Sometimes the first sign that a loved one needs support is a small change: fewer outings, skipped meals, or a daily routine that takes longer than it used to. A thoughtful care plan can offer help without taking away the person’s independence. Understanding companion care vs personal care for seniors can help families decide where to start. Companion care centers on social connection and practical household assistance. Personal care may help with more private, hands-on tasks, including bathing, dressing, and grooming. Services vary by provider, so it’s worth asking what caregivers can do and how a plan can reflect personal preferences. Here’s a clear guide for families in Elgin, Barrington, and surrounding areas.

Key Takeaways

• Choose support based on daily needs: Companion care helps with social connection and household tasks, while personal care offers hands-on help with bathing, dressing, and other personal routines.
• Include your loved one in planning: Identify the tasks they manage independently, where help would be useful, and the routines they want to maintain. Share these preferences with the care provider.
• Revisit the care plan when needs change: Ask about available services, caregiver responsibilities, scheduling, and costs. Consult a health care professional for medical assessment or treatment needs.

What Is Companion Care for Seniors?

Companion care is non-medical support that helps older adults stay comfortable and engaged at home. It focuses on social connection and everyday assistance, such as preparing meals, tidying up, running errands, and keeping up with familiar routines. The specific services depend on the person’s needs and the care provider.

Companion care may be a good fit for someone who can manage personal care independently but would appreciate regular company or help with daily tasks. It can also be part of a broader care plan if needs change over time. In Elgin, Barrington, and nearby communities, Assisting Hands–Elgin offers personalized home care services that can be arranged around a client’s schedule and preferences.

Conversation, companionship, and activities

A companion caregiver offers conversation and company throughout a visit. They might share a meal, play cards, look through family photos, or talk about favorite memories. A caregiver can also help a client enjoy activities that bring comfort or interest, such as listening to music, gardening, or working on a puzzle.

Activities should suit the older adult’s preferences and energy level. Some people enjoy going for a walk or visiting a community space; others prefer a quiet afternoon at home. The aim is to provide attentive company while respecting what the person wants to do. Companion care centers on social connection and practical, non-medical help, as outlined in ComForCare’s guide to companion care.

Meal prep, light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and errands

Everyday household tasks can take more time and energy as people age. A companion caregiver may prepare a simple meal, wash dishes, do laundry, or tidy the areas a client uses most. This support can help make home routines feel more manageable without taking away the client’s role in decisions about their household.

Depending on the care plan, a caregiver may also help make a grocery list, shop for food, or pick up household essentials. Families can ask the agency which tasks are included and how they can be prioritized during a visit. Companion care typically covers routine household assistance, not major cleaning or specialized work. Careforth shares examples of companion care duties, including meal preparation, laundry, shopping, and errands.

Help with appointments and social activities, depending on services

Preparing for an appointment or outing can involve several steps, from checking the schedule to gathering personal items. Depending on the provider and care plan, a companion may help a client plan these details, accompany them to an appointment, or help arrange transportation. Confirm transportation options directly with the agency, since services vary.

Companionship can also make it easier to take part in social activities, such as visiting a friend, going to the library, or attending an event at a senior center. Plans should reflect the client’s interests, mobility, and comfort. BrightStar Care describes ways companion care may support appointments and social activities. Before scheduling, ask what help is available for outings and whether a caregiver can accompany the client.

Medication reminders and daily routines

A companion caregiver may remind a client when it is time to follow an established medication routine. They may also help keep the day organized with regular mealtimes, planned activities, and reminders about appointments. A predictable routine can be useful for someone who sometimes loses track of the time or has several daily tasks to remember.

Medication reminders are different from providing medical care or making decisions about medication. Families should explain the client’s needs to the care agency and ask what caregivers are permitted to do. A healthcare professional should answer questions about medication schedules or changes. Careforth includes medication reminders among examples of companion care support, while the exact services offered depend on the provider and care plan.

How companionship eases isolation and supports independence

Regular visits can give older adults more chances to talk, share activities, and stay connected to familiar interests. This can be especially helpful for someone who lives alone or has limited opportunities to see other people. A companion caregiver can offer a steady presence and help make an ordinary day feel more connected.

