Blog

When you hear the term personal concierge services, you might think of a hotel desk—but the role has expanded far beyond that! Today, personal concierges help with everything from supporting seniors and busy families to caring for second homes.

I was reminded of just how wide-ranging this industry is at Concierge Academy Live 2023, a two-day conference in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania that brought together concierges from across the U.S. and Canada.

One of my biggest takeaways? There are so many directions a concierge business can take—and plenty of unmet need across the country. So today, I want to give you a breakdown of the most common types of Personal Concierge services you might come across—and maybe even discover which one could be right for you if you’re considering hiring help.

And if you’re interested in starting your own business, I highly recommend checking out The Concierge Academy and Kelly Schaefer’s work—she has helped countless concierges (myself included!) build thriving, sustainable businesses.

Senior Concierge Services

Many conference attendees specialize in Senior Concierge services, helping older adults either age in place at home or receive extra support in a facility setting.

For seniors living at home, services might include:

• Driving them to doctor’s appointments and taking notes

• Grocery shopping and meal prep

• Light household organization—cleaning out the fridge, emptying the dishwasher, organizing the pantry

• Downsizing belongings

• Moving assistance (into a new home or facility)

• Personal shopping for items like furniture or mattresses

• Coordinating with adult children and family members

• Overseeing household maintenance

• And—importantly—companionship

Loneliness can be just as harmful as physical illness. Senior Concierges often share coffee or lunch with their clients, play games, listen to stories, and simply offer presence and connection.

They can also help with technology, from setting up phones and tablets to protecting clients from online scams and identity theft.

For seniors in facilities, the focus is often on filling in the gaps. Maybe a resident wants to join a group activity but feels more comfortable with a companion. Or perhaps there’s a very personal request outside the facility’s scope—like one colleague’s story of being asked to discreetly purchase new clothing for a resident. These small but deeply personal tasks make a big difference in quality of life.

(Note: Senior Concierges do not provide medical or personal care services like bathing, wound care, or toileting. Those fall under home health care agencies.)

Personal Concierge Services for Busy Professional Families

We all know families whose schedules are so packed they barely have time together. With two working parents, endless errands, and household responsibilities, family time can slip away.

That’s where a Personal Concierge comes in.

Concierge services for families might include:

• Grocery shopping, meal prep, and keeping the kitchen organized

• Laundry (washed, folded, and put away!)

• Overseeing household vendors—letting the plumber in, managing a repair visit

• Planning and prepping for kids’ birthday parties

• Researching home service providers (landscaping, chimney cleaning, etc.)

• Organizing kids’ bedrooms or playrooms

• Handling mail runs, package returns, and errands

By delegating the tasks that cause stress, families can reclaim time for what matters most. Some even say a concierge can save a marriage! With someone to share the load, there’s less tension, more breathing room, and more quality family time.

And when big projects come up—like moving—families already have a trusted partner who can step in and manage the details.

Home Watch Personal Concierge Services

This type of concierge is popular in areas with seasonal tourism—think Lake Michigan, the Jersey Shore, or Palm Springs. These professionals act as the eyes and ears for homeowners who split their time between residences.

Services often include:

• Weekly or bi-weekly property checks

• Ensuring plumbing, toilets, and appliances are in working order

• Looking for signs of leaks or break-ins

• Bringing in mail and packages

• Preparing the home before the client arrives (stocking the fridge, filling the hot tub, adjusting temperature settings)

• Closing up after the client leaves (emptying the fridge, taking out garbage, securing the property)

• Coordinating maintenance and repairs

One added benefit: some insurance companies offer lower premiums when a trusted professional checks on a vacant home regularly. Small issues can also be caught early before turning into costly problems.

While some Home Watch Concierges also assist with short-term rentals, most focus exclusively on private vacation homes.

Other Personal Concierge Services

While Senior, Family, and Home Watch concierge services are the most common, the possibilities don’t stop there. Some concierges focus on:

• Corporate support (business errands, team event planning, executive assistance)

• Lifestyle management (personal shopping, travel planning, organizing)

• Specialty concierge (pet care, relocation services, event concierge, and more)

The beauty of this industry is its flexibility—clients can find support tailored to their unique needs.

Choosing the Right Personal Concierge Services

Not every concierge offers the same services, so it’s important to do your research. When you’re considering hiring one, here are a few tips:

• Review their website and social media to get a sense of their style and services

• Have a conversation—make sure your personalities click

• Confirm availability for the hours you need

• Check their location—are they close enough to provide hands-on help when needed?

• Understand limitations—insurance and skill sets vary, so know what’s included and what’s not

Inviting someone into your life to take things off your plate is a big decision. But when you find the right fit, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without one.

A good concierge doesn’t just check off your to-do list—they give you back your time, energy, and peace of mind.