If your parent or loved one is struggling with daily tasks at home — but does not need a doctor or nurse — non-medical home care could be exactly what your family needs. Here is everything you need to know, explained clearly and honestly.
When families in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan first begin researching home care options, they often encounter a confusing mix of terms: home health care, personal care, custodial care, companion care, in-home caregiver. It can feel overwhelming — especially when you are already managing the emotional weight of watching a loved one’s needs change.
This guide breaks it all down. We will explain exactly what non-medical home care is, what services it includes, who it is right for, how much it costs in New York City, and what to look for when choosing a home care agency in Brooklyn.
At Caring Hearts Service, we have provided compassionate non-medical home care to families throughout Brooklyn and New York City for years. This guide reflects both our professional expertise and our deep understanding of what NYC families face when navigating elder care decisions.
What Is Non-Medical Home Care?
Non-medical home care is professional, in-home assistance with everyday activities — sometimes called Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) — that does not involve any medical treatment, clinical nursing, or licensed health procedures.
In practical terms: if your mother needs help getting out of bed, preparing meals, or simply having someone present so she is not alone — that is non-medical home care. It is personal. It is practical. And for millions of American families, it is the difference between a loved one living safely at home or moving into a facility before they are ready.
Non-medical home care is also commonly referred to as:
- Personal care or personal assistance
- Custodial care
- Companion care or companionship care
- In-home support services
- Private duty care
💬 In Plain English: Non-medical home care covers everything a dedicated, caring family member would do — without the medical piece. Think: bathing, dressing, meal prep, companionship, light housekeeping, and keeping your loved one safe at home.
What Services Does Non-Medical Home Care Include?
Non-medical home care covers a broad spectrum of support. At Caring Hearts Service, our caregivers are trained to assist with all of the following:
Personal Care & Hygiene
- Bathing, showering, and personal hygiene
- Dressing, grooming, and hair care
- Oral hygiene and skincare routines
- Toileting assistance and continence care
- Assistance transferring safely from bed to wheelchair or chair
- Mobility support and fall prevention within the home
Companion Care & Emotional Wellbeing
Social isolation is one of the most serious and underreported health risks for older adults. Research links chronic loneliness in seniors to increased rates of cognitive decline, depression, and cardiovascular disease. A companion caregiver provides regular human connection that is genuinely life-improving.
- Friendly conversation and active listening
- Accompanying clients to medical appointments, errands, or social events
- Playing games, reading together, watching programs of interest
- Light exercise, walks, and outdoor activities
- Providing a calm, reassuring presence for those experiencing anxiety or memory challenges
Household Support & Daily Living Assistance
- Light housekeeping — vacuuming, mopping, dusting, laundry, dishes
- Meal planning and home-cooked meal preparation, including dietary restrictions
- Grocery shopping, pharmacy pickup, and errand running
- Medication reminders (caregivers remind — they do not administer or adjust dosages)
- Help with mail, correspondence, and appointment scheduling
- Pet care and plant care as part of daily routines
Respite Care for Family Caregivers
Respite care is one of the most requested — and most needed — forms of non-medical home care. If you are a family member providing the majority of care for a parent or spouse, respite care gives you scheduled, reliable relief.
Caregiver burnout is real. Research shows that family caregivers face significantly higher risks of depression, physical illness, and social withdrawal. Respite care is not a luxury — it is a necessity for sustainable, long-term family caregiving.
Overnight Care and 24-Hour In-Home Care
Some families need more than daytime help. Overnight care provides a caregiver who is present through the night — ready to assist if your loved one wakes, becomes disoriented, or needs help with nighttime routines. This is especially important for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or a history of nighttime falls.
For families who need continuous coverage, 24-hour live-in home care places a caregiver in the home full-time. This is a significantly more affordable alternative to memory care facilities or nursing homes — and it keeps your loved one in the environment they know and love.
Non-Medical Home Care vs. Medical Home Care: What Is the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions families ask. Here is a clear side-by-side comparison:
| Non-Medical Home Care | Medical / Skilled Home Care | |
| Who provides it? | Trained non-medical caregiver | Licensed nurse (RN/LPN), HHA, or therapist |
| What do they do? | ADLs, companionship, household help, medication reminders | Wound care, injections, IV therapy, prescribed therapy, medical monitoring |
| Doctor’s order required? | No — families arrange directly | Yes — physician referral typically required |
| Covered by Medicare? | Generally not covered | Yes, if medically necessary and ordered by a doctor |
| Covered by Medicaid (NY)? | Possibly — via CDPAP or MLTC programs in New York | Yes, for eligible individuals |
| Best suited for? | Seniors needing daily support, companionship, or family caregiver relief | Post-surgery recovery or chronic medical conditions requiring monitoring |
| Avg. hourly cost in NYC | $25 – $35 per hour | $40 – $65+ per hour |
📌 Good to Know: Many families need both types of care at different stages. A senior recovering from hip surgery may need skilled nursing immediately after discharge, then transition to non-medical home care for ongoing daily support. These services are complementary, not competing.
