The term "home care services" refers to many different services for different levels of need. They can include companion or homemaker services such as grocery shopping, light housekeeping, running errands, reading aloud, pet care, meal preparation, transportation and medication reminders. They can also include "personal care services" such as assistance with hygiene, toileting and bathing.

Most consumers receive services from individual or independent provider who is not employed by an agency. About one in six IHSS people receive services through contracts with agencies that employ home care workers.

If you choose to hire a home care worker directly, you become the employer. In this case, you are responsible for supervising the worker and paying his or her taxes. If you choose to hire a home care worker through an agency, the agency is responsible for their taxes and benefits. You'll pay the agency, which will assign a worker and schedule his or her visits to you. With this arrangement, you generally pay more and may have less choice in the selection of the home care worker, but you will be freed from administrative and other responsibilities involved in hiring a worker directly.

Before you visit or call individual workers or agencies, you may wish to print out copies of Getcare's Home Care Services checklist, which provides detailed questions to help you to evaluate and compare services.

Home Care services are typically covered by private pay, though some long-term care insurance plans include coverage for home care. Some elderly and disabled people with a limited income may be eligible for programs that pay for home care or in-home supportive services.