As people age and experience health changes, ensuring they receive the care they need is a top priority. Many families prefer the option of in-home care to provide support in the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Varying services and levels of in-home care are available, so understanding the financial implications of these options is crucial. In this article, we provide answers to the most common questions, including “What are the types of in-home care?” and “How much does in-home care cost?”
What is in-home care?
In-home care involves hiring a provider for personalized assistance at a private residence. In-home care can provide numerous benefits, including increased independence, socialization, safety, health, and peace of mind.
Who uses in-home care?
Older adults may hire in-home care for themselves, bringing in an extra pair of hands to help with personal and household tasks. Family caregivers may hire in-home care for their senior loved ones, creating flexibility for themselves while someone else handles the responsibility of caregiving. Regardless of who hires in-home care, a provider can assist on occasion, around the clock, or any amount in between.
Does in-home care cover medical needs?
In-home care doesn’t include medical care. If assistance is needed with medication administration, post-operative rehabilitation, wound care, pain management, or other medical care, a doctor must provide an order for home healthcare. If assistance is needed with non-medical tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, transportation, medication reminders, bathing, and toileting, then in-home care is the best choice to meet those needs.
What are the types of in-home care services?
In-home care provides non-medical services tailored to the needs of each individual, so the types of care available can vary widely. Sometimes a care need can be as simple as companionship to relieve loneliness — the caregiver is on hand to talk to or read with the older adult, providing attention and peace of mind.
People who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are also excellent candidates for in-home care. This form of care provides hands-on assistance with the following activities:
- ADLs: Basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing and grooming, eating, using the restroom, and transferring, such as into and out of bed
- IADLs: Skills required to live independently such as managing medications, transportation, cooking, shopping, and house cleaning
What are the differences between agency and independent caregivers?
Non-medical in-home caregiving options include agency caregivers or independent caregivers. Each choice comes with unique advantages and disadvantages.
Agency Caregivers
As the name suggests, agency caregivers work for a licensed third-party organization and are hired via this intermediary. The agency does all the work of recruiting, screening, and training their employees.
Depending on the type of care required, the agency can guarantee that the caregiver is trained or certified. The agency manages all legal details, such as running caregiver background checks and handling work contracts, liability insurance, and payroll. Agencies also provide reliable scheduling to prevent gaps in care; if a caregiver is unavailable due to illness or personal reasons, more caregivers are ready to step in.
The most common disadvantages to choosing an agency are a higher cost per hour and a contract that requires paying for a minimum number of hours per week.
Independent Caregivers
Independent caregivers are hired directly by the individual or family needing care. Choosing an independent caregiver offers many advantages, including a lower cost per hour and better flexibility in the number of hours the caregiver works. The family also does the hiring, in contrast to an agency that sends the person they think is most suitable.
In terms of disadvantages, choosing an independent caregiver means the family is responsible for recruiting, screening, and training the caregiver. They must also manage all business aspects of the relationship, including employment eligibility verification, taxes, payroll, and liability insurance.
How much does in-home care cost?
Caregivers are usually hired by the hour. If an older adult needs only a minimum amount of help or companionship, they may opt for a few hours of in-home care per week. If their needs are more complex, they can opt for 40 or more hours per week.
According to Genworth, as of 2023, the national median cost of non-medical in-home care is $30 per hour. This price can vary depending on the services provided, the number of hours service is performed, the local cost of living, and whether or not the caregiver is independent or works with an agency.
When looking for the ideal caregiver, keep in mind that the lowest-cost home care option may not be the bargain it appears — a lower price can sometimes reflect a lack of training or reliability. The work of in-home caregiving can be challenging, and people who choose this career deserve to earn a fair wage for their skills.
How can I pay for in-home care?
Non-medical in-home services are usually paid for directly by individuals or their families. When planning and budgeting for out-of-pocket costs, many people draw on personal resources such as savings and retirement accounts, the sale of property, family and friend contributions, and long-term care insurance policies. A long-term care insurance policy should be in place before in-home care is required; it usually cannot be bought to cover a new or existing care need.
Depending on the individual or family, other financial assistance options could include:
- VA Benefits: These benefits cover Homemaker and Home Health Aide services for veterans who need personal care services and assistance with ADLs, who are experiencing isolation, and whose family caregivers are experiencing a burden.
- Medicaid: This coverage varies by state and the individual’s income level.
How does the cost of in-home care compare to other types of care?
To fully understand how much in-home care costs, it’s helpful to compare it with other care options for older adults.
Adult Day Services
Adult Day services provide a place outside the home where older adults receive companionship and assistance, usually during business hours. This provides flexibility for family members who need to work during the day but also want the peace of mind that their loved one is in a safe, secure, and welcoming environment. The national median cost of adult day services is $2,058 per month, but the price will vary based on your location.
Senior Living Communities
Another option to meet regular ongoing care needs is a senior living community. Compared to the costs of in-home care or home healthcare, senior living is more affordable than many people assume — explore our cost calculator for a direct comparison. In a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living, also known as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), a spectrum of care types is available, so as residents’ needs change, they won’t be required to move to receive the right amount of care.
Learn more about WesleyLife At-Home services.
In-home care prioritizes comfort, safety, and well-being and ensures older adults receive the quality care they deserve in an environment where they can flourish.
Want even more information about in-home care and WesleyLife At-Home Services? Download our e-book, The Complete Guide to At-Home Services.
