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Home care in Ithaca, NY that leads with the heart.


Helping older adults live the life they love in the place they call home.

I'm interested in home care services for:

4.9 star rating on Google (8 reviews)
(607) 319-0075
A Home Instead Care Pro with an adult.

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Why we’re the most trusted home care service in Ithaca, NY:

We’ve been caring for Ithaca, NY for years, providing trusted senior in-home care to the local community. Many Home Instead clients begin receiving support within 48 hours, and in some cases the same day. Many also choose to stay with us long-term, a reflection of the relationships and confidence we build with those we serve.

Here’s why so many families choose us:


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    Skilled & Trusted Caregivers

    We handpick every Care Pro for their skills, compassion, and professionalism—each one thoroughly vetted, trained, and ready to deliver exceptional care.

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    Flexible & Consistent Care

    Need help during the day? Overnight care? Weekend coverage? We offer flexible options, on-time visits, and reliable care from Care Pros you know and trust.

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    Matches Made to Last

    Because strong relationships lead to better care, we take time to find a Care Pro who’s the right fit—not just for the job, but for the person.

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    Proven Expertise

    Behind every Care Pro is a team of experienced home care advisors, gerontologists, and specialists working to ensure you receive care that’s thoughtful, informed, and personal.

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    Customized Care Plans

    Care isn’t one-size-fits-all. We partner with you to create a personalized care plan that grows and adapts as your needs change.

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    Unmatched Experience

    Founded in 1994, Home Instead has helped older adults around the world age safely and with dignity at home, using a time-tested approach built on connection and compassion.

Read our local Google reviews

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Sharon K.

1 year

Home Instead has been wonderful helping me care for my Mom with dementia. The staff if always helpful and caring. I would highly recommend them if you are looking for home care. My two aids were absolutely wonderful!!

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Ife O.

1 year

My experience with HomeInstead was very positive. The staff were helpful and compassionate. More importantly they listened and understood my needs. They arranged for a caregiver who was exactly what we were looking for. Save for financial reasons, I would have continued with their service. Would recommend them without reservation. Ife Ojugbeli

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Melissa D.

2 years

I had very good experience with Home Instead starting with Ben who set up the visits and provided a caretaker who was young engaging and open to any request. I heartedly recommend this organization.

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Katherine I.

5 years

This is the first time I have ever posted a review such as this. My twin sister was has early onset dementia and it became clear that she was going to need additional help besides what family could provide. I tried one local care giving agency and right away we knew it was not the right fit. I found Home Instead by doing my research and we are so happy we did. Right from the intake process it was clear that my sister was the priority and meeting her needs, both current and as they changed, was number one! Jennifer, the office manager was amazing. She took the time to learn about my sister's likes and dislikes, her fears and the things she enjoyed, and this is how she found the caregivers to help, they were often a perfect match. Jennifer and Home Instead tried very hard to strive for consistent caregivers and we were so very blessed to have had Jess be our main caregiver. She was so very genuine and caring and because my sister is quite young and physically active, Jess never hesitated to get her outside for wonderful walks and adventures. Truthfully, this has been the hardest time of our lives watching our love one change before our very eyes but Jennifer, Jess and the rest of the staff gave us peace of mind while caring for my sister. It is my heartfelt suggestion that if you should find yourself in such a situation please consider reaching out to Jennifer at Home Instead (Ithaca) for sincere and expert kind help.

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Lynn F.

3 years

Home Instead of Ithaca, NY, has helped tremendously in providing companion care for my elderly parent over a two and a half year period. The management worked hard to meet our needs flexibly and provided some superstar caregivers. They came through during the worst of the COVID pandemic. My heartfelt thanks to Ben and his team.

Trusted help for everyday needs.


We know it’s the little things that often make life easier. That’s why our approach to senior care includes help with daily tasks and routines, like cooking meals, shopping, and even folding laundry.


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    Light Housekeeping & Meal Prep

    We help with household tasks like laundry, vacuuming, and meal preparation to ensure a clean, safe, and nurturing environment.

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    Errands & Appointments

    Have an appointment, or need groceries from the local store? We offer safe accompaniment to just about anywhere around town.

Serving Ithaca, NY and the surrounding area.



Since 2019, Home Instead has been part of the community, providing quick access to top-rated home care in Ithaca.

Proudly caring for communities near you:

Tompkins, Cortland, Chenango, Madison and Southern Onondaga Counties. Including the cities of: Ithaca, Cortland, Oneida, Greene, Norwich, Morrisville, Cazenovia, Canastota, Chittenango, Bridgeport

…to name a few.

Get started with the most trusted home care in Ithaca, NY


We're here to listen and guide you through every step of the decision-making process. Our Ithaca caregivers make everyday life easier, safer, and more enjoyable, helping with errands, appointments, and the activities your loved one has always treasured.

Staying connected to the Ithaca community

Caregivers can help older adults stay active in your area, whether that's spending time outdoors at nearby parks such as Stewart Park, or participating in local senior programs. They can also offer safe accompaniment to errands or medical appointments at local hospitals such as Cayuga Medical Center or Guthrie Ithaca City Harbor.

