As we age, many of us will require assistance with daily living activities. While some seniors opt to move into assisted living facilities or nursing homes, many prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes. In-home care has become increasingly popular over the years, but many people are unsure about the cost. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the cost of in-home care and what factors can impact the price.

What is In-Home Care?

In-home care refers to a range of services that are provided to seniors in their own homes. This type of care can include assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, as well as medical services like medication management and wound care. In-home care can be provided by trained professionals, such as home health aides or licensed nurses, or by family members or friends.

The Cost of In-Home Care

The cost of in-home care can vary widely depending on a number of factors. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median cost of in-home care in 2020 was $24 per hour for homemaker services and $24 per hour for home health aide services. However, the cost can be higher or lower depending on where you live, the type of services you need, and the amount of care required.

One of the biggest factors that can impact the cost of in-home care is the level of care needed. Seniors who require only minimal assistance with daily living activities may only need a few hours of in-home care per week, while those who require more intensive care may need around-the-clock assistance. The more care that is required, the higher the cost will be.

Another factor that can impact the cost of in-home care is the type of services needed. Homemaker services, which include tasks like cleaning, cooking, and running errands, are typically less expensive than home health aide services, which provide more hands-on care like medication management and assistance with personal hygiene.

Finally, the cost of in-home care can also vary depending on where you live. In some parts of the country, the cost of in-home care may be higher due to a higher cost of living or a shortage of trained professionals in the area.

Paying for In-Home Care

Many seniors and their families are concerned about how they will pay for in-home care. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to help cover the cost.

One option is to use personal savings or retirement funds to pay for in-home care. Another option is to use long-term care insurance, which can help cover the cost of in-home care as well as other long-term care expenses.

Medicare may also cover some of the cost of in-home care if certain criteria are met, such as if the senior is homebound and requires skilled nursing care. Medicaid may also cover the cost of in-home care for seniors who meet certain income and asset requirements.

Finally, some seniors may be eligible for assistance from nonprofit organizations or community groups that provide financial assistance for in-home care.

Choosing In-Home Care

If you or a loved one is considering in-home care, it’s important to choose a provider that meets your needs and budget. Look for a provider that is licensed, bonded, and insured, and that has a reputation for providing high-quality care.

It’s also a good idea to ask for references and to check online reviews from other clients. Finally, be sure to ask about the cost of services upfront and to get a detailed breakdown of all fees and charges.

In-home care can be a great option for seniors who want to receive care in the comfort of their own homes. While the cost of in-home care can vary depending on a number of factors, there are a variety of options available to help cover the cost.