What Is In-Home Care?

According to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, in-home care costs about $32 an hour. That comes out to $2,600 per month for 20 hours of care each week, or $5,200 monthly for 40 hours of care per week. These figures represent the national median rate, so exact costs in your state or city may vary significantly. For example, the statewide median hourly fee runs $36 in California, $33 in New Hampshire, $28 in Ohio and $23 in Texas.   

In comparison, home health care has a median hourly rate of $35 nationwide.   

Financial Assistance for In-Home Care

Although seniors can pay out-of-pocket for in-home care, many people use some form of financial assistance to make costs more manageable. Funding options include:

For a more detailed guide, see our full article on how to pay for in-home care.

Several signs suggest that you or a loved one may benefit from some extra help at home. You might struggle to complete everyday tasks or notice that a senior relative is finding life more challenging than before.

Although diverse situations can indicate a need for in-home care, common signs include:

• Decreased mobility: Trouble moving around can make it tough to complete routine activities of daily living. Mobility issues also have safety impacts and create barriers to running errands or socializing. Related health concerns include malnutrition, depression and fall-related injuries.  
• Declining hygiene and grooming: Physical or cognitive impairments can affect personal care routines, such as bathing, shaving and brushing the teeth.
• Physical changes: Significant weight loss may indicate that your aging parent is struggling to prepare meals for themselves, get around the kitchen or remember how to cook. Frequent bruising might point to falls, and you may notice that your loved one appears frailer or more infirm.
• Increased forgetfulness: Increasing incidents of forgetfulness, especially concerning vital tasks such as taking medication or paying bills, often suggest a need for support.
• Difficulty maintaining the home: Various aging-related factors create challenges with domestic chores. Look for uncharacteristic dust or grime, unclean clothes, excessive clutter or piles of dirty dishes.
• Less interest in hobbies: Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities may indicate several underlying issues, including depression. In-home aides ensure that your loved one follows treatment plans and has regular social interaction, while also lightening their daily load.    

Whether you require regular in-home support or medically focused home health care, our extensive directory lists providers in all parts of the country. Follow these steps to find the most appropriate in-home caregiver for you or your loved one:

• Fill in your zip code, city or state in the Senior Care Directory to find in-home agencies near you.
• Read consumer reviews and compare ratings.
• Contact providers to discuss your requirements.
• Call one of our trained Family Advisors at (800) 973-1540 for customized, one-on-one assistance finding an in-home caregiver.

Establishing clear expectations is crucial for ensuring that seniors and their families receive the specific care they need from an in-home caregiver. By articulating your needs and requirements from the outset, you lay the foundation for a successful caregiving relationship.

Initiating Clear Expectations

Before hiring an in-home caregiver, it’s essential to clearly define the types of assistance and care required. Many families realize the need for in-home care based on specific tasks and support their loved one needs. Documenting these needs early on not only aids in selecting the right care provider but also ensures a smoother transition when care begins.

Creating a Comprehensive Job Description

Avoid vague job descriptions such as “taking care of Dad or Mom,” as they can lead to misunderstandings. Instead, detail the specific tasks expected of the caregiver, such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, medication pickup and errands. Clarify whether meals will be shared or if the caregiver is expected to bring their own. A written, detailed job description prevents disappointments and sets a clear framework for the care to be provided.

Ensuring a Comfortable Match

The comfort and trust between the caregiver and the family are paramount. The caregiver will be a significant presence in your or your loved one’s home, making it essential to ensure a good fit. During the hiring process or interviews with agency managers, emphasize the importance of a comfortable relationship between the caregiver and your family. If initial arrangements don’t feel right, don’t hesitate to discuss alternatives with the agency.

Table: Key Aspects of Setting Expectations with In-Home Caregivers

By approaching the caregiver hiring process with detailed preparation and open communication, families can significantly enhance the caregiving experience, ensuring that all parties have a clear understanding of the expectations and responsibilities involved.

Frequently Asked Questions