How Much Does In-Home Care Cost?

Most older adults prefer to remain in their homes in familiar surroundings. Just because they help with daily activities such as transportation, dressing, grooming, meal preparation and cleaning, it doesn't automatically mean it's time to pack up and go to a nursing home. Seniors can opt for a caregiver to come into their home and provide assistance.

Read on to find out more about the different types of in-home care and the associated costs.  

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How Much Does In-Home Care Cost Per Hour?

According to Genworth's Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of in-home care from a home health aid across the United States is $5,148 per month. This works out as around $166 per day, or approximately $21 per hour, based on an 8-hour day. Bear in mind that this figure varies significantly between states.

At the bottom of this guide below, we've included a table that shows the average cost of in-home care in each state.  

What Is In-Home Care?

Aging can be stressful, making remaining at home a priority for many individuals who don't want to give up their independence.

Home care is when a caregiver comes to an older adult's property to provide them with support. This can be particularly important for seniors who don't have friends and families living close by or who don't have the spare time to provide the care they need. Assistance includes:

• Companionship
• Meal preparation
• Transportation
• Grooming, bathing and toileting
• Cleaning
• Financial management

Home health care is for people who require additional medical attention, such as:

• Physical or occupational therapy
• Medical tests
• Administration of medication
• Wound care
• Health monitoring

Fragile seniors might struggle to get to a hospital or doctor's office regularly, and home health care lets them get the support they need while remaining at home. 

This guide will focus on the costs of home care, which is the primary modality necessary for many individuals. Home health care is usually required after a hospital stay or rehabilitation, although some people need it around the clock.

Both options are significantly cheaper than living in a nursing home, but assisted living often costs around the same. Home care correlates loosely to the level of service available in an assisted living facility, whereas home health care is more conducive to a nursing care home. 

When Does Medicare Cover Home Care?

Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) covers some home health services such as:

• Part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care that includes nursing care you get less than 7 days each week or less than 8 hours each day over a period of 21 days (or less) with some exceptions in special circumstances
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Part-time or intermittent care from a home health aide, only if you also get other skilled services like nursing or therapy at the same time
• Speech-language pathology therapy and other services
• Medical supplies for home use
• Durable medical equipment

Some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans may offer more in-home health care benefits than Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurance companies and are required to cover at least the same benefits as Part A and Part B.

Most Medicare Advantage plans also cover extra benefits Part A and Part B don't cover, such as prescription drugs, dental, transportation, home-delivered meals and expanded in-home care benefits. Some plans also help cover the costs of home renovations such as bathroom grab bar installation.

You can use the Medicare home health services finder to look up Medicare-certified home health providers near where you live.

How Much Does Medicare Pay for Home Health?

To qualify for Medicare-covered home health care, you must meet certain medical requirements, so be sure to speak with your doctor about how Medicare may or may not cover the services you need.

If Medicare covers your in-home health care, you'll typically be responsible for paying the 20% Part B coinsurance after you meet your Part B deductible, while Medicare covers the other 80%. A skilled nurse or physical therapist might cost approximately $80 per hour, but costs can vary.

Home Care vs. Assisted Living Homes

While many older adults are tentative about leaving their homes, joining a vibrant community of seniors can be a wonderful experience. There are always plenty of people to socialize with, and you don't need to worry about chores, transport or cooking. It's also a similar price to home care, although on average, it usually costs a little less. The national average price of assisted living is $4,300 per month, compared to $4,481 for home care. 

Average Cost of In-Home Care By State

Below are the median costs of a home health aide in each state, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey.