term care policies and work directly with UNUM to help our clients maximize their benefits while receiving the personalized support they deserve. Whether it’s assistance with daily activities, skilled nursing, or companionship, 7 Day Home Care is dedicated to delivering consistent, high-quality care that enhances comfort, independence, and peace of mind for every client we serve. Our commitment to excellence, reliability, and transparent communication has made us a trusted partner for UNUM policyholders and their families for many years.
Elderly woman in wheelchair smiles at a nurse taking her blood pressure indoors near a window.

Home Care Services After The Grand Pavilion Rehabilitation & Nursing in Rockville Centre

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • October 13, 2025
Home Care Services After The Grand Pavilion Rehabilitation & Nursing in Rockville Centre 7 Day Home Care is a leading provider of in-home care services for patients transitioning home after a stay at The Grand Pavilion for Rehabilitation & Nursing in R ockville Centre, NY. As a New York State–licensed home care agency, 7 Day Home Care offers RN-supervised care plans and certified home health aides who specialize in post-rehabilitation recovery, mobility support, medication management, and fall prevention. Working closely with The Grand Pavilion’s discharge planners and therapy teams, 7 Day Home Care ensures a smooth, safe, and personalized transition from skilled rehabilitation to home—helping clients maintain progress, independence, and comfort while recovering in familiar surroundings.
Woman assisting an elderly man with a cane walk on a brick path outside.

Neuropathy Pain Relief: Understanding, Treating, and Managing Nerve Damage

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • October 10, 2025
At 7 Day Home Care, we provide compassionate, personalized in-home care for individuals living with neuropathy across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, NY. Our licensed caregivers and registered nurses understand that neuropathy affects more than just the nerves—it impacts mobility, balance, comfort, and confidence in daily life. That’s why our care plans focus on improving circulation, supporting nerve health, and preventing complications through consistent monitoring, safe movement assistance, and tailored nutrition. Each client receives a customized plan designed by a supervising nurse that may include daily foot inspections, gentle exercise routines to boost blood flow, medication reminders, and meal preparation that stabilizes blood sugar and supports nerve repair. Just as importantly, our caregivers offer emotional reassurance, companionship, and encouragement—helping clients manage pain, reduce anxiety, and maintain independence in the comfort of their own homes. Through professional oversight and compassionate care, 7 Day Home Care empowers those with neuropathy to live safely, comfortably, and confidently—one day at a time.
A smiling nurse in blue scrubs using a stethoscope on an elderly patient indoors.

3 Things Most Families Don’t Know About Long-Term Care Insurance

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • October 6, 2025
3 Things Most Families Don't Know About Long-Term Care Insurance Most long-term care insurance policies don’t start paying automatically. To activate your benefits, the insured must typically need help with two or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—like bathing or dressing—or have a documented cognitive impairment such as dementia. Coverage often applies only when care is provided by a licensed home care agency, n ot a private aide. Correct documentation, nurse assessments, and timely claim filing are the keys to receiving benefits smoothly. 7 Day Home Care is a licensed New York home care agency that specializes in helping families use and maximize their private long-term care insurance benefits. Many seniors and their loved ones don’t realize that most private long-term care insurance policies—such as those from Brighthouse, Genworth, CNA, MetLife, New York Life, John Hancock, Lincoln Financial, Bankers Life, UNUM and Mutual of Omaha—require that care be provided by a New York State licensed home care agency with registered nurse supervision to qualify for reimbursement. At 7 Day Home Care, every caregiver is a certified home health aide (HHA) trained and overseen by experienced RNs, ensuring full compliance with insurance and Department of Health standards. The agency assists families with policy verification, nurse assessments, care plan creation, claim preparation, and direct billing, eliminating the confusion and delays that often accompany long-term care insurance claims. By working directly with your insurance provider, 7 Day Home Care helps clients activate their benefits quickly, avoid out-of-pocket costs, and receive high-quality, compassionate in-home care across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, NY. Families searching for trusted home care that accepts long-term care insurance in New York consistently choose 7 Day Home Care for its expertise, reliability, and dedication to helping seniors stay safe and independent at home.
Woman forming a heart shape with her hands, smiling, indoors.

