The 5 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Bismarck, ND for 2024

Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota, is a relatively small city of about 74,100 residents, 17.3% of which are seniors aged 65 years or older, a figure slightly higher than the national average of 16.8%. Seniors and other Bismarck residents appreciate the relatively low cost of living in the city. While a bit higher than the state cost, Bismarck’s cost of living falls below the national average — and the costs of health care, transportation, and utilities are quite low. Crime rates in Bismarck are mixed, with violent crime coming in significantly lower than the national average but property crime being a bit higher. Medical care is easily accessible at Sanford Medical Center and the CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck Medical Center.

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, home care costs in Bismarck are higher than the national average, coming in at $7,823. This type of care doesn’t include light medical services, which are provided by home health care.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in Bismarck– 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.

The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reveals that Bismarck’s home care prices are quite high when compared to the state and national averages, and to other North Dakota cities. Bismarck’s costs run about $2,866 above the national average and come in about $2,134 above the North Dakota average. Seniors in cities to the east, including Fargo, Grand Forks and Valley City, pay about the state average, much less than their counterparts in Bismarck. Minot’s rates run equivalent to those of Bismarck, however.

Bismarck’s home care costs run higher than most other care options in the city. Assisted living is the least expensive choice, coming in at over $4,000 less than home care. Adult day programs are also cheaper than home care by about $2,500 but do require travel and lack in-home support and assistance. Home health care costs are equivalent to home care prices, but they offer additional medical services, such as physical therapy and vital sign checks. Skilled nursing care remains the most expensive option, but may be necessary for seniors with severe health problems.

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.