Quiz: How to Choose the Right In-Home Care Service

When an aging parent or loved one starts to need extra help at home, families often wonder where to begin. There are many types of home care that it can feel overwhelming to decide what they really need. Knowing how to choose the right in-home care services is an important first step toward ensuring your aging loved one is safe and comfortable at home.

To help make the process easier, we created a quick quiz to highlight what your aging loved one needs and guide you toward the right level of in-home support.

Take the Quiz

1. How independent is your loved one with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating?

A) Completely independent

B) Needs occasional reminders

C) Needs regular assistance

D) Cannot complete these tasks without full support

2. How is their mobility throughout the home?

A) Moves safely without help

B) Uses a cane or walker

C) Needs help transferring or climbing stairs

D) Has significant mobility challenges

3. How is their memory and cognitive function?

A) No noticeable issues

B) Occasional forgetfulness

C) Frequent confusion

D) Diagnosed dementia or Alzheimer’s disease

4. How often do they feel lonely or isolated?

A) Rarely

B) Sometimes

C) Often

D) Daily and expresses emotional distress

5. How comfortable is your family with handling caregiving responsibilities?

A) We manage without difficulty

B) We are okay but could use occasional support

C) We are overwhelmed

D) We cannot meet their needs on our own

Your Results: What Type of Support Fits Best?

Mostly A’s: Companion Care

If your aging loved one is mostly independent but could use help with socialization, light housekeeping, or errands, companion care may be the best option. This level of care is ideal for engagement and giving families peace of mind.

Mostly B’s: Personal Support Services

When daily tasks are becoming harder, but not too overwhelming, personal support provides the right balance. A trained caregiver can assist with ADLs (activities of daily living), such as grooming and meal preparation, to help seniors stay safe at home.

Mostly C’s: Comprehensive Personal Care

Confusion, mobility limitations, and difficulty with ADLs usually indicate the need for a more involved care plan. This can include scheduled visits from a caregiver who can help with transfers, medication reminders, and structured routines.

Mostly D’s: Specialized or Full-Time Care

If your loved one has significant cognitive or physical needs, specialized care or 24-hour support may be the safest option. Consistent routines and trained dementia caregivers can significantly reduce anxiety and confusion for individuals with cognitive impairment. This kind of support is important when families are determining how to choose the right in-home care for complex conditions.

Next Steps

Getting your quiz results is a great starting point, but every senior’s situation is unique. The best next step to take is a professional in-home assessment. This will help build a customized care plan that revolves around your loved one’s needs and concerns.

Knowing how to choose the right in-home care service isn’t just about today’s needs, it’s also about planning ahead so your loved one can age confidently and comfortably at home.

If you’d like guidance, we’re here to help every step of the way.