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How Much Does In-Home Care Cost?
Date Updated: December 8, 2024
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Lauren is an experienced copywriter with a passion for crafting impactful narratives in the senior care industry. Her work covers essential topics such as assisted living and dementia care, providing valuable insights to readers. Collaborating with leading senior care provider websites such as Caring.com, PayingforSeniorCare.com, and AssistedLiving.org has deepened her appreciation for senior living and elder healthcare. Lauren’s goal is to empower seniors and their families with the knowledge needed for informed long-term care decisions.
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Kristi Bickmann, a licensed Long-Term Care Specialist, represents top-rated "Traditional" & "Hybrid" LTC companies. Serving associations such as the American Nurses Association, she's a licensed insurance agent in 27 states. Specializing in insurance products for seniors, Kristi helps hundreds of families every year protect assets, retirement, and loved ones. She understands aging concerns firsthand, having assisted her own parents. Kristi ensures accuracy on topics about senior long-term care and its consequences.
In-home care costs a median of $5,720 per month in the United States, according to the Genworth 2024 Cost of Care Survey. Rates vary based on several factors, including location, the type of care needed and the scope of assistance required.
Median In-Home Care Rates in the United States
At a median monthly cost of $5,720, the typical hourly rate for home health care in the United States falls around $30. While these numbers provide a general idea of care costs, rates vary greatly depending on the state and city. Montana, for example, has the highest in-home care rates in the United States at $9,438 per month, or $50 per hour. On the other hand, Arkansas offers the most affordable in-home care rates at $3,623 per month or $19 per hour.
In-home care costs also depend on the scope of assistance an individual requires. The number of hours of care needed per day or week can impact total monthly expenses, as does the type of in-home care. The expertise of a licensed caregiver, such as a certified nursing assistant, typically comes with a higher cost than the support of a nonmedical caregiver or elder companion.
What's Included in the Cost of In-Home Care?
In-home care encompasses a range of services that allow seniors to age in place in the comfort of their own homes. These services include:
- Assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and meal preparation
- Companionship
- Medication reminders
- Running errands
- Light housekeeping
Some in-home care agencies charge additional fees for transportation, overnight care or live-in care arrangements in addition to hourly rates. Always inquire about any extra changes and clarify the total cost of care before engaging a provider.
In-home care doesn't include medical services, such as medication management, physical therapy or prescription administration. Seniors with specialized care needs, including those with dementia, diabetes or other chronic health conditions, require the support of home health care. If care includes medical support, rates increase to $6,292 per month or $33 per hour.
Options for Financial Assistance
Preparing for in-home care expenses involves complexities that require careful thought and planning. Fortunately, seniors and families can access many resources and financial assistance options to help cover the associated costs and preserve financial stability. These may include long-term care insurance, veteran's benefits, Medicaid waivers or private pay.
To better understand the cost of in-home care in your area, consider requesting quotes from multiple providers. Reach out to local resources, such as your Area Agency on Aging, for assistance with care planning and accessing financial support.