A helping hand can go a long way for older adults living independently at home. Many families choose in-home care to provide tailored support in the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Varying services and levels of in-home care are available, so understanding the financial implications of these options is crucial. In this article, we provide answers to the most common questions, including “What are the types of in-home care?” and “How much does in-home care cost?”
What Is the Average Cost of In-Home Care?
Caregivers are usually hired by the hour. If an older adult needs only a minimum amount of help or companionship, they may opt for a few hours of in-home care per week. If their needs are more complex, they can opt for 40 or more hours per week.
According to Genworth, as of 2024, the national median cost of non-medical in-home care is $33 per hour. This price can vary depending on the services provided, the number of hours of service performed, the local cost of living, and whether or not the caregiver is independent or works with an agency.
When looking for the ideal caregiver, keep in mind that the lowest-cost home care option may not be the bargain it appears; a lower price may reflect a lack of training or reliability. In-home caregiving can be challenging, and people who choose this career deserve to earn a fair wage for their skills.
What Influences the Cost of In-Home Care?
Services for seniors living at home are widely varied, allowing people to choose the type and level of support that best meets their needs and budget. The form of care and frequency of visits from in-home care team members constitute the biggest determinants of cost. Typical rates for services also can differ between senior living organizations and geographical locations.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of support available and the factors that determine the cost of in-home care services.
Medical vs. Non-Medical Services for Seniors Living at Home
In-home care can take a variety of forms. One way to categorize services is by grouping medical and non-medical forms of assistance.
In-Home Health Care
Some medical needs can be addressed in your home by qualified clinicians. For example, depending on the provider, home health care available to older adults might include:
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapies
- Medication assistance
- Post-surgical care
- Diabetes management
- Health education
- Wound care
- Health assessments and lab samples
- Chronic condition management
Chronic conditions may also call for in-home hospice care or palliative care, which address medical needs like pain management alongside social and emotional needs to help a person feel fully supported in the midst of difficult health circumstances.
Contact us to learn how to access home health care services.
How much does home health care cost? The answer largely depends on the level of care. Generally, these services cost more than non-medical services, although costs may be offset by insurance coverage.
Non-Medical Care at Home
Support for seniors living at home also can include non-medical services to make life more comfortable and convenient. Team members can assist with a variety of needs, such as:
- Bathing, dressing, and exercising
- Healthy meal preparation
- Light housekeeping and home organizing
- Physical assessments
- Medication organization and reminders
- Accompaniment to doctors' appointments
- Shopping and errands
- Dog walking
- Gift wrapping
- Check-ins and social interaction
Skilled medical care offered in your home is generally more expensive than non-medical care. However, insurance may help cover the cost of in-home health care. The actual cost of both medical and non-medical care depends on the precise services rendered, frequency of visits, and insurance coverage.
Learn more about in-home care services from WesleyLife.
In-Home Care Service vs. Independent Caregivers
When it comes to non-medical care, you can choose to partner with an agency or an independent caregiver. Each choice comes with potential advantages.
Agency Caregivers
Agency caregivers work for a licensed third-party organization. The agency does the work of recruiting, screening, and training employees and manages all legal details, including background checks, work contracts, liability insurance, and payroll. Agencies also provide reliable scheduling to prevent gaps in care. If a caregiver is unavailable due to illness or personal reasons, more caregivers are ready to step in.
Due to the professional backing agencies provide, agency caregivers can be costlier than independent caregivers. Contracts with agencies may also require paying for a minimum number of hours per week.
Independent Caregivers
Independent caregivers are hired directly by the individual or family needing care. Choosing an independent caregiver may offer a lower hourly rate and more flexibility in the number of hours the caregiver works.
However, this option means the family is responsible for recruiting and screening candidates. They must also manage all business aspects of the relationship, including employment eligibility verification, taxes, payroll, and liability insurance.
How to Pay for Home Care
Individuals and families can draw on a number of financial resources and strategies to cover the costs of in-home care.
Self-Pay
Non-medical in-home services are usually paid for directly by individuals or their families. When planning and budgeting for out-of-pocket costs, many people draw on personal resources, such as savings and retirement accounts, property sales, and contributions from family and friends.
VA Benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) covers homemaker and home health aide services from agencies contracted with VA. These benefits are intended for veterans who need personal care services and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), who are feeling isolated, and whose family caregivers are experiencing a burden.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare includes coverage for part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care that is deemed medically necessary. Medicaid may also offer coverage, although policies vary by state and the individual’s income level.
Private Insurance
Some people use long-term care insurance (LTCI) policies to cover costs. An LTCI policy may cover both medical and non-medical needs, but it should be in place before in-home care is required; it usually cannot be bought to cover a new or existing care need. Private health insurance may also help cover in-home health care.
Comparing the Cost of In-Home Care with Other Care Options
To fully understand how much in-home care costs, it’s helpful to compare it with other care options for older adults.
Adult Day Services
Adult day services provide a place outside the home where older adults receive companionship and assistance, usually during business hours. This provides flexibility for family members who need to work during the day but also want the peace of mind that their loved one is in a safe, secure, and welcoming environment. The national median cost of adult day services is $2,167 per month, but varies based on your location.
Senior Living Communities
Another option to meet regular ongoing care needs is a senior living community. Compared to the costs of in-home care or home health care, senior living is more affordable than many people assume. Explore our cost calculator for a direct comparison.
In a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living, a spectrum of care types is available, so as residents’ needs change, they won’t be required to move to receive the ideal amount of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sign up for in-home care?
Many people benefit from in-home care, especially because the level and type of care can be tailored to specific needs. Not sure whether home care is the best choice for you? Take this quiz.
How do I access home health care?
The simplest way to get started with in-home health care is to reach out to a home care agency or senior living organization that offers these services, like WesleyLife. Connect with our team.
How much does 24/7 in-home care cost per month?
The cost of round-the-clock care largely depends on whether you hire an individual live-in caregiver or an agency provides continuous nursing care from various team members. Considering the average hourly rate for home health aides is $34, constant care can become cost-prohibitive in many cases, making community living a better financial choice.
Does Medicare cover 24-hour in-home hospice care?
Medicare does generally cover the cost of hospice care. However, this typically doesn’t include round-the-clock nursing care. Instead, hospice team members visit routinely and as needed to help families and patients feel supported.
Does insurance cover home health care?
Various insurance policies may offer full or partial coverage for home health care, including private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance. Review any policies and speak with your medical provider to determine whether in-home medical services are covered.
Learn More About WesleyLife In-Home Care Services
In-home care prioritizes comfort, safety, and well-being and ensures older adults receive the quality care they deserve in an environment where they can flourish.
Want even more information about in-home care and WesleyLife At-Home Services? Download our e-book, The Complete Guide to At-Home Services.
