How Much Does Senior Home Care Cost in Houston, Texas?
Unsurprisingly, most older adults have a strong preference to spend their golden years in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Because of this, home care is often employed to facilitate a comfortable aging-in-place experience. Costs tied to these services can vary widely; and, such variations are dependent on several factors, including your geographic location, the specific types of assistance needed, and the frequency of care required. For those thinking about the addition of extra support at home for themselves or a family member, a thorough understanding of the monetary specifics can be helpful. Here’s what you should know about the cost of senior home care in the Houston area.
What is Senior Home Care?
Home care can mean a lot of different things. Basically, 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:
- Companionship
- Personal Care Assistance
- Skilled Nursing
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Meal Prep or Meal Services
- Homemaker Services
- Transportation
- Health Monitoring
- And More
About Houston, Texas
Thriving with a blend of Southern charm and urban sophistication, Houston, Texas, is a major city. A bustling metropolis of over 2 million people, it offers key attractions like the NASA Johnson Space Center, the vibrant Houston Theater District, and Hermann Park. Celebrated for its cultural diversity and innovative spirit, Houston provides a setting where tradition and progress flourish side-by-side. Houston exemplifies the allure and forward-thinking spirit that defines Texas.
Read Next: Best Small Towns for Retiring in Texas
How Much Does Senior Home Care Cost in Houston?
The national average cost of home care is just over $5,000 per month. Though the actual cost will vary depending on needs and whether a service or independent caregiver is employed, the average monthly cost in Houston is $4,900.
Homemaker Services in Houston
The national average cost of homemaker services for seniors is $4,957 per month. The average in Texas is $4,290 per month. And, in Houston, $4,671.
Home Health Aides in Houston
The national average cost of a home health aide is $5,148 per month. The average in Texas is $5,339 per month. And, in Houston, $5,148.
Adult Day Care in Houston
The national average cost of adult day health care is $1,690 per month. The average in Texas is $1,083 per month. And, in Houston, $1,408.
How Much Does Home Care Cost Compared to Other Senior Care Options in Houston?
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 Care | National Average Monthly Cost | Texas Average Monthly Cost | Houston Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Care (all services) | $5,053 | $4,815 | $4,900 |
| Homemaker Services | $4,957 | $4,290 | $4,671 |
| Home Health Aide | $5,148 | $5,339 | $5,148 |
| Assisted Living | $4,500 | $4,915 | $5,200 |
| Adult Day Health Care | $1,690 | $1,083 | $1,408 |
| Nursing Home, Semi-Private Room | $7,908 | $5,323 | $5,718 |
| Nursing Home, Private Room | $9,034 | $6,692 | $7,604 |
How to Pay for Senior Home Care in Houston, Texas
Besides personal savings, seniors and retirees have several possibilities that can help pay if and when it’s time for home care!
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.
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 Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, and Home HealthCare
Veterans Service Organizations – Houston 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.
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 | Texas Health and Human Services
City of Houston Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits Information
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.
For eligibility and enrollment in Texas, visit these resources:
Medicaid and CHIP – Texas Health and Human Services
Harris County Area Agency on Aging
Need Help Finding Home Care?
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 Houston, Texas, then start with the Senior Resource Houston Home Care Directory!
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Originally published March 26, 2024
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