Who Needs Non-Medical Home Care? Common Situations
Non-medical home care is not just for people who are seriously ill. It is for anyone who needs extra help maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life at home. Here are the most common situations families come to us with:
Seniors Living Alone in Brooklyn or NYC
New York City has one of the largest populations of seniors living alone of any city in the United States. For older adults in Brooklyn apartments — without family nearby to help with grocery runs, medication reminders, or simple companionship — a regular caregiver visit can be transformative. It is not just about safety. It is about connection.
Post-Hospital Recovery and Discharge Support
Hospital discharge is one of the highest-risk moments in an older adult’s care journey. Seniors who return home without adequate support are significantly more likely to be readmitted within 30 days. A non-medical caregiver bridges the gap — helping with meals, mobility, hygiene, and medication reminders during the critical recovery period.
Early to Moderate Dementia and Memory Loss
For families navigating a loved one’s dementia diagnosis, non-medical home care offers structured daily routines, a consistent familiar caregiver, and the supervision needed to prevent wandering, falls, or accidents. Our caregivers are trained to work with clients experiencing cognitive changes with patience and a calm, reassuring presence.
Family Caregivers Who Need Relief
If you are caring full-time for a parent or spouse, you are likely giving more than you realize — and receiving less support than you deserve. Respite care through a professional agency gives you scheduled, reliable time away from caregiving without guilt, worry, or logistical scramble. It is good for you, and it is good for your loved one.
Seniors Recovering from Surgery or Illness
After a fall, fracture, cardiac event, or elective surgery, the transition home from rehabilitation is critical. Non-medical caregivers support recovery by ensuring your loved one follows daily routines safely, eats well, remains mobile, and avoids the isolation that can slow healing.
Adults with Disabilities Who Want to Age in Place
Non-medical home care is not exclusively for seniors. Adults of any age living with physical disabilities, neurological conditions, or chronic illness may benefit from in-home personal care that enables them to live independently — rather than in institutional settings.
How Much Does Non-Medical Home Care Cost in New York City?
Cost is one of the first questions families ask, and it is important to have honest, accurate information. In the New York City area, non-medical home care through a licensed agency typically costs between $25 and $35 per hour for standard daytime care. Overnight and live-in arrangements are billed at a daily or weekly rate.
| Type of Care | Typical NYC Rate | Notes |
| Hourly care (4–8 hrs/day) | $25 – $35 / hour | Most common arrangement for daily support |
| Overnight care | $200 – $280 / night | Caregiver present through the night |
| Live-in / 24-hour care | $280 – $380 / day | Far less expensive than a memory care facility or nursing home |
| Respite care (as needed) | $25 – $35 / hour | Flexible; ideal for scheduled family caregiver relief |
How to Pay for Non-Medical Home Care in NYC
Most non-medical home care is paid privately, but there are funding options available specifically in New York State that many families do not know about:
| Funding Source | What You Need to Know |
| CDPAP (NY Medicaid) | New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program allows Medicaid-eligible individuals to hire — and even pay — a family member or trusted friend as their caregiver. This is one of the most valuable and underutilized programs available to Brooklyn families. |
| Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) | New York’s MLTC plans through Medicaid can cover ongoing home care for eligible seniors who need long-term support with Activities of Daily Living. |
| Long-Term Care Insurance | If your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, it may cover a significant portion of home care costs. Most policies activate when 2 or more ADLs are affected. |
| Veterans Benefits — Aid & Attendance | Eligible wartime veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance pension, which provides monthly payments specifically to help offset the cost of in-home care. |
| Private Pay | Many families pay directly, viewing it as far more cost-effective than the $5,000 – $8,000 per month average cost of assisted living in New York City. |
💡 Brooklyn Families: Many families qualify for New York’s CDPAP program but have never heard of it. At our free in-home assessment, we help you understand whether your loved one may be eligible and connect you with the right resources.
How to Choose a Non-Medical Home Care Agency in Brooklyn or NYC
Choosing the right home care agency is one of the most important decisions a family will make. The person you invite into your loved one’s home will be trusted with their safety, comfort, and dignity every single day. Here is what to look for:
1. Licensed and Registered in New York State
Any agency providing personal care or companion care services must be registered with the New York State Department of Health. Always verify an agency’s licensure before engaging their services.
2. Thorough Caregiver Screening and Training
Ask specifically: Does the agency conduct criminal background checks, including fingerprinting? Are caregivers trained in first aid and CPR? Is there ongoing training for working with clients who have dementia or mobility limitations? The answer to all of these should be yes.
