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The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Washington, DC for 2024

In Washington, DC, the nation’s capital city, seniors make up about 13% of the population. While this is small compared to the national average, the city has a wide range of resources and programs to help older adults age in place, including social and recreational programs, home-delivered meals and a property tax exemption program. It promotes high access to health care with over 400 doctors per capita, about double the national average. In general, local home care services cost $5,339 per month. This type of care includes nonmedical services, such as companionship, transportation and light housekeeping. For older adults who need skilled nursing support, home health care may be a more suitable long-term care option.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the Washington, DC area – complete with services offered and reviews from families who’ve actually used the service. In addition to our in-depth provider listings, we’ve compiled resources to help seniors and their families to access all the tools they need to age in place safely and gracefully.

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Home Care Agencies in Washington, DC

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Paying for Home Care in Washington, DC

The Cost of Home Care in Washington, DC

In Washington, DC, home care agencies charge $5,339 per month for services, which is several hundred dollars higher than the national average of $4,957. Care costs are high compared to rates in nearby cities, including Winchester, Virginia, where seniors pay $4,671 for services. In the Maryland cities of Baltimore and California, monthly care costs average $4,957 and $4,576, respectively. Seniors in Vineland, New Jersey, pay $4,767 for care. 

Washington, DC

$5,339

The United States

$4,957

Winchester, VA

$4,671

Baltimore, MD

$4,957

California, MD

$4,576

Vineland, NJ

$4,767

The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Washington, DC

In Washington, DC, home care agencies charge $5,339 for nonmedical services. Home health care agencies, which offer similar services along with skilled nursing, charge the same monthly rate. This is about $3,000 higher than the cost of adult day health care, which costs $2,282, but it’s affordable compared to assisted living rates of $5,948. Nursing home care, which includes around-the-clock medical care and monitoring in an institutional setting, costs more than double the rate of home care, with seniors paying $11,467 for semiprivate accommodations. 

Home Care

$5,339

Home Health Care

$5,339

Adult Day Health Care

$2,282

Assisted Living

$5,948

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$11,467

Financial Assistance for Home Care in Washington, DC

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.

  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-Term Care Insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
  • Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
  • Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living.Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
  • Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.

Free & Low-Cost Home Care Resources in Washington, DC

Washington, DC, supports its older residents’ quality of life through access to several nonprofit agencies and programs. These resources help older adults obtain the services they need to age at home, including transportation services, affordable in-home care, social and recreational programs and home-delivered meals.

ResourceContactService
Senior Villages(202) 724-5626Washington, DC, is home to 13 Senior Villages, each of which serves a designated region. These nonprofit agencies feature networks of screened volunteers and in-home care providers. It provides nonmedical services, such as transportation for errands and medical appointments, meal preparation, companionship and help with daily living activities.
Iona Senior Services(202) 895-9448Iona Senior Services is a regional nonprofit agency that provides assistance and practical solutions for seniors and families in the Washington, DC, region. Through this agency, older adults can obtain services, such as home-delivered and congregate meals, active wellness programs and care management.
DC Office on Aging(202) 724-5626The DC Office on Aging is the designated Area Agency on Aging for the region. It operates several free and low-cost programs to help seniors age in place, including Safe at Home, which provides home safety adaptations. It also provides home-delivered meals and transportation services, and it operates senior wellness centers.
Homestead/Senior Citizen Deduction(202) 727-4829Seniors who own homes in Washington, DC, may be eligible to reduce their property tax burden through the Senior Citizen Deduction. Through this program, older adults may reduce their property’s assessed value by $78,700 for an annual savings of $668.95. This may help seniors afford to retain ownership of their homes.
Department of Parks and Recreation Senior Programs(202) 673-7647The district’s Senior Programs provides a range of social and recreational activities to older adults, helping them avoid boredom and isolation and maintain their general health. Through the department, seniors can participate in programs, such as walking groups and chair exercises. Activities are available in senior centers throughout the region.

Determining Your Loved One’s Need for In-Home Care

Aging can be a difficult process, and loved ones may not always ask for help – often times it’s up to their family to evaluate their need for help around the house. While no two situations are exactly alike, this checklist can help you and your loved ones determine when it’s time to start the search for a home care provider.

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Checklist for determining the need for in-home care
Checklist for determining the need for in-home care

Guidelines for Talking About In-Home Care

If you’ve determined that your loved one needs the assistance of a care provider in their home, it may be time for a difficult conversation. Handled correctly, however, this process can bring a family together and ensure that everyone’s concerns are addressed. Use this PDF as a starting point to help the conversation stay as positive and productive as possible.

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Talking with family and others about a loved one's needs
Talking with family and others about a loved one's needs

Frequently Asked Questions

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The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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