Call Home Instead Ithaca at (607) 319-0075 or request a free consultation to begin creating a personalized care plan.
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Helpful FAQs

If you're wondering whether it's time to get a little extra help at home, you're not alone. We talk with families across Ithaca every week who are asking the same question. Sometimes the signs are subtle—a few missed medications, more isolation, or a change in hygiene. Other times, it's a sudden shift after an illness or hospital stay.

At Home Instead, we've helped families recognize those signs and build a care plan that supports independence—not takes it away.

Here are some common signs it might be time to consider in-home care:

  • Missed medications, meals, or appointments
  • Challenges with bathing, dressing, or mobility
  • Increased forgetfulness or signs of memory loss
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Stacks of unopened mail or unpaid bills
  • Family caregiver stress or burnout


The good news? Help doesn't have to mean moving out. Our Care Pros help older adults stay safe and supported right in their own homes.

Want help starting the conversation? Download our What's Next Toolkit for tips, checklists, and conversation starters that make these discussions easier.

Still unsure? A care consultation is a great place to start. We'll listen, answer your questions, and help you explore your options—with no pressure or obligation.

If you're doing your best to support a loved one at home, it's normal to wonder if bringing in help means giving something up. But in our experience working with families in the Ithaca area since 2019, we've seen the opposite: in-home care can help you get back what matters most—quality time, peace of mind, and space to breathe.

Here's when home care might be the right step:

  • You're juggling caregiving with work, family, and your own well-being
  • Your loved one's needs are growing beyond what you can manage alone
  • You're noticing signs of burnout, frustration, or fatigue
  • You want a consistent, trusted partner to rely on

Home Instead Care Pros provide support that fits your routine—not the other way around. Whether it's meal prep, a walk, or help getting to appointments, our care is designed to enhance—not replace—your role.

You don't have to wait for a crisis. Most families who start care with us say they wish they had done it sooner.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer—but if your loved one wants to stay in their own home, in-home care can be the most personal, flexible, and reassuring option.

In Ithaca, staying home isn't just about comfort—it's about staying connected to what matters.


In-home care vs. assisted living

Assisted living can be great for those who want a communal setting and are ready to relocate. But if your loved one wants to stay at home, in-home care offers:

  • One-on-one attention in familiar surroundings
  • A flexible schedule that fits your lifestyle
  • Support with meals, mobility, personal care, and companionship
  • Help from Care Pros who get to know your loved one—building trust and routine


In-home care vs. hiring a private caregiver

Hiring an independent caregiver can seem less expensive—but it comes with risk. As the employer, you'd be responsible for payroll, insurance, and coverage when they can't show up.

With Home Instead, we handle everything:

  • Professional hiring, training, and supervision
  • Background checks, insurance, and 24/7 backup support
  • Personalized matches and no long-term contracts

We've delivered countless hours of care across Ithaca—and we're proud to offer a team you can count on.

In-home care is all about helping your loved one stay independent, comfortable, and safe—right in the place they know and love. From simple companionship to specialized dementia support, our Care Pros are here to help make life easier.



Here's how it works with Home Instead Ithaca:
  1. We start with a conversation. We'll meet with you in your home—and listen closely. What does your loved one need help with? What do they enjoy? What's most important to them? This free consultation helps us create a customized care plan.
  2. We build your care team. We'll match your loved one with a trained, compassionate Care Pro based on skills, schedule, and compatibility. Many of our Care Pros speak Spanish and bring years of experience supporting chronic conditions or memory care.
  3. We start care quickly. We can often begin care within 48 hours. Services may include bathing, dressing, transportation, meal prep, medication reminders, and more. We also offer 24-hour care, dementia support, and hospice assistance.
  4. We stay connected. Our Ithaca office is available 24/7 for support. Your dedicated Care Manager will stay in touch to make sure everything's working—and adjust care as needs change.

It's care on your terms. Ready to get started?

At Home Instead, we don't just send a caregiver—we introduce you to a Care Pro. It's a title we take seriously, because our team members bring more than just help—they bring heart, consistency, and respect for the life your loved one has built.



Here's what sets our Ithaca Care Pros apart:
  • They're trained and trustworthy. Each Care Pro goes through a thorough background check, drug screening, and extensive training—including how to support Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and chronic health conditions.
  • They're employees—not contractors. That means we handle taxes, scheduling, and supervision. We also provide liability insurance and workers' comp, so you're fully protected.
  • They're matched with care. We take time to match each Care Pro based on your loved one's personality, preferences, and needs. It's not just about filling a shift—it's about building a relationship.
  • They show up, and we've got your back. If your regular Care Pro can't make it, we'll send a qualified backup—no scrambling on your end. Our 24/7 support line means help is always a call away.

Whether it's help with a shower, a ride to your local medical center, or someone to listen to stories from the garden, our Care Pros are here to bring comfort, dignity, and connection. We’ve been caring for the community since 2019.