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What Is Private Home Care?
Date Updated: December 9, 2024
Written by:
Lauren Thomas is a seasoned writer that specializes in long-term care, with a special focus on dementia-related topics. She holds a degree in counseling and uses her knowledge and experience to create insightful content that gives seniors and families the information they need to make important care decisions.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
Private home care features nonmedical services that help individuals remain in their homes as they age. It contrasts with community care, an alternative that includes adult day care and assisted living. If you or an older loved one needs more help than family or friends can provide, in-home care serves as a practical solution for meeting day-to-day needs.
What Challenges Does Private Home Care Address?
As you age, certain daily activities may become more challenging. For example, household chores such as laundry and vacuuming may be more difficult to complete, or if you no longer drive, attending errands and appointments requires extra planning. Private home care helps you navigate these challenges by providing you with assistance and support where and when you need it.
For some, private in-home care serves as a viable long-term solution for managing aging. In other cases, individuals arrange short-term services to provide respite for their regular family caregivers.
What Services Does Private Home Care Include?
When you first contact a home care agency, it typically sends a representative to your home to conduct an assessment. This helps them identify safety hazards and fall risks in your home, as well as your functional needs. Private home care encompasses a wide range of services, depending on the challenges you experience. Some of the most common services include:
- Companionship and conversation
- Mobility assistance
- Medication reminders
- Help with light household chores
- Transportation
- Light meal and snack preparation
- Assistance with bathing, dressing or toileting
Because of its flexibility and convenience, private home care serves as a preferred alternative to community residential care. Individuals get the help they need to maintain their comfort and independence at home, even as their care needs change.
How Much Does Private Home Care Cost?
According to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median rate for private home care runs at approximately $5,720 per month. This trends a few hundred dollars ahead of the cost of assisted living, but it offers affordability compared to nursing home care, which costs around $8,669 for semi-private accommodations and $9,733 for private rooms.
While seniors often pay out-of-pocket for private home care, many rely on financial assistance to cover monthly fees. Depending on your state, Medicaid may offer Home and Community-Based Services waivers that pay for some or all of the services qualified individuals receive at home. Alternatively, veterans may get assistance through the Veterans Administration’s Aid and Attendance benefit. Other options for paying for private home care include reverse mortgages, long-term care insurance and certain types of life insurance policies.