Private duty, also called private pay,  is a broad term of in-home care that means that a Careseeker or their family is paying for the care out of pocket, or in the case of seniors who need extended care and have long-term-health insurance, through their insurer.   Usually it involves custodial care, but  at times this care might be provided by a Certified Nurse Assistant, a nurse or another skilled professional, such as a physical therapist.  The duration of the care can be over a period of a few days up to many years, but is often requested by Careseekers who want to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than in a assisted living facility or in a nursing home.