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Senior Resources » How Much Does Senior Home Care Cost in Alabama?

How Much Does Senior Home Care Cost in Alabama?

alabama map

If you’re searching for senior home care in Alabama, then start here!

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90% of seniors want to age at home. And, for that reason, home care has become an important part of aging in place. The costs will vary greatly depending on things like geographic location, services needed, and frequency of the care. Once you’ve decided that you or a loved one will need to hire some extra help, it can be useful to know what to expect. So, here is everything you need to know about the cost of senior care at home in Alabama!

What is home care?

home care spelled out in blocks

Home care can mean a lot of different things. Essentially, it’s any care or service that can be obtained and used in the comfort of your own home. It’s meant to help maintain your quality of life and ensure safe aging in place. Types of home care include:

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  • Companionship
  • Personal care assistance
  • Skilled nursing
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Meal prep or meal services
  • Homemaker services
  • Transportation
  • Health monitoring
  • And many, many more…

About Alabama…

alabama map

Alabama, also referred to as the Yellowhammer State, is located in the southeastern region of the US. Known for its fried green tomatoes and boiled peanuts, this southern state has a comfortably warm climate and a landscape full of waterways and forests. Alabama is home to numerous historical landmarks, including many from the Civil Rights Movement. The U.S.S. Alabama and U.S. Rocket and Space Center are common tourist attractions.

Compared to the rest of the US, Alabama’s cost of living is around 17.7% lower than the national average (according to Best Places). It has a population of around 5 million people, over 17% of which are aged 65 and older.

How much does home care cost in Alabama?

The national average cost of home care is just over $5,000 per month (Genworth Cost of Care Survey). Though the actual cost will vary depending on needs and whether a service or independent caregiver is employed, the average monthly cost in Alabama is $3,832.

Homemaker Services in Alabama

The national average cost of homemaker services for seniors is $4,957 per month. The average in Alabama is $3,813 per month.

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Home Health Aides in Alabama

The national average cost of a home health aide is $5,148 per month. The average in Alabama is $3,851 per month.

Adult Day Care in Alabama

The national average cost of adult day health care is $1,690 per month. The average in Alabama is $758 per month.

How much does home care cost compared to other senior care options in Alabama?

PCA

Actual costs will always vary by facility and from one agency to another. It should also be noted that if a senior requires extended care or overnight care, the price will go up considerably. The national average for 24/7 care at home (168 hours) is $19,292.

Now, let’s take a look at the basic monthly averages. These totals are based on a 44-hour week:

Type of CareNational Average Monthly CostAlabama Average Monthly Cost
Home Care (all services)$5,053$3,832
Homemaker Services$4,957$3,813
Home Health Aide$5,148$3,851
Assisted Living$4,500$3,503
Adult Day Health Care$1,690$758
Nursing Home, Semi-Private Room$7,908$6,676
Nursing Home, Private Room$9,034$7,026
Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey

How to pay for senior home care in Alabama

Besides personal savings, those who live in ‘sweet home’ Alabama have several possibilities that can help pay if and when it’s time for home care!

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Long-Term Care Insurance

Traditional health insurance rarely pays for costs associated with long-term care. Help with daily activities and mobility are a pretty big part of receiving long-term care. So, that’s where long-term care insurance can help. It can cover custodial care, meal services, and even housekeeping services.

Related: Best Ways To Pay For Home Care Services

Veteran Benefits

The VA will cover the cost of many services under standard health benefits.

To see a full list of long-term care services and to apply for assistance, check out these resources:

Va.gov

Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs

US Department of Veterans Affairs – Montgomery Regional Office

Medicare

Medicare is government-provided health insurance for seniors who are over 65. It will not pay for custodial care but will cover the cost of skilled care at home.

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Medicare Part A and Part B will pay for things like:

  • Part-time skilled nursing care
  • Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
  • Medical supplies for home use
  • Part-time home health aides

Medicare will pay if:

  • Services are part of a plan of care created and reviewed regularly by a doctor.
  • A doctor prescribed skilled nursing care or therapy for a specific medical condition.
  • You are certified homebound by a doctor.

Medicare will not pay for:

  • 24-hour care
  • Meal services
  • Homemaker services
  • Personal care assistance

For Medicare help, visit these resources:

Medicare.gov.

Alabama Medicare & Insurance Counseling

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Alabama FAQ

Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps low-income individuals pay for care. It can help with the cost of both custodial and medical care. Every state has different qualification requirements.

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For eligibility and enrollment, check out these links:

Alabama Medicaid

State Assistance

Many states will offer additional assistance outside of Medicaid. Check these resources to find more help in your area:

Alabama Department of Senior Services

AlabamaDementia.gov

Need help finding home care?

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Related: How To Choose The Best In-Home Care In 5 Steps!

Having an in-home care provider can be an essential part of aging in place. And, choosing the best provider is an important decision! If you’re looking for the best senior home care in Alabama, then start with the Senior Resource Alabama Home Care Directory!

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Originally published May 25, 2022

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