Not every senior needs around-the-clock care. For many families, the challenge isn’t finding 24/7 support—it’s covering the smaller daily gaps that make life at home harder for aging loved ones.

Whether it’s making sure meals are prepared, medications are taken on time, or simply having someone to talk to, those few missing pieces can add up quickly.

That’s where hourly home care services come in. Starting at just four hours per week, this flexible option provides seniors with the right amount of support while giving families peace of mind.

Think of hourly care as a way to fill the gaps—meals, medications, companionship—without overcommitting to more care than you need.

What Is Hourly Home Care?

Hourly home care offers personalized blocks of care that can be scaled up or down as needs change. Services are non-medical, meaning the focus is on independence, companionship, and day-to-day support rather than clinical treatment. Every client receives an individualized plan of care created by an RN Nurse Supervisor, ensuring that even non-medical care is thoughtful, safe, and tailored.

See the full range of in-home care services we provide.

Meal Preparation and Healthy Eating

Nutrition often becomes more difficult with age—shopping can feel overwhelming, cooking for one can feel discouraging, and sometimes energy levels make it tempting to skip meals. Hourly caregivers step in to keep meals consistent, healthy, and enjoyable.

Support may include:

• Grocery shopping and pantry organization
• Preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner, or favorite snacks
• Cooking meals that align with dietary needs or preferences
• Cleaning up the kitchen afterward

Eating well prevents fatigue, illness, and malnutrition, particularly for older adults living alone.

Read the NIA’s guidance on healthy eating for older adults to start meal research and to make sure your loved one is eating the right things.

Medication Reminders and Safety

Managing prescriptions can be stressful, especially if a loved one takes multiple medications throughout the day. Hourly caregivers provide simple reminders to ensure that medications are taken correctly and on schedule.

This helps prevent missed doses, avoids double-dosing, and gives families peace of mind—especially if they live far away. With RN oversight at Coastal Companion Care, every care plan accounts for these important safety measures.

Learn more about us to see if Coastal Companion Care could be right for you.

Companionship and Meaningful Activities

Companion care services are one of the most overlooked but vital aspects of hourly home care. Loneliness is linked to serious health risks, including higher rates of depression, memory decline, and even physical illness.

Caregivers reduce isolation by engaging seniors with:

• Conversation and daily connection
• Games, hobbies, or puzzles
• Walks by the water, sitting outside, or attending local community events

Whether it’s playing cards on the porch or visiting a favorite café in Wilmington, emotional support and social interaction are just as important as meal prep or medication reminders.

See facts that back up how companionship truly matters for senior health from the CDC.

Household Help and Mobility Assistance

Daily tasks often present hidden challenges. Hourly caregivers assist with:

• Light housekeeping, laundry, and keeping living areas tidy
• Support with ambulation, transfers, and daily mobility to reduce fall risks
• Transportation to errands, doctor’s appointments, or church

These services not only protect health and safety but also keep seniors active and engaged with their community.

Talk with our team about how hourly care could fit your family’s needs.

Other Services Available Through Hourly Care

Hourly care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Coastal Companion Care offers flexible options to meet different family needs:

• Couples Care: Assistance for two people in the same household.
• Respite Care: Relief for family caregivers to rest and recharge.
• Sitter Services: One-on-one supervision at home or in facilities.
• Transitional Care: Support after surgery or hospitalization to make recovery at home easier.

Why Families Choose Hourly Home Care in Wilmington & Brunswick County

Families across coastal North Carolina often choose hourly home care services because it balances flexibility and affordability:

• Flexible scheduling for mornings, evenings, or specific days
• More affordable than full-time or facility-based care
• A locally owned agency with two decades in Brunswick County and an office in New Hanover County
• A staff with more than 125 years of combined home care experience
• Caregiver stability—60% retention compared to a national average under 20%

This means families can count on consistent, reliable support from familiar caregivers, week after week.

FAQs: Hourly Care in Coastal NC

Q: How many hours do I have to book at a time?

We require a minimum of four hours per week to ensure meaningful, consistent care.

Q: Can services be adjusted week to week?

Yes. Schedules are flexible and can be adapted to meet changing needs.

Q: Do you provide Alzheimer’s or dementia support hourly?

Yes. We have caregivers with specialized training and experience in dementia and Alzheimer’s care, available on an hourly basis.

Care That Fits Around Your Life

Hourly care makes it possible for seniors to age at home with confidence while giving families peace of mind.

From meal preparation and medication reminders to companionship, transportation, and light housekeeping, hourly home care in New Hanover and Brunswick County provides the right help at the right time.

For families, it means balance. You get the support you need for your loved one without committing to more than your loved one truly requires.

Schedule an in-home assessment today and discover how hourly care can support your loved one.