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 the US!
What is home care?
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:
- 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…
How much does home care cost?
The national average cost of home care is just around $5,000 per month. Let’s take a look at monthly averages by state. These totals are based on a 44-hour week and include homemaker and skilled services:
| Location | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $3,832 |
| Alaska | $5,720 |
| Arizona | $5,387 |
| Arkansas | $4,190 |
| California | $6,101 |
| Colorado | $6,387 |
| Connecticut | $5,291 |
| Delaware | $5,339 |
| DC | $5,567 |
| Florida | $4,767 |
| Georgia | $4,338 |
| Hawaii | $5,720 |
| Idaho | $5,434 |
| Illinois | $5,339 |
| Indiana | $4,767 |
| Iowa | $5,553 |
| Kansas | $4,624 |
| Kentucky | $4,767 |
| Louisiana | $3,671 |
| Maine | $5,720 |
| Maryland | $5,148 |
| Massachusetts | $5,911 |
| Michigan | $5,529 |
| Minnesota | $6,793 |
| Mississippi | $3,813 |
| Missouri | $4,767 |
| Montana | $5,339 |
| Nebraska | $5,444 |
| Nevada | $5,148 |
| New Hampshire | $6,102 |
| New Jersey | $5,620 |
| New Mexico | $4,629 |
| New York | $5,434 |
| North Carolina | $4,385 |
| North Dakota | $5,689 |
| Ohio | $5,005 |
| Oklahoma | $4,862 |
| Oregon | $6,054 |
| Pennsylvania | $4,957 |
| Rhode Island | $5,839 |
| South Carolina | $4,457 |
| South Dakota | $5,911 |
| Tennessee | $4,576 |
| Texas | $4,576 |
| Utah | $5,673 |
| Vermont | $5,720 |
| Virginia | $4,861 |
| Washington | $6,563 |
| West Virginia | $3,551 |
| Wisconsin | $5,625 |
| Wyoming | $5,529 |
Top 5 Most Expensive States
| Location | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $6,793 |
| Washington | $6,563 |
| Colorado | $6,387 |
| New Hampshire | $6,102 |
| California | $6,101 |
Top 5 Least Expensive States
| Location | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | $3,551 |
| Louisiana | $3,671 |
| Mississippi | $3,813 |
| Alabama | $3,832 |
| Arkansas | $4,190 |
Home Care Versus Other Types of Senior Care
| Type of Care | National Monthly Average |
|---|---|
| Home Care | $5,053 |
| Assisted Living | $4,500 |
| Adult Day Health Care | $1,690 |
| Nursing Home, Semi-Private Room | $7,908 |
| Nursing Home, Private Room | $9,034 |
How does 24/7 care affect the cost?
Sometimes, a senior may require care for more extended periods of time or even overnight. Though prices will vary by provider, you can usually expect the cost to go up dramatically under these circumstances. The national average for 24/7 care at home (168 hours) is $19,292.
How does hiring an independent caregiver affect the cost?
Independent caregivers are generally a bit cheaper than those from a home care agency. 20% cheaper, to be exact. On average, a caregiver from a larger company will charge around $26 per hour, whereas an independent caregiver’s services are about $20 per hour. However, keep in mind that when hiring independently, you may be responsible for conducting your own background checks, which will come with a fee.
Does Medicare cover home care?
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 more information, visit Medicare.gov.
How can I pay for home care?
Planning ahead for the possibility of long-term care is a great idea! Of course, sometimes we forget to plan until we are faced with major life or health changes. Regardless of the circumstances, you 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.
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. You can visit Medicaid.gov to learn about eligibility in your state.
Reverse Mortgage
Homeowners over the age of 62, who have considerable equity, can borrow against the value of their home. You don’t need immaculate credit to qualify. And, what’s best? The loan doesn’t have to be repaid until the house is sold!
Need more help? Then read this: Best Ways To Pay For Home Care Services
How can I find the best home care near me?
Having an in-home care provider can be an essential part of aging in place. And, choosing the best provider is an important decision! Here are some important steps to take, when beginning your search:
- Know your loved one’s needs and determine the proper care.
- Get recommendations.
- Do your research.
- Contact your top choices.
- Meet with some in-home care providers.
To learn more, start here: How To Choose The Best In-Home Care In 5 Steps!
