Help Type Definitions

Supervision and care of children. Examples include traditional babysitting, supervising playtime, assisting with homework, reading with children, preparing simple meals or snacks, helping with routines, and maintaining a safe, attentive environment based on parent instructions. This help does not include operating or providing ongoing daycare or preschool-style services.

Providing company and social interaction for adults who may be isolated or lonely. Examples include conversation, reading aloud, playing games, watching TV together, or attending community events.

This does not include transportation, activities that are medical or custodial in nature, or activities that require physical contact.

Help installing or troubleshooting home electronics. Examples include setting up TVs, mounting screens, connecting sound systems, configuring smart-home devices, routing cables, and diagnosing basic equipment issues.

Help building or repairing residential fencing. Examples include setting posts, replacing broken boards or panels, fixing gates or latches, and aligning sections.

Help assembling or disassembling household furniture. Examples include putting together beds, desks, shelves, or chairs; taking furniture apart for storage or relocation; and repositioning furniture within a home as part of setup, placement, or organization after assembly.

Removing debris and buildup from residential gutters to restore proper water flow. Examples include clearing leaves and twigs, flushing gutters and downspouts, checking for minor blockages, and cleaning debris from roof edges.

Cleaning and tidying interior living spaces. Examples include vacuuming, mopping, dusting, washing dishes, wiping surfaces, organizing rooms, and cleaning bathrooms or kitchens.

Routine upkeep to keep a home in good working condition—non-technical, non-licensed tasks. Examples include replacing lightbulbs, cleaning vents, lubricating hinges, caulking windows, clearing minor clogs (no pipe disassembly), testing smoke detectors, cleaning debris from exterior areas, adding salt to water softeners, adjusting furnace or water heater settings, and performing seasonal home checkups.

Assisting with organizing or preparing items for a move. Examples include packing boxes, labeling items, staging belongings, and loading boxes or large items onto or off of a vehicle. This does not include transportation of people or items.

Helping move or reposition large or bulky items within a residence or on a residential property. Examples include carrying large boxes between floors, moving appliances or furniture, repositioning items in a yard or driveway, or relocating large household items for accessibility or organization. This does not include transportation of items off-site, loading items into or onto vehicles for transit, or use of specialized machinery.

Preparing meals for individuals or families. Examples include chopping ingredients, cooking simple dishes, portioning meals for the week, packing meals for delivery, and following dietary instructions.

Clearing and cleaning outdoor areas around a home. Examples include picking up debris, removing fallen branches, sweeping porches or walkways, clearing trash, raking leaves, and tidying patios or outdoor living spaces.

Providing basic care and attention for household pets. Examples include walking dogs, feeding animals, refreshing water, cleaning litter boxes or cages, administering simple routines, and short-term pet sitting.

Completing tasks or pickups outside the home on someone’s behalf. Examples include grocery shopping, mailing packages, pharmacy pickups, returning items, and other routine store or service errands. This does not include transportation of individuals.

Clearing snow and ice from walkways and driveways to improve safety. Examples include shoveling paths, clearing driveways, salting or de-icing surfaces, and brushing off porches, steps, or vehicles.

Driving individuals to necessary destinations. Examples include trips to medical appointments, grocery stores, church, community events, or errands, along with helping load or unload items as needed.

Maintaining outdoor lawns and garden areas. Examples include mowing, edging, trimming, weeding, watering plants, mulching, and planting flowers and small trees or simple landscaping.