Non-medical home care
Personal care at home
Explore everyday support that can help someone remain more comfortable, safe, and confident in familiar surroundings.
Who it may fit
Begin with the day, not a label.
Personal care may fit someone who needs hands-on help with daily routines but is not looking for skilled medical treatment in the home.
Bathing, grooming, dressing, and other personal routines
Mobility support and help moving through the day
Meal preparation, errands, and light household support
A schedule shaped around the person and the household
Before you compare options
Bring the practical details you already know.
Services, schedules, pricing, and eligibility are determined by each provider. Share the routine that feels hardest so the next conversation can be more specific.
Paying for it
How personal care is usually paid for
- Most personal care is paid privately by the hour. CareScout’s 2025 survey put New York’s statewide median for non-medical in-home care at $35 an hour; Buffalo-area rates vary by provider.
- Original Medicare doesn’t pay for personal care alone. It can cover some home health aide help only while you also qualify for skilled home health care.
- New York Medicaid can cover personal care for eligible people who need help with daily activities. Most new applicants now go through the New York Independent Assessor (NYIAP) first.
- Some long-term care insurance policies pay for personal care. Check the policy’s elimination period and daily limit.
General information, not financial or legal advice. Confirm coverage with your plan or caseworker.
Questions to ask providers
- What training have your aides completed for bathing, transfers, and toileting?
- Can the same caregiver come at the same time each day?
- What is your minimum visit length, and are weekend or holiday rates different?
Related guides
- How many hours of home care does a senior need?
- Medicaid home care eligibility in New York
- How much does home care cost in Buffalo, NY?
Sources
A simple next step
Want to talk through this care option?
Share a few details about what you are exploring. You do not need to know the exact care term before you begin.