3. A Personalized, Written Care Plan
Before care begins, a reputable agency will conduct an in-home assessment to understand your loved one’s specific needs, environment, and health history. This assessment should result in a written care plan that guides the caregiver’s work — not a one-size-fits-all checklist.
4. Caregiver-Client Matching
Chemistry matters enormously in a caregiving relationship. Ask the agency how they match caregivers to clients. At Caring Hearts Service, we consider personality, communication style, language preference, and shared interests — not just availability.
5. Clear Backup and Continuity Policies
What happens if your caregiver is sick or has an emergency? A reliable agency always has backup coverage — and you should never be left scrambling. Ask for their coverage policy in writing before you begin services.
6. Transparent Pricing and No Hidden Fees
Home care pricing should be clear, itemized, and provided in writing before services begin. At Caring Hearts Service, we provide written agreements and never surprise families with hidden charges.
7. A Free In-Home Assessment
Any reputable non-medical home care agency will offer a free, no-obligation in-home assessment before asking you to commit. This visit allows the care team to meet your loved one, see their home, and begin building a real relationship — not just a transaction.
Why Brooklyn & NYC Families Choose Caring Hearts Service
Caring Hearts Service is a Brooklyn-based non-medical home care and staffing agency serving families throughout all five boroughs of New York City. Here is what sets us apart:
- Deep Brooklyn roots: We are not a national franchise. We are a locally operated agency that understands the neighborhoods, resources, and families of Brooklyn — from Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights to Bay Ridge and Flatbush.
- Compassionate, trained caregivers: Every caregiver we place is background-checked, trained, and personally interviewed. We do not place caregivers we would not trust with our own family members.
- Personalized matching: We match caregivers based on personality, communication style, language preference, and shared interests — because the relationship is what makes care work.
- Flexible scheduling: Whether you need a few hours a week or 24-hour live-in care, we accommodate your schedule and can scale services as your loved one’s needs change.
- Home care and staffing services: We also offer healthcare staffing solutions for families and organizations seeking direct-hire caregivers or professional caregiver placement.
- Free in-home assessment: We begin every client relationship with a complimentary in-home visit — no pressure, no commitment — to understand your family’s unique situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A home health aide (HHA) is a licensed position in New York State authorized to perform certain medical-related tasks under nursing supervision — such as taking vital signs or assisting with prescribed exercises. Non-medical home caregivers focus exclusively on personal care and daily living support: bathing, dressing, meals, companionship, and light housekeeping. They do not perform any clinical or medical tasks.
Medicare does not cover non-medical (custodial) home care when it is the only care needed. Medicare covers skilled nursing or therapy services only when a doctor orders them and the patient meets specific medical criteria. For ongoing personal care and companionship, families typically pay privately, use Medicaid programs like CDPAP, or draw on long-term care insurance.
Yes. New York State’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) allows Medicaid-eligible individuals to hire, direct, and pay a family member or trusted friend as their caregiver. This is one of the most important programs available to Brooklyn families and is often underutilized. Contact us to find out whether your loved one may qualify.
Most families begin with as little as 4 to 8 hours per week — a caregiver coming in a few mornings to help with bathing, breakfast, and medication reminders. As needs grow, hours can be expanded to full-time or live-in coverage. There is no minimum commitment. We design care plans around your loved one’s actual needs and your family’s budget.
Yes. Caring Hearts Service provides overnight care, where a caregiver is present through the night, as well as 24-hour live-in care for clients who need continuous support. This is particularly valuable for seniors with dementia, those at risk of nighttime falls, or those recently discharged from the hospital.
CDPAP — the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program — is a New York Medicaid program that gives eligible individuals the ability to hire, direct, and pay for their own home care, including a family member. Eligibility is based on Medicaid enrollment and a documented need for personal care or home health aide services. The best way to find out if your loved one qualifies is to schedule a free in-home assessment with our team.
Caring Hearts Service provides non-medical home care throughout all five boroughs of New York City, including Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Park Slope. We also serve clients in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Contact us to confirm availability in your area.
The Bottom Line: Non-Medical Home Care Lets Your Loved One Stay Home
The decision to bring a caregiver into your family’s home is deeply personal. It is about trust, dignity, and quality of life. Non-medical home care at its best is not a service — it is a relationship built around the needs, preferences, and humanity of the person being cared for.
For families throughout Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and the rest of New York City, Caring Hearts Service is here to be that trusted presence. Our caregivers become a consistent, compassionate part of your loved one’s daily life — and your family’s support system.
If you are trying to figure out where to start, the best next step is simply a conversation. Our free in-home assessment is a no-pressure opportunity for us to understand your family’s needs and help you make the right decision — whatever that looks like for you.
