Senior Citizen Home Care Services in India – Complete Guide
Written by Aruna Sane
Last reviewed: 15 September 2026 | Senior Citizen Information Researcher
As India's elderly population grows, home care services have become an essential part of senior citizen welfare. Home care allows elderly individuals to receive medical assistance, personal care, and companionship in the comfort of their own homes. This guide covers everything you need to know about home care services for senior citizens in India.
Government Schemes for Home Care
Ayushman Bharat – Home Healthcare Services
The Ayushman Bharat scheme includes home healthcare services for eligible beneficiaries:
- Services Covered: Doctor visits, nursing care, diagnostics, medicines, and physiotherapy at home.
- Eligibility: Families covered under PM-JAY (based on SECC 2011 data).
- Cost: Free of cost for eligible families.
- How to Access: Contact the nearest Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre or call the helpline at 14555.
National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE)
The NPHCE provides dedicated healthcare services for senior citizens:
- Regional Geriatric Centres at AIIMS and other major hospitals.
- District Early Detection Centres for age-related diseases.
- Home-based care for bedridden senior citizens through ASHA workers.
- Free medicines and diagnostic facilities at government hospitals.
State-Level Home Care Schemes
Several state governments have launched their own health schemes for senior citizens that include home care:
- Tamil Nadu: Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme covers home care.
- Karnataka: Arogya Karnataka scheme includes home healthcare services.
- Kerala: Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi covers home care for eligible families.
- Andhra Pradesh: Dr YSR Aarogyasri includes home-based healthcare services.
NGO and Non-Profit Home Care Services
Several NGOs across India provide home care services for senior citizens:
| Organization | Services Provided | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|
| Dignity Foundation | Home nursing, physiotherapy, counseling | Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai |
| ASCEND (Association of Senior Citizens) | Home care, emergency assistance | Delhi NCR |
| Hamara Foundation | Home care, day care, medical support | Pune, Mumbai |
| Silver Inning Foundation | Home care, companionship, helpline | Mumbai |
| Age Care India | Home nursing, attendant services | Multiple cities |
Healthcare at Home – Private Providers
The private healthcare sector has seen a significant growth in home care services for senior citizens:
Types of Services Available
- Doctor Visits: Qualified doctors visit the patient's home for consultations and examinations.
- Nursing Care: Trained nurses provide post-surgical care, wound dressing, IV administration, and general nursing.
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapists visit homes for rehabilitation exercises and mobility improvement.
- Diagnostic Services: Blood tests, urine tests, and other diagnostic samples collected from home.
- Medical Equipment: Rent or purchase of hospital beds, wheelchairs, oxygen concentrators, and other equipment.
- Attendant Services: Trained attendants for personal care, bathing, dressing, and medication management.
- Palliative Care: End-of-life care focusing on comfort and quality of life.
Major Private Home Care Providers
- Portea Medical: India's largest home healthcare company, operating in 20+ cities.
- MedRoids: Home healthcare services including doctor visits, nursing, and diagnostics.
- Homecure: Comprehensive home healthcare with trained professionals.
- Healthcare atHOME: End-to-end home healthcare services.
- MediAngels: Online consultation and home visit services.
- Practo: Platform to find and book home healthcare professionals.
Insurance Coverage for Home Care
Several health insurance policies now cover home care services:
- Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY): Covers home healthcare services for eligible families.
- Private Health Insurance: Many policies from Star Health, HDFC ERGO, and others cover home care as part of their comprehensive plans.
- Ayushman Vay Vandana Card: Senior citizens aged 70+ can access home care services through this scheme.
- Senior Citizen Health Insurance: Specialized policies for senior citizens often include home care coverage.
What Insurance Typically Covers for Home Care
- Doctor consultations at home
- Nursing care (up to a specified number of days)
- Diagnostic tests conducted at home
- Medicines prescribed during home visits
- Physiotherapy sessions
- Medical equipment rental (in some policies)
How to Find Home Care Providers
- Online Search: Search for "home care services near me" or "senior citizen home care" on Google.
- Doctor Recommendation: Ask your family doctor or hospital for recommendations.
- Hospital Help Desk: Many hospitals have a home care department – ask at the help desk.
- Insurance Provider: Contact your health insurance company for empanelled home care providers.
- Local NGOs: Check with local NGOs working for senior citizens.
- Elderline Helpline: Call 14567 for information about home care services in your area.
Cost Estimates for Home Care Services
| Service | Approximate Cost (per session/visit) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Visit (General) | ₹500 – ₹1,500 | Varies by city and doctor specialization |
| Doctor Visit (Specialist) | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 | Cardiologist, neurologist, etc. |
| Nursing Care (per visit) | ₹400 – ₹1,000 | Wound dressing, injections, IV |
| Physiotherapy Session | ₹500 – ₹1,500 | 45-60 minutes per session |
| Attendant (per day, 12 hours) | ₹800 – ₹1,500 | Personal care, medication management |
| Attendant (per day, 24 hours) | ₹1,200 – ₹2,500 | Round-the-clock care |
| Home Sample Collection | ₹100 – ₹300 | Blood, urine, and other samples |
| Medical Equipment Rental | ₹500 – ₹3,000/month | Wheelchair, hospital bed, oxygen |
Tips for Choosing a Home Care Provider
- Verify Credentials: Ensure the provider is registered and has qualified professionals.
- Check Reviews: Look for online reviews and ratings from other families.
- Ask for References: Request references from the provider and contact them.
- Insurance Tie-up: Check if the provider accepts your health insurance.
- Emergency Protocol: Understand their emergency response protocol.
- Cost Transparency: Get a clear breakdown of all costs before starting services.
- Cancellation Policy: Understand the terms for pausing or canceling services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is home care covered under Ayushman Bharat?
Yes, Ayushman Bharat covers home healthcare services for eligible families. You can access doctor visits, nursing care, and diagnostics at home through the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre in your area.
Can I get a nurse for 24-hour home care?
Yes, many private home care providers offer 24-hour nursing care. The cost typically ranges from ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per day, depending on the level of care required and the city.
Are home care services available in rural areas?
Government schemes like Ayushman Bharat and NPHCE extend to rural areas through Health and Wellness Centres and ASHA workers. However, private home care services are primarily available in urban and semi-urban areas.
How do I verify the credentials of a home care provider?
Ask for their registration certificate, check with the local health authority, verify online reviews, and request references from existing clients. You can also check if they are empanelled with any health insurance company.
What is the difference between home care and home nursing?
Home care is a broader term that includes medical and non-medical services at home (doctor visits, nursing, personal care, companionship). Home nursing specifically refers to medical nursing services provided by trained nurses at home.
Can I use my health insurance for home care services?
Yes, many health insurance policies cover home care services. Check with your insurance provider to understand what home care services are covered and the claim process.