How to Estimate Home Care Hours Your Loved One Needs

Figuring out how many hours of professional home care a family member needs is one of the first and most important steps in the care planning process. Overestimate and you may stretch the budget unnecessarily. Underestimate and gaps in care can lead to safety concerns, missed medications, or caregiver burnout for the family members filling in the gaps. The right number of hours depends on the individual's physical abilities, cognitive status, and the support system already in place.

Start by Assessing Daily Activities

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

ADLs are the basic self-care tasks that most healthy adults do independently. When a person can no longer perform one or more of these tasks without assistance, professional care is usually needed:

• Bathing and personal hygiene (showering, hair washing, oral care)
• Dressing (choosing appropriate clothing, fastening buttons, zippers)
• Eating and feeding (preparing bites, bringing food to mouth, chewing safely)
• Toileting (getting to the bathroom, managing clothing, hygiene afterward)
• Transferring (moving from bed to chair, chair to standing)
• Walking and mobility (navigating the home, using stairs)

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

IADLs are more complex tasks that allow someone to live independently in a community. Difficulty with IADLs is often the first sign that additional help is needed:

• Meal preparation (planning, cooking, cleanup)
• Medication management (remembering doses, opening bottles, refilling prescriptions)
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Transportation to medical appointments and errands
• Grocery shopping
• Managing finances (paying bills, handling bank accounts)

General Guidelines for Care Hours

• Light assistance (companionship, errands, meal prep): 4 to 8 hours per week. This level suits someone who is generally independent but benefits from occasional help and social interaction.
• Moderate needs (help with some ADLs, medication reminders): 15 to 25 hours per week. The person can do some things independently but needs regular hands-on support.
• Extensive needs (help with most ADLs, safety supervision): 30 to 50 hours per week. The person should not be left alone for extended periods.
• Full-time care: 50 or more hours per week, or live-in/24-hour care. This level is appropriate when the person has significant physical or cognitive limitations that require constant supervision.

When to Reassess

Care needs rarely stay the same over time. Reassess the number of hours every three to six months, or sooner after any significant event such as a hospitalization, a fall, a new diagnosis, or a noticeable decline in cognitive function. Even positive changes, like recovery from surgery, may allow you to reduce hours.

Use our Care Hours Estimator to calculate the right level of care based on your loved one's specific needs.

Need Professional Home Care?

For a free care assessment, contact a licensed home care agency. Their team will help you determine the right care plan for your family's situation.