Hoyer Lift Guide: How to Safely Transfer Immobile Patients at Home

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • September 30, 2025
Hoyer Lift Guide: How to Safely Transfer Immobile Patients at Home The Hoyer lift, invented in the mid-20th century by mechanical engineer Ted Hoyer, was designed to solve one of the biggest challenges in caregiving: safely transferring individuals with limited mobility without risking injury to patients or caregivers. Today, this innovation remains essential in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private homes, where it protects against falls, skin tears, and caregiver back injuries during transfers from bed to wheelchair, toilet, or chair. At 7 Day Home Care, we recognize the importance of this device and have become a leading provider of in-home care services across New York, with outstanding Home Health Aides (HHAs) who are fully trained and experienced in safe Hoyer lift operation. Our HHAs integrate the lift into daily care routines with professionalism and compassion, ensuring that each transfer maintains dignity, comfort, and safety. Under the supervision of Registered Nurses, our care teams not only manage mobility challenges but also deliver comprehensive, individualized support that gives families peace of mind and helps patients remain secure and cared for in the comfort of their own homes.
Caregiver assists elderly woman down stairs, holding her hand for support.

Home Care After Sands Point Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • September 26, 2025
Home Care After Sands Point Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation 7 Day Home Care offers a full suite of professional, compassionate in-home services in the greater New York area, including post-discharge care following stays at Sands Point Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation. Our services encompass Home Health Aides (HHAs) - available for hourly, overnight, live-in, or 24/7 support - who assist with bathing, dressing, toileting, safe transfers (including use of Hoyer lifts), mobility, and fall prevention. We also provide medical monitoring and medication reminders, wound care coordination, vital sign checks, therapy follow-through (physical, occupational, speech), and caregiver support to ensure clinical continuity after rehab. In addition, we deliver meal preparation (including Kosher options), light hous ekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, safe transportation to appointments, companionship and cognitive support, hospital advocacy, and culturally sensitive, individualized care plans tailored to each client’s needs. Our service model is overseen by registered nurses who continually assess, adjust, and coordinate the care plan with families, doctors, and rehab teams to promote recovery, prevent readmission, and enhance quality of life in the comfort of home. 7 Day Home Care is the top private pay in-home care services provider throughout Long Island, NYC, Manhattan , Queens , and Brooklyn , New York. 7 Day Home Care is a licensed home care agency under New York State Department of Health, and is not affiliated with Sands Point Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. To learn more about our specialized post rehabilitation in-home care services, please call 516-408-0034.
Woman in blue scrubs washing dishes in a kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel sink, and stairs in the background.

Kosher Meal Preparation by Home Health Aides: 7 Day Home Care

By Brian Callahan 7 Day Home Care • September 22, 2025
Kosher Meal Preparation by Home Health Aides: 7 Day Home Care Cultural sensitivity is at the heart of truly excellent home care, and 7 Day Home Care is committed to honoring every client’s traditions, preferences, and values — right down to the details of daily life, including meal preparation. For clients who keep Kosher, our caregivers are trained to follow Kashrut guidelines carefully, from using separate utensils and cookware for meat and dairy to sourcing Kosher-certified ingredients and preparing meals that respect religious and cultural standards. Every client receives a unique, individualized care plan designed to reflect their level of observance, nutritional needs, and personal routines, ensuring that their care feels both familiar and dignified. Families who choose 7 Day Home Care gain peace of mind knowing they are working with an agency that pays close attention to the details — not just in the kitchen, but across every aspect of care, from medication reminders to companionship and household support. This attention to detail helps seniors feel respected, safe, and supported while allowing families to focus on spending meaningful time with their loved ones.
Show More