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Types of Aide Services

There will come a time when having extra help around the home will be essential to sustain care in the home and provide relief to the primary caregiver.  These services include:

• Companionship: supervision, engagement/activities, transportation.
• Homemaker: light cleaning, heavy chore, meal preparation, washing dishes, laundry, grocery shopping, organization, plant and/or pet care.
• Personal care: bathing, dressing, hair care, shaving, oral care, bathroom assistance, supporting physical therapy, skin and nail care.

How Do I Pay for Services?

These services are often paid for privately. Services may be paid for by Long-Term Care insurance (if already in place) or through local subsidized programming.  To explore options for payment:

• Verify whether a Long-Term Care insurance policy is in place. If so, check with the insurance provider for eligibility to initiate benefits.
• Contact your local Elder Services organization for an eligibility assessment for subsidized services in your community. You can find your local Elder Services organization by clicking here.

Starting Your Search

Some people choose to hire in-home aides through an agency, while others choose to hire privately through their own community networks.  Each has pros and cons.  For in-home aide agencies (or other community resources) in your area, these organizations that may have helpful listings. Click on each one to visit their website:

• Your local Elder Services agency
• Boston ElderINFO (for Boston residents)
• Your local Council On Aging
• Alzheimer’s Association Care Consultations
• Jewish Family & Children’s Service