Since home care systems require a high degree of autonomy, it is desirable to have automated rules that manage their operation. Home care systems also require flexibility and adaptability, but modifying their technology normally needs expert intervention. Policy-based management has been developed as a higher-level, user-friendly way of supporting home care. High-level goals are automatically realised using policies that are executed dynamically. Sample goals and policies are given to illustrate how the system handles a typical scenario. This gives confidence that the approach offers flexibility and practicality in making home care systems more adaptable.