As your loved ones age, you may notice that they need extra support. While almost 9 in 10 seniors want to remain at home in a familiar environment where they’re comfortable, they may experience mobility, memory or other daily living challenges.
You could join 34.2 million Americans who provide unpaid care for an adult over the age of 50 each year. However, the strain of meeting your family members’ needs and caring for your own home, children, and job responsibilities can be overwhelming. In this case, you may consider hiring an in-home care service.
What Is The Average Cost Of In-Home Care For Elderly?
The cost of in-home elderly care can vary based on a variety of different factors. Your average cost will change depending on where you live or if you have government assistance to help cover the cost of care.
In-home elderly care may be a more money-savvy option than a nursing home, but some things should still be considered when determining if in-home care is right for you.
The cost of in-home care for elderly depends on:
- Medicare or Medicaid assistance
- Insurance
- Social security benefits
- Cost of nurses and home health aides
- Family’s willingness to share responsibilities
- Adult daycare services
Studies have shown that the cost of all elderly care is on the rise, but home care can still be a cost-effective option. The best way to determine actual spending is to work with an in-home care agency.
Determining Factors For The Cost Of In-Home Care
There are factors to consider when you customize care for your loved one. These factors will be based on their specific needs and level of care that they may require. You may want to take into consideration your budget and if a family caregiver is available to assist with care needs.
Services Provided
In-home care costs fluctuate based on the services your loved one receives and the tasks the aides perform.
For example, you may pay more to hire a caregiver with years of experience or one that is willing to work flexible hours rather than a set schedule each week.
Discuss your family members’ specific needs and the services you expect an aide to provide as you determine the cost.
Hours and Duration of Care
The amount of care your loved ones need can determine the cost. Most in-home care agencies charge per hour and may require you to pay for a minimum of two to four hours of care per day. You may also choose all-day care if your loved one’s condition permits.
To stretch your budget, you can hire a caregiver only on certain days of the week or for only a few hours a day. You may also ask friends or other family members to cover the rest of the day.
While you will pay less for fewer hours of care, make sure your loved one receives the right amount of care to ensure his or her safety and well-being.
Geographic Location
Expect to pay more for in-home care depending on where your loved one lives. Your cost may fluctuate based on how far the aides must drive to work or how many other aides work in the area.
Home Care Agency
Before hiring an in-home aide to care for your loved one, you will probably interview several agencies. They will assess your loved ones’ needs, determine how much care your family members require and prepare an estimate of the cost.
The right agency will then provide qualified and compassionate caregivers who are a good fit with your loved ones’ personality, interests, and needs.
To save money, you may be tempted to choose the agency that provides the cheapest quote, but keep in mind that quality and experience matters, too.
How To Pay The Cost Of In-Home Care For The Elderly
You and your loved one can pay for essential in-home care in several ways.
Out-of-pocket
Cover in-home care expenses from your income, savings, or other sources.
Insurance
Health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran Administration benefits, or another insurance agency may cover all or a portion of your loved one’s in-home care.
Third-party
Friends, family members or other private citizens can contribute financially to in-home care costs or host fundraisers to provide needed financial resources.
Benefits Of In-Home Senior Care
In-home care aides assist seniors in a variety of ways.
The aides can help your family members by completing tasks such as the following:
- Laundry
- Meal preparation
- Personal hygiene
- Companionship
- Transportation
Along with the services provided with in-home care, there are many advantages from which you and your loved one will benefit.
Enhanced Safety
Your loved ones feel comfortable at home and can use their familiarity with their home to improve safety.
Additionally, you can perform home modifications that are specific to your loved ones’ needs as you create a customized home that prioritizes safety.
Lifestyle Flexibility
At home, your loved ones can follow the schedule of their choice whether they may prefer to sleep in, follow a strict chore regime, or visit with certain friends on specific days.
An in-home aide can provide flexible care based on your family members’ preferences while ensuring your loved ones’ needs are met.
Personalized care
With their focus on only one patient, in-home aides concentrate solely on meeting the specific needs of your loved ones. They also get to know your family members’ personality, interests, and quirks.
This relationship and knowledge allow them to create a personalized care plan that’s a good fit for everyone involved.
Value
Have confidence that you maximize the money you spend for care when you hire in-home aides. Your loved ones receive customized and uninterrupted care, and you won’t have to pay the aides to care for other patients or perform administrative tasks while they’re on duty.
With this valuable in-home care assistance, your loved ones remain independent. There is no need for an assisted living facility when they can have all their care needs met at home. You also gain peace of mind knowing that your family members receive professional, compassionate, and competent care.
Understanding The Cost Of In-Home Care For Elderly Loved Ones
You can meet your loved ones’ needs and allow them to remain independent in their own homes when you hire in-home care.
Know the cost of this care and its benefits as you provide for your loved one’s safety and well-being.
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You may also be interested in these articles on in-home care for the elderly:
- 10 Signs Your Parents Need Assistance To Safely Live At Home
- Choosing the Right Senior Care Service Provider
- 5 Reasons You Need a Senior Care Plan