Realising that an ageing parent needs extra support can be difficult, but knowing what kind of care they need can be even more challenging. While they may feel they can still manage on their own, they could be putting their health and safety at risk without the right level of assistance. From companion care and caregiving to frail care, here’s what each option involves, along with a simple checklist to help you determine which level of care may be the best fit. 

1. Companion care

• What it is: Non-medical support. Conversation, outings, transport, shopping, light errands, and a watchful eye. 
• Who it’s for: Independent seniors who still manage their own personal care but benefit from company, transport or help with the small things. 
• Typical pattern: A few hours, one to three times a week. The most affordable level of paid support. 

2. Caregiver / home-based care 

• What it is: Personal care assistance, bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility, basic wound care, medication reminders. Usually a trained carer, sometimes a nurse. 
• Who it’s for: Seniors who need physical help with daily activities but want to stay in their own home. 
• Typical pattern: Daily shifts, sometimes 24/7 live-in. Significantly more expensive.

3. Frail care

• What it is: Full-time residential care in a registered facility, with nursing staff available around the clock. 
• Who it’s for: Seniors who can no longer safely live alone, often with advanced dementia or significant medical needs. 
• Typical pattern: Permanent move into a care home or frail-care wing. 

Still not sure which category would be best for your parent?

Most families wait too long to introduce companion care, then jump straight to caregivers or frail care after a crisis. The better path is the opposite: introduce light support early, when your parent is still independent, and let it scale up gradually. 

A weekly companion visit at 75 often delays the need for a live-in caregiver at 80, and frail care at 85. 

Ask yourself these five question about your parent to get a feel for the level of care they migh require: 

1. Can my parent safely bathe, dress and use the bathroom alone? 
2. Are they cooking and eating regularly? 
3. Are they managing their own medication? 
4. Are they getting out of the house? 
5. Are they socially connected? 

If the first three are yes but the last two are no, companion care is almost certainly the right starting point. If, however, the first three are a no or teetering towards it, it is probably time to look at home-based care or possibly even frail care, depending on the severity.

Content by Serene Assist. 

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