Understanding the Cost of In-Home Care Services

Paying for home health care services doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have someone living with you 24/7 — much more commonly, a care aide stops by once a day (or more or less frequently, as the senior requires) to help with daily activities like getting dressed, doing laundry, and preparing meals. While these services can be expensive, they’re more affordable than most people think.

According to a report from the AARP, the national average monthly cost for a home health aide was $4,385 as of 2019. That compares favorably to the cost of alternatives; according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey, a private room in a nursing home can cost upwards of $8,000 per month.

Still, home care can be difficult to budget. The good news is that costs can be lower depending on where the senior lives and the amount of care they need. Some seniors are also able to use various resources to keep costs affordable.

Those resources include:

• Long-Term Care Insurance- Many long-term care insurance policies cover the costs of home care services, including skilled nursing care, physical and rehabilitation therapy, and general personal care such as bathing and dressing. Policies vary, so people should check with their insurers to make sure they’re covered.
• Health Insurance- Certain health insurance plans cover aspects of home care. Medicare Part A and Part B cover eligible services like physical therapy and part-time home health aide services under certain conditions. Generally, that means that seniors will need a doctor’s orders to ensure that they qualify under those programs. Some private insurance plans also provide coverage, though again, coverage can vary significantly from one plan to the next.
• Government Programs- Some states have social services programs that can help seniors and their families with some of the costs of home care. Availability varies by state, and government programs may only cover a portion of the expenses.

Another way to limit the costs of these services is to compare options online. The home care industry is relatively new, but it’s competitive, and by simply looking for quotes, some seniors can save tremendous amounts of money in the long run.

Advantages of Senior Home Care

Compared with nursing homes and assisted living centers, senior home care offers several notable benefits. The services take pressure off of family members, who often feel responsible for helping older adults live independently, and they allow seniors to stay in their homes when dealing with disabilities, mobility issues, and other things that affect their day-to-day lives.

Other advantages:

• Personal freedom, including easy-to-schedule transportation
• Help with activities like meal preparation, cleaning, and other tasks
• Regular company from a friendly home care aide
• Access to medical care when necessary
• More safety, security, and peace of mind

Home care aides are often dedicated, caring individuals who want to help seniors live their best lives. That might mean bringing in entertainment, creating enrichment programs, providing advice on nutrition, or anything else that could raise the older adult’s quality of life.

Finding Affordable Options for In-Home Care

Seniors and family members can find home care options easily, though it’s important to look at each service carefully. Make sure that the agency has an established history with clear financial policies. If you’ll need home medical care, make sure that the company offers those services.

Most importantly, don’t settle on the first option you find. Look at a variety of home care services, evaluating prices, capabilities, visit schedules, and anything else that could be important down the line. Hiring a home health aide is a major decision, and online research can make that decision much easier.

Senior home care can be enriching for seniors, and it often gives their family and friends peace of mind. By looking online and evaluating your options, you can determine whether it’s the right choice for you — and by diving deep into all available resources, you can ensure that you’re paying a fair price for high-quality care.