How Much Does Private Home Care Cost Per Hour?

Most older adults prefer to stay in their homes as long as they can. In fact, a recent study by the AARP found that 77% of adults over 50 want to stay in their homes as they age.

This makes private home care an invaluable service for many families who struggle with the intensive demands of caring for aging relatives.

If you’re wondering how much private home care costs per hour, we’re here to provide answers.

We’ll also cover some of the factors that can impact private home care rates and discuss the various payment options to help you cover these costs.

Plus, we’ll share how our team at Always Best Care Senior Services can support your loved one in the comfort of their home.

How Much Does Private Home Care Cost Per Hour in the United States?

A recent survey found that in the United States, the average cost for private home care is around $27 to $30 an hour. Based on this rate, around-the-clock care would cost around $4,536 per week and $18,144 per month.

Remember, these costs are national averages — the actual amount you’ll pay may change based on the weekly hours of care, the level of care, and the caregiver’s hourly rate. The length of the shift and overtime may also affect costs. 

Factors That Can Affect Private Home Care Rates

The rates for private home care can vary depending on factors such as location, the specific services needed, etc.

Here’s how each of these factors can influence home care rates:

• Location: Costs can vary from one region to another due to differences in the cost of living and the availability of home care services. For example, urban areas with a high cost of living (like Hawaii, which ranks as the top state with the highest cost of living) may have higher rates for home care services compared to rural areas.
• Supply and demand: In areas where there is a high demand for home care services but a limited supply of caregivers, the rates for home care can be more expensive. On the other hand, if there is an ample supply of home care providers relative to demand, rates may be more affordable.
• Insurance and benefits: Insurance and benefits can impact the out-of-pocket costs for clients looking for home care services. Insurance policies, such as long-term care insurance, might cover part of these costs to reduce what individuals must pay themselves. However, the extent of coverage greatly differs across policies. They may not cover some services at all, enabling families to cover the full cost on their own. In addition, veterans can be eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs to help minimize their home care expenses.

5 Payment Methods for Home Health Care

While paying for private home care can be challenging, there is a wide range of methods that can help you manage these costs.

1. Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance specifically covers extended services, including home care, adult day care, assisted living, and hospice care. You can purchase this type of insurance ahead of time.

Policies can vary widely in terms of coverage, eligibility, benefