If you’ve been asking yourself whether it’s time for extra help at home, you’re not alone. Families across Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough face this same question every day. Sometimes the signs are gradual—like more forgetfulness or skipped meals. Other times, things shift quickly after a hospital stay or fall.

At Home Instead Chapel Hill, we’ve helped hundreds of local families recognize those early signs and take action that helps their loved ones stay safe, engaged, and independent at home.

Here are a few common indicators that in-home care might be the right next step:

• Missed medications or difficulty managing routines
• Trouble with dressing, hygiene, or getting around
• Signs of memory loss or confusion
• Isolation or withdrawal from social activities
• Increasing need for support from family or friends
• Caregiver burnout or overwhelm
  
  

Choosing care doesn’t mean taking away independence—it means preserving it, with just the right support. Whether your loved one lives in Fearrington Village or near UNC, we’ll meet them where they are—literally and emotionally.

Not sure how to start the conversation? Download our What’s Next Toolkit for helpful guides and checklists. Or talk to us directly. A free care consultation can help you explore your options with no pressure.

Trying to do it all yourself can be exhausting—even if you love the person you're caring for deeply. At Home Instead Chapel Hill, we’ve supported hundreds of family caregivers who came to us feeling stressed, unsure, and worried they were falling short.

The truth? Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re giving up—it means you’re getting support to stay strong, protect your relationship, and avoid burnout.

Here’s when in-home care can make a difference:

• You’re balancing caregiving with work, family, and personal health
• Your loved one’s needs are growing
• You're overwhelmed by daily responsibilities like meals, hygiene, or transportation
• You want companionship and professional care for them—even when you can’t be there
  
  

Our Care Pros provide flexible, one-on-one support in homes across Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, and nearby communities. Whether it's memory support, help getting to UNC Health appointments, or just a friendly conversation over lunch, we’re here to help your loved one stay connected and well cared for.

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to bring in care. Many families start with just a few hours a week and adjust as needed. Download our “What’s Next” Toolkit for help navigating the conversation. Or schedule a consultation to learn more.

It depends on your loved one’s needs—but for many families in Chapel Hill and beyond, in-home care offers the most personalized, flexible, and comforting option.

Most older adults we serve want to stay in the home they love—whether that’s a cozy house in Carrboro or a retirement community in Pittsboro. In-home care makes that possible by providing the right level of support without the disruption of a move.

Home care vs. assisted living

Assisted living might work for those who prefer a community setting, but in-home care allows your loved one to:

• Stay in familiar surroundings
• Receive one-on-one attention from a consistent Care Pro
• Keep their own routines, pets, and preferences
• Avoid adjusting to a new environment or staff
  
  

Home care vs. hiring privately

Hiring an independent caregiver may seem less expensive—but it comes with risks. You're responsible for taxes, liability, background checks, and finding backup if they can’t show up.

With Home Instead Chapel Hill, you get:

• Fully vetted, trained, and insured Care Pros
• 24/7 local support and backup coverage
• A Care Manager who oversees quality and communication
• Peace of mind knowing we handle the logistics
  
  

Not sure what’s best for your family? Let’s talk through it.

In-home care gives your loved one the help they need to stay safe, independent, and connected to life—right in their own home. It’s flexible, personalized, and built entirely around your family’s goals.

Here’s what to expect with Home Instead Chapel Hill:

1. Start with a conversation. We’ll meet you for a free consultation to understand your situation. What routines matter? What health conditions or memory issues are at play? We listen first—then help build a plan.
2. Create a personalized care plan. Based on your needs, we’ll recommend a schedule and care services—from personal hygiene and meal prep to medication reminders, companionship, or specialized dementia support.
3. Choose your Care Pro. We’ll match your loved one with a skilled, compassionate Care Pro who fits their needs and personality. Many of our Care Pros are long-term team members, bilingual, and specially trained in chronic condition and Alzheimer’s care.
4. Start care—fast. We can often begin care within 48 hours. And if anything changes, your Care Manager is just a call away.
5. Stay connected. Our team checks in regularly to ensure your care plan is working. And with 24/7 phone support, you’re never on your own.

Want to see how it would work for your family?

At Home Instead, we call our caregivers Care Pros—because they bring more than just help. They bring compassion, consistency, and deep respect for the older adults they support.

Here’s what makes our Chapel Hill Care Pros special:

• Extensively trained and carefully vetted Each Care Pro completes background checks, drug screening, and ongoing training—including Alzheimer’s and chronic condition support.
• Matched for compatibility We take the time to understand your loved one’s routines, hobbies, and personality—and then match them with a Care Pro who fits.
• Employees, not freelancers We manage all employment logistics, including insurance, taxes, and scheduling—so you don’t have to.
• Supported by a local team Your Care Pro isn’t working alone. They’re backed by a full-time staff who coordinates care and checks in regularly to ensure quality.

Many of our Care Pros have been with us for years—and families often tell us they feel more like family than staff.

Ready to meet our Care Pros? Get to know our Chapel Hill team

Home Instead Chapel Hill is proud to be one of the most trusted names in home care throughout Orange, Chatham, and Durham counties.

Since 1997, we’ve delivered more than 850,000 hours of care to older adults across the region. Whether we’re helping someone return home from UNC Health, supporting a spouse during memory decline, or just offering companionship during the day—we’ve earned a reputation for care that’s truly personal.

Why local families choose us:

• Customized care plans based on your goals and lifestyle
• Rapid start—care can often begin within 48 hours
• Experienced Care Pros matched for skills and personality
• Local expertise + the national strength of the Home Instead network
• No long-term contracts—just care that adapts to your needs
  
  

We partner closely with local hospitals, primary care providers, and senior organizations—so you can feel confident that you’re getting professional care with a personal touch.

Let’s talk about what would work for your family.

The cost of in-home care depends on how much support you need and how often. Most families in Chapel Hill choose hourly care because it’s flexible and easy to adjust as needs change.

We’ll work with you to build a care plan that fits your loved one’s preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you need a few hours of respite a week or round-the-clock support, there’s no long-term contract—and no pressure.

How to pay for care:

• Private pay (the most flexible option)
• Long-term care insurance (we’ll help you verify coverage)
• VA Aid & Attendance benefits (we regularly support veterans and spouses)
• Family or shared contributions

Planning for care costs can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’ll help you explore all your options and connect with trusted partners, if needed.

Let’s create a care plan that fits your needs—and your budget.