Personal Care vs. Companion Care in Omaha: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to in-home care services in Omaha, Nebraska, one of the most important decisions families face is choosing the right level of care for their aging loved one. Two of the most commonly offered (and often confused) types of home care are Personal Care and Companion Care.

While both services aim to help seniors remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home, they serve different purposes and levels of need. Choosing the right one can improve quality of life—not only for the senior but for the entire family.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the differences, benefits, and costs of each, plus help you decide which option may be the best fit for your situation in Omaha and surrounding areas.

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🧓 What Is Companion Care?

Companion care is a non-medical support service designed primarily to provide socialization, emotional support, and assistance with light daily tasks.

It is ideal for seniors who are generally independent but may be:

• Feeling isolated or lonely

• Having minor challenges with memory or routine

• Needing help with errands, transportation, or household chores

✅ Services Typically Included in Companion Care:

• Friendly conversation and social engagement

• Meal preparation

• Grocery shopping or errands

• Light housekeeping and laundry

• Medication reminders (not administration)

• Accompanying clients to doctor’s appointments or walks

• Help with mail, phone calls, or organizing schedules

Important: Companion care does not involve hands-on assistance with activities like bathing, toileting, or transferring.

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🚿 What Is Personal Care?

Personal care (also known as hands-on care) includes everything offered in companion care, but adds assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—the essential tasks required for day-to-day well-being.

This level of care is recommended for seniors who are:

• Living with physical limitations or mobility issues

• Recovering from surgery or illness

• Experiencing cognitive decline (like dementia or Alzheimer’s)

• At risk of falls or injuries without hands-on assistance

✅ Services Typically Included in Personal Care:

• Bathing and grooming assistance

• Dressing and toileting support

• Help with mobility, transfers, or bed positioning

• Incontinence care

• Assistance with eating and hygiene routines

• Medication reminders and supervision

• All services included in companion care

At agencies like Xtrakare, personal care is delivered by trained caregivers who are comfortable with hands-on support, safety protocols, and sensitive personal tasks.

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📍 Personal Care vs. Companion Care in Omaha: Key Differences

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🏡 Which Type of Care Is Right for Your Loved One?

Here are a few questions to help guide your decision:

1. Does your loved one need help with personal hygiene or mobility?

If yes, Personal Care is likely the right fit.

2. Are they generally independent but lonely or struggling with basic household tasks?

Then Companion Care may be enough to provide support and improve emotional well-being.

3. Are they living with dementia or Alzheimer’s?

They may benefit from Personal Care, especially if confusion leads to issues with toileting, dressing, or eating.

4. Is safety a concern when they’re alone?

If falls, wandering, or medication mismanagement are concerns, opt for Personal Care or a hybrid care plan that includes supervision.

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💬 Real-Life Example: Choosing the Right Care in Omaha

Case #1 – Companion Care:
Ruth, 81, lives alone in the Dundee area. She’s in good health but became isolated after her husband passed. Her daughter hired a caregiver through Xtrakare for 10 hours per week to provide Companion Care—chatting, grocery shopping, helping with tech, and going on neighborhood walks. It gave Ruth purpose again and her daughter peace of mind.

Case #2 – Personal Care:
Walter, 86, a veteran in Bellevue, has Parkinson’s and needs help bathing, eating, and getting out of bed. Xtrakare built a Personal Care plan with 20 hours/week of support. His caregiver is trained in mobility safety, and Walter’s quality of life has improved dramatically.

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💵 How Much Do These Services Cost in Omaha?

Average Rates (as of 2025):

• Companion Care: $28–$35/hour

• Personal Care: $30–$38/hour

Both services can be arranged by the hour, and most agencies offer flexible plans starting as low as 2 hours per week.

Payment Options:

• Private Pay

• Medicaid Waivers (A&D Waiver in Nebraska)

• VA Benefits (Aid & Attendance)

• Long-Term Care Insurance

• Family Contributions or Caregiver Sharing

Xtrakare works with both private pay and Medicaid waiver clients, making care more accessible to families across the Omaha metro.

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💡 Can You Combine Companion and Personal Care?

Absolutely. Many families start with Companion Care and transition to Personal Care as needs increase. At Xtrakare, we offer customizable care plans that blend both types of services based on the evolving needs of your loved one.

You’re never locked into one level—we adjust the care plan as life changes.

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👥 Why Omaha Families Trust Xtrakare for Both Companion and Personal Care

• 💙 Trained, compassionate caregivers with hands-on experience

• 📅 Flexible scheduling, including part-time, full-time, or 24-hour care

• 🔒 Licensed, bonded, and insured

• 🧠 Specialized dementia support

• 📍 Serving Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Ralston, and surrounding areas

We treat your loved one like family—because to us, they are.

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🏁 Final Thoughts: Your Loved One Deserves the Right Care

Deciding between personal care and companion care may feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. The right in-home care can help your loved one age with dignity, independence, and joy—right in the comfort of their home.

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📞 Still Not Sure Which is Right for You?

Let us help. Call Xtrakare today for a free in-home consultation and we’ll walk you through the options based on your loved one’s unique needs.

📍 Serving Omaha and surrounding Nebraska communities
📞 Call: 531-325-7170
🌐 Visit: www.xtrakare.com