Companion care can also support independence by helping with tasks that have become more difficult while leaving personal choices with the client. For example, a caregiver might prepare lunch alongside the client, help plan an outing, or accompany them on a walk. The right support helps a person take part in daily life at a comfortable pace. Care plans can be adjusted to reflect changing routines, abilities, and preferences.

What Is Personal Care for Seniors?

Personal care is hands-on, non-medical support with everyday activities that may become harder because of age, illness, or disability. The goal is to help a person feel safe and comfortable at home while supporting their independence. Services depend on the person’s needs and the care provider’s offerings.

Hands-on help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene

Personal care can include help with bathing, getting dressed, brushing hair, and other personal hygiene routines. A caregiver can assist with the steps a senior finds difficult while encouraging them to handle the parts they can manage on their own. For example, a senior may choose their outfit and wash their face, while a caregiver helps them get ready safely.

Because these tasks are personal, caregivers should explain what they’re doing, ask before providing help, and follow the person’s preferences. Families can share details about preferred routines and any specific concerns when arranging care. Assisting Hands–Elgin offers personal care services that can be tailored to a client’s needs at home.

Help with toileting, mobility, and personal routines, as offered

Depending on the provider and care plan, personal care may also include help with toileting, moving around the home, or transferring between a bed and chair. This support can make everyday routines more manageable when limited mobility or balance concerns make them difficult to complete alone.

The specific assistance available varies, so families should ask providers what caregivers can safely do and what falls outside their services. It helps to describe the person’s usual routine and the tasks they find challenging. BrightStar Care explains that personal care may include help with mobility and safe transfers, depending on the care arrangement.

How caregivers respect privacy, preferences, and dignity

Accepting help with bathing, dressing, or toileting can take time. A respectful caregiver protects the person’s privacy, asks before assisting, and gives them space to make choices. Small decisions, such as when to get dressed or which clothes to wear, can help seniors maintain a sense of control over their daily lives.

Families can help by sharing the person’s preferences, routines, and cultural or personal considerations with the care team. It’s also useful to explain which activities the person wants to continue doing independently. A personalized care plan should reflect those wishes and change as needs evolve. Assisting Hands–Elgin describes its approach as tailored to each client’s needs and schedule.

How non-medical personal care differs from skilled medical care

Non-medical personal care helps with daily living; it does not provide medical treatment. A caregiver may assist with bathing or dressing, but services such as nursing assessments, wound care, or medical treatment require qualified health professionals. The support a provider can offer depends on its services and each caregiver’s training.

If a loved one needs medical care, ask their health care provider what type of support is appropriate. Medicare’s overview of home health services describes skilled services that may be provided at home. Understanding the difference helps families choose care that fits everyday needs while ensuring medical concerns receive attention from the right professional.

How Do Companion Care and Personal Care Differ?

Companion care and personal care can both help an older adult remain comfortable at home, but they focus on different needs. Companion care usually centers on social connection and everyday tasks. Personal care adds hands-on help with activities such as bathing and dressing. A care plan can include one type of support or a combination, depending on the person’s preferences and needs.

Social and household help versus hands-on personal care

Companion care focuses on company and practical help around the home. A caregiver might share a conversation, prepare a meal, do light housekeeping, or help with errands. This support can make everyday routines easier while giving the person more opportunities to stay socially engaged.

Personal care involves hands-on assistance with intimate daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene. Someone may need this help if mobility changes, illness, disability, or aging makes self-care difficult. The distinction is useful when comparing services, but the exact tasks offered depend on the provider and care plan. BrightStar Care describes common differences between companion and personal care.

How caregiver duties and services can vary

Companion care may include conversation, recreational activities, meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, and help getting to appointments. Personal care may include assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or moving safely around the home. Some caregivers may provide several kinds of support during one visit.

Because service names can vary between agencies, ask what each service includes before arranging care. Find out which tasks caregivers can perform, what training they receive, and whether an initial assessment is needed. It also helps to describe the person’s usual routine and the specific moments when they need support. Assisting Hands–Elgin lists its home care services and can discuss options for local families.

Services that can overlap, like meal prep and medication reminders

Some tasks, including meal preparation and medication reminders, may be part of a companion care plan or included alongside personal care. A caregiver could prepare lunch, for example, while also helping someone get ready for the day. Whether a service is available depends on the provider’s offerings and the person’s care plan.

When you speak with an agency, explain what help is needed rather than relying only on a service label. Does your family member need meals prepared, reminders to follow a routine, or hands-on help getting dressed? Clear examples make it easier to discuss suitable support. ComForCare outlines common companion care services, including household help and medication reminders.

Why medication reminders differ from giving medication

A medication reminder generally means prompting someone to take their medication as prescribed. It does not mean choosing a medication, changing a dose, or providing medical advice. The distinction matters because non-medical caregivers do not replace a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

What a caregiver may do can depend on the agency’s policies, the caregiver’s training, and applicable requirements. Ask the provider directly whether medication reminders are available and what they involve. If your family member needs someone to administer medication or monitor a medical condition, discuss those needs with the agency and the prescribing clinician. Careforth explains how companion care duties can differ from medication management.

How policies, caregiver qualifications, schedules, and costs can vary

Agencies may differ in the services they offer, caregiver qualifications, scheduling options, and rates. Costs can depend on the type of support, number of hours, location, and schedule. Rather than assuming that a particular service costs the same everywhere, ask for a personalized estimate based on the care your family member needs.

Before choosing a provider, ask what the quoted rate covers, whether visits have a minimum length, and how schedule changes are handled. Confirm that caregivers can provide the specific support your family is seeking. ComForCare notes that companion care costs can vary by location, hours, and services. Comparing providers using the same needs and schedule can make estimates easier to understand.

How a personalized care plan can combine both types of support

Companion care and personal care can be combined to match a person’s routine. For example, a caregiver might prepare meals and provide company, as well as assist with bathing or dressing. The right mix depends on what the person can do independently, where they want help, and what the provider offers.

Support can also change over time. A family might begin with a few hours of help with errands and household tasks, then discuss adding personal care if daily routines become harder. Review the care plan when needs or preferences shift. Assisting Hands–Elgin offers personalized home care in Elgin, Barrington, and nearby communities, with schedules arranged around each client’s needs.

Who Benefits From Companion Care?

Companion care can help older adults stay comfortable at home when regular company or practical support would make daily life easier. It may suit someone who remains independent with personal care but needs help with household tasks, errands, meals, or routines. The right support depends on the person’s preferences and needs.

Seniors who manage personal care but need help with daily tasks

Some older adults can bathe, dress, and manage personal routines independently, but everyday chores take more time or energy than they used to. A companion caregiver may help prepare meals, do light housekeeping or laundry, shop for groceries, and handle other agreed-upon errands. This support can make it easier to maintain familiar routines and enjoy time at home.

Companion care is non-medical and does not include hands-on personal care unless that service is part of a separate care plan. It can still make a meaningful difference for someone who wants to remain involved in daily life. ComForCare’s guide to companion care explains how practical help and companionship may support independence at home.

Older adults who live alone or want regular company

Living alone does not necessarily mean feeling lonely, but limited social contact can make days feel isolating. Regular visits give someone time to talk, share a meal, play a game, or enjoy a favorite activity with another person. A familiar caregiver can also add structure to the week and provide a friendly check-in.

This can be helpful when family members live far away or have busy schedules. Caregiver visits complement, rather than replace, relationships with family and friends. Careforth describes how regular companion care may help reduce loneliness and isolation, especially for people with limited social contact.

People who need help with errands, appointments, meals, or routines

Companion care may be useful when someone no longer drives, finds shopping tiring, or would appreciate help getting to appointments or social activities. Depending on the provider and care plan, a caregiver may assist with errands, prepare meals, or help keep daily routines on track. Support with these tasks can make it easier to stay connected to the community and keep up with activities the person enjoys.

Ask providers which services they offer and whether appointment support or transportation is available. Assisting Hands–Elgin offers companionship, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and errands, with care arranged to fit individual needs.

When changes in mobility or cognition make daily help useful

Changes in mobility or memory can make familiar tasks more challenging. Someone may need extra time to prepare a meal, feel less confident running errands alone, or benefit from reminders to follow a routine. Companion care can provide practical help and social contact while supporting the person’s independence at home.

Families can pay attention to tasks that have become difficult or routines that are being missed, then discuss those changes with the person and a care provider. Companion care is non-medical, so it does not assess or treat health conditions. If physical or memory-related concerns affect safety, consult a health professional and ask whether additional support, such as personal care, may be appropriate.

Who May Need Personal Care?

Personal care may help older adults who find everyday self-care difficult, tiring, or less safe to manage alone. The amount of support can vary: someone may need help with one task or assistance with several parts of a daily routine. A care plan should reflect the person’s abilities, preferences, and schedule.

Seniors who need help with bathing, dressing, grooming, or hygiene

Bathing, getting dressed, grooming, and maintaining personal hygiene can become more challenging with age or changes in health. A caregiver can provide hands-on help while encouraging the person to do what they can comfortably manage. Respect for personal preferences matters, from choosing clothes to deciding when and how assistance is provided.

Changes in routine can be a sign that extra help may be useful. A loved one might begin skipping showers, wear the same clothes more often, or have difficulty brushing their hair. These changes deserve a thoughtful conversation, not criticism. Assisting Hands–Elgin’s personal care services can be arranged around a client’s needs and daily routine.

People who find personal routines difficult or less safe because of mobility

Limited mobility can make personal routines harder to manage. Stepping into a tub, standing at a sink, or getting dressed may require balance, strength, or flexibility. If these tasks feel unsteady, a person may avoid them or attempt them without the help they need.

A caregiver may assist with daily routines and mobility-related tasks, depending on the care plan and the services available. Families can discuss which activities are difficult, where support is needed, and what safety concerns to consider at home. A professional care assessment can help families identify appropriate support and understand whether hands-on care may be helpful.

When aging, illness, disability, or recovery affects self-care

Aging is not the only reason someone may need personal care. Illness, disability, an injury, or recovery after a procedure can make bathing, dressing, and other routines harder for a time or on an ongoing basis. Support can be tailored to the person’s situation, from occasional help to more frequent assistance.

Non-medical home care supports everyday activities, but it does not provide medical treatment. If a person’s needs change after an illness or procedure, families should follow guidance from their health care team and ask a home care provider which services are available. As needs shift, the care plan and schedule can be reviewed and adjusted to better fit the person’s routine and preferences.

Signs a loved one may need hands-on help

It can be difficult to notice changes when a loved one is used to managing on their own. Look for signs such as trouble bathing or getting dressed, feeling unsteady while preparing for the day, or avoiding routines they once handled comfortably. They may also seem frustrated or worried about completing these tasks.

Start with a calm, practical conversation. Ask which activities feel difficult and what kind of help would feel comfortable. Listening to the person’s preferences can make it easier to discuss care without taking away their sense of control. Assisting Hands–Elgin works with clients and families to arrange personalized support at home.

How Can Families Choose In-Home Care?

Choosing in-home care starts with understanding what would make everyday life safer, more comfortable, and more fulfilling. Include the older adult in the conversation, listen to their preferences, and describe the support they need as clearly as possible. Then ask providers about available services, caregiver arrangements, scheduling, and costs. These steps can help your family find care that respects the person’s independence while addressing practical needs.

Assess daily routines, safety concerns, and preferences

Think through a typical day, including getting dressed, preparing meals, moving around the home, keeping appointments, and spending time with others. Notice which tasks feel tiring, difficult, or less safe. Ask the older adult what kind of assistance would feel helpful, and which routines or activities they want to continue doing on their own.

Support needs can range from a few hours of companionship to hands-on help after an illness or a change in mobility. A guide to companion and personal care can help you consider which type of help may fit. Keep checking in, since needs and preferences can change over time.

Identify what the person can do independently and where they need help

Make a list of daily tasks the person manages comfortably and those where some help would make a difference. They may handle bathing and dressing independently but appreciate support with meal preparation, grocery shopping, or errands. Someone else may want regular company and also need hands-on help with personal routines.

This list gives your family a practical starting point for conversations with care providers. It can also help you focus on the support the person wants, without overlooking important needs. Some families begin with companionship and add personal care as circumstances change. Ask providers whether services can be adjusted over time and whether a plan can combine different kinds of assistance.

Ask providers what they offer and what falls outside non-medical care

Ask each provider to explain what caregivers can help with during a visit. Depending on the agency and care plan, services may include companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, medication reminders, and assistance with bathing or dressing. Confirm which tasks are available and how the agency handles personal preferences.

Also ask what is outside the scope of non-medical home care. Medication reminders, for example, are different from administering medication or providing clinical treatment. Find out which tasks require a licensed health professional and whom to contact if medical needs arise. This overview of companion care duties can help you prepare questions about service boundaries.

Compare services, caregiver qualifications, schedules, and costs

A service list is only one part of choosing a provider. Ask how caregivers are selected and trained, and whether they have experience supporting needs similar to your family member’s. Find out how the agency communicates with families, responds to concerns, and arranges coverage if a caregiver cannot make a scheduled visit. You can also ask whether a client may see the same caregiver regularly.

Request a detailed explanation of costs, including minimum visit lengths, possible extra fees, and how schedule changes affect the rate. Prices can vary based on location, hours, and services. This companion care cost guide explains why comparing the full service and schedule is useful. Ask providers for estimates based on your specific needs.

Choose a schedule that fits, from a few hours a day to around-the-clock support

Choose a schedule based on the person’s routine and the kind of help they need. Some older adults may benefit from a few hours of companionship or assistance with errands each week. Others may need daily support with meals, personal care, or household routines. Depending on the provider and care plan, support may also be arranged for longer periods, including around-the-clock care.

Ask how easily visits can change if needs shift, and whether caregivers can help with appointments or activities outside the usual routine. Assisting Hands–Elgin offers personalized home care services in Elgin, Barrington, and surrounding areas, with schedules arranged to fit each client. A conversation with a provider can help your family identify a sensible place to start.

What Are Common Misconceptions About Companion and Personal Care?

Families sometimes assume companion care is only for conversation, or that personal care is only for people with significant disabilities. In reality, both can address everyday needs. Companion care may include social visits and practical help at home, while personal care adds hands-on assistance with routines such as bathing and dressing. The right services depend on what a person can comfortably do on their own and where support would make daily life easier.

These types of care are non-medical. They do not replace clinical assessment or treatment, and the tasks a caregiver can provide depend on the service plan and provider policies. Before choosing care, ask which activities are included, how caregivers respect the person’s preferences and privacy, and what needs support from a health professional. Assisting Hands–Elgin’s services include support such as companionship, meal preparation, errands, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and personal care. Families can discuss which services fit a loved one’s routine and how much help is appropriate.

Companion care offers valuable support

Companion care is more than having someone nearby. Regular company can give an older adult time to talk, share a meal, enjoy activities, or stay connected with the community. Depending on the care plan, a caregiver may also help with meal preparation, errands, light housekeeping, or daily routines. These practical tasks can make home life more manageable while giving family members added support.

Companion care is non-medical, so it does not replace skilled services such as therapy or wound treatment. Still, social connection and help with everyday tasks can play an important role in a person’s well-being. ComForCare’s companion care guide explains how this type of support can help older adults at home. For someone who lives alone or has become less socially active, regular visits may offer a welcome, dependable connection.

Personal care can help with everyday needs, not just severe disabilities

Personal care is not reserved for people with extensive support needs. Someone may appreciate help with bathing, dressing, grooming, or moving safely even if they can manage many other activities independently. Support with one or two parts of a routine can make those tasks feel more comfortable and less stressful.

Good personal care follows the individual’s preferences and encourages them to do what they can for themselves. A caregiver can provide assistance where it is needed while respecting privacy and dignity. BrightStar Care’s explanation of personal care describes hands-on help with daily activities such as bathing and dressing. Families can ask providers how caregivers approach these routines and discuss the specific level of support that feels right for their loved one.

Companion care usually does not include hands-on bathing or dressing help

Companion care can include a wide range of practical assistance, but hands-on help with bathing or dressing is generally considered personal care. This distinction helps families match a service to the support a loved one needs. A caregiver providing companionship and help around the home may not be assigned to assist with intimate personal routines.

Service definitions and caregiver responsibilities can vary, so ask a provider to clarify what is included. It’s also worth asking about medication support: reminders may be part of a routine, while handling or administering medication can follow different rules. Careforth’s overview of companion care outlines how companion care differs from personal care. A clear conversation before care begins can help everyone understand the plan and avoid mismatched expectations.

Care needs can change, and families can adjust support over time

A care plan can change as a person’s routines, abilities, or preferences change. A family may start with companionship, meal preparation, or help with errands, then add personal care if bathing, dressing, or moving around becomes more difficult. Adjusting services can keep support relevant without asking a loved one to manage tasks that have become uncomfortable or unsafe.

Check in regularly with the person receiving care. Notice whether they are having difficulty with meals, personal routines, or getting out of the house, then discuss those changes with the provider. BrightStar Care’s comparison of companion and personal care notes that families may shift from companion care to personal care as needs change. In Elgin, Barrington, and surrounding areas, Assisting Hands–Elgin can discuss a personalized schedule, with care arranged for a few hours a day or around the clock.

When Should Families Reassess In-Home Care Needs?

Watch for changes in mobility, hygiene, meals, or social engagement

Care needs can shift gradually. Notice changes in everyday routines, such as avoiding stairs, struggling to get dressed, skipping meals, or withdrawing from activities that once brought joy. One change on its own may not mean your loved one needs a new care plan, but repeated changes are worth discussing.

Keep track of what you observe and ask your loved one how they feel about their current support. Specific examples can help family members and care providers understand where additional help may be useful. A professional care assessment can help families consider appropriate support as needs evolve. Regular check-ins also give your loved one a chance to express preferences and stay involved in decisions about their care.

Add personal care when companion care no longer meets hands-on needs

Companion care can provide conversation and help with meals, errands, and household tasks. It generally does not include hands-on help with bathing or dressing. If personal routines become difficult or feel less safe, talk with your loved one and care provider about whether personal care may be a better fit.

For instance, someone who previously dressed independently may need assistance after an illness or a change in mobility. The right support depends on the person’s abilities, preferences, and daily routine. Families can review in-home care services and ask which tasks caregivers can help with. Reassessing when needs change helps keep the care plan practical and respectful, while offering support with daily activities that have become more challenging.

Adjust services and schedules as routines and preferences change

A care plan should fit your loved one’s life, and it may need to change when their routines do. Shifts in sleep, appointments, household tasks, or family availability can affect when support is most useful. Your loved one may also want more companionship on certain days or extra help with meals and errands.

Talk together about what is working and what could be adjusted. Consider whether a different visit time, more frequent support, or help with additional tasks would make daily life easier. Care may range from a few hours a day to around-the-clock assistance, depending on individual needs. Assisting Hands–Elgin’s personalized approach gives families an opportunity to discuss support that fits a loved one’s schedule and preferences.

Seek clinical guidance for medical assessment or treatment needs

Non-medical home care supports daily living, but it does not replace medical evaluation or treatment. If your loved one develops new or worsening symptoms, experiences a sudden change in mobility or thinking, or needs help managing a medical condition, contact their healthcare provider. A clinician can assess the concern and explain what medical care or other services may be appropriate.

You can also share relevant changes with the home care provider so the daily support plan can be reviewed. For urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical help. Keeping clinical needs and non-medical support distinct helps families identify the right resources while ensuring everyday assistance reflects their loved one’s current needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can companion care and personal care be provided during the same visit? Yes, a care plan may combine social and household support with hands-on help for daily routines. Ask the agency which tasks it can include and share your loved one’s preferences so the plan fits their needs.

Does companion care include help with bathing or dressing? Companion care usually focuses on company and practical tasks, such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and errands. Help with bathing, dressing, or grooming is generally considered personal care. Services vary by provider, so confirm what caregivers can do.

Can a caregiver give medication or provide medical treatment? Non-medical home care does not replace skilled medical care. A caregiver may be able to offer reminders as part of an agreed routine, but medication administration and medical treatment have different requirements. Ask the agency what support it provides, and direct medical questions to a healthcare professional.

How many hours of home care can a family arrange? Scheduling depends on the person’s needs and the provider’s availability. Support may be arranged for a few hours or longer periods, including around-the-clock care. Assisting Hands–Elgin can discuss scheduling options for clients in Elgin, Barrington, and nearby communities.

When should we consider changing a loved one’s care plan? Consider reviewing the plan if daily tasks become harder, routines change, or the current visits no longer provide the support your loved one wants. Talk with them about what feels helpful, then discuss possible adjustments with the care provider.