Frequently Asked Questions

Non-medical elderly care refers to support services that help seniors with activities of daily living without providing medical treatment. This includes personal care, companionship, homemaking, and assistance with tasks like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and transportation — all delivered by trained caregivers who are not medical professionals. It is distinct from home health care, which involves licensed nurses or therapists.

A Personal Care Assistant (PCA) helps seniors with activities of daily living, which may include bathing, grooming, hair care, dressing and undressing, oral hygiene, toileting and incontinence care, mobility and transfer assistance (getting in and out of chairs, beds, or vehicles), and medication reminders. PCAs do not administer medications or provide medical treatments — they assist with the personal, physical tasks of everyday living.

Companion care focuses on social and emotional engagement — providing meaningful conversation, participating in activities and hobbies, reading together, accompanying the senior on outings, and offering emotional support and friendship. Homemaker services focus on household tasks: light housekeeping, vacuuming, laundry, dishwashing, meal preparation, and grocery shopping. Many of our clients receive a blend of both services, and we can customize a plan to combine them according to your loved one's needs.

Absolutely. Every care plan at New Haven Elderly Services is personalized to the individual senior's needs, preferences, daily routine, and the goals of their family. We begin every relationship with a comprehensive conversation to understand who the person is and what kind of support would genuinely help them. From there, we build a plan that fits — and we adjust it over time as needs change.

There are several signs that a senior may benefit from in-home care support: difficulty managing daily tasks like bathing or dressing independently, concerns about their safety when home alone, noticeable weight loss or signs of poor nutrition, increased social isolation or loneliness, memory lapses or confusion, or difficulty keeping the home clean and organized. If you are concerned, contact us — our team can help you assess whether in-home care is the right next step.

Yes. New Haven Elderly Services provides care throughout Connecticut, including communities in New Haven County, Fairfield County, and beyond. We serve families in Hamden, West Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Meriden, Milford, Stratford, Shelton, Derby, Ansonia, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Orange, Woodbridge, and many other towns. Contact us to confirm availability in your specific area.

Some of our services, including PCA care and Adult Family Living, may be covered through Connecticut Medicaid (HUSKY) or other state programs, depending on the senior's eligibility and care needs. Private pay options are also available for families who do not qualify for state assistance. We encourage families to contact us directly to discuss payment options and any assistance we can provide in navigating state programs.

We understand that families often need care quickly. After you contact us, we will schedule a consultation as soon as possible — often within one to two business days. Following the consultation and any required assessments, care placement timelines vary depending on the service type and caregiver availability. We work as efficiently as possible to ensure your loved one receives support when they need it.

Minimum hours may vary depending on the type of service and the specific arrangement. Contact our team to discuss your situation — we will work with you to find a schedule that meets your loved one's needs and fits within any program or scheduling requirements that apply.