How Much Home Care Does My Parent Need?

There is no formula that fits every family. But the families who get this right usually start with a single day on paper, not a weekly schedule.

Start with the day, not the week: write down a typical day from waking up to going to bed. Mark the times when help would actually change the outcome — getting out of the shower safely, eating lunch, taking a 4 PM walk, not being alone after sundown.

Three patterns we see: light support (8 to 15 hours a week, usually mornings or afternoons); steady support (20 to 39 hours a week, often two visits a day); intensive support (40+ hours, overnight, or 24-hour shifts).

Adjusting after week one: most families either add an evening shift or shift the morning visit earlier. Few cut hours after the first week.

Budget reality check: do the math on weekly hours times the local hourly rate. If the number is uncomfortable, talk through 24-hour vs. assisted living costs before committing.