An elderly sitter or companion provides supervision, conversation, light housekeeping and help with errands, but usually not hands-on medical care. Agency rates for non-medical in-home care had a national median of about $35 an hour in 2025. For seniors living alone, the best setup usually combines a few hours of in-person help with daily check-ins, a medical alert device and home safety fixes.
Support Options for Seniors Living Alone
| Option | What it covers | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sitter or companion | Supervision, company, meals, errands, light chores | About $35/hour (agency median) |
| Home care aide | Everything above plus bathing, dressing, toileting | Similar hourly rates; more training |
| Adult day center | Daytime activities, meals and supervision | About $95/day |
| Daily check-in calls | Phone or text call to confirm someone is OK | Often free through police, senior centers or volunteers |
| Medical alert device | Button or watch to call for help; some detect falls | Monthly subscription |
| Meal delivery | Prepared meals delivered | Free or low cost through Meals on Wheels; paid services |
Cost source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey national medians.
Agency or Independent Sitter?
Agencies screen, train, insure and replace caregivers, and they handle payroll taxes, but charge more. Independent sitters cost less and you choose the person, but you handle screening, scheduling, backup and possibly household employer taxes.
Home Safety Checklist for an Older Adult Living Alone
- Floors: remove throw rugs and cords; add non-slip mats.
- Lighting: night lights from bed to bathroom; switches at both ends of stairs.
- Bathroom: grab bars by the toilet and tub, a shower chair, a raised toilet seat.
- Stairs: sturdy rails on both sides.
- Kitchen: move daily items to waist height; consider an automatic stove shut-off.
- Emergencies: working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a lockbox key for responders, and a posted medication list.
When Living Alone Stops Being Safe
Watch for missed medications, falls, weight loss, spoiled food, unpaid bills, getting lost or new confusion. These are signs to add more care, consider an adult day program or PACE, or look at assisted living. Our assisted living costs by state guide shows typical prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an elderly sitter do?
An elderly sitter provides supervision and companionship, prepares simple meals, does light housekeeping and runs errands. Most sitters do not give medical care or hands-on personal care unless trained as home care aides.
How much do sitter services for the elderly cost?
Agency non-medical in-home care had a national median of about $35 an hour in 2025, according to CareScout. Independent sitters may charge less; rates vary by area.
What support services help seniors living alone?
Common supports include companion or sitter visits, daily check-in calls, medical alert devices, meal delivery, adult day programs, transportation services and home safety modifications.
Does Medicare pay for a sitter?
No. Medicare does not cover companion, sitter or custodial care. Medicaid waivers, the VA, long-term care insurance and some Medicare Advantage plans may help.
How do I make a home safer for an elderly parent?
Remove trip hazards, add lighting and grab bars, install rails on both sides of stairs, keep daily items within reach, and set up smoke detectors and a medical alert device.
Sources: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey; Medicare.gov. General information only.
Care.com does not employ or place caregivers, provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, or engage in any conduct that requires a professional license, including in connection with certain senior caregiving services. Families are responsible for conducting their own additional vetting and should verify the accuracy of information in caregiver profiles, job postings, and other areas of the site. Pricing is subject to change; confirm current rates on Care.com directly. Care.com and “When it’s not you, it’s Care.com” are service marks or registered service marks of Care.com, Inc.
Get guides like this in your inbox
Medicare changes, money tips, health guides and deals for adults 55+. Free, from Senior Affair Magazine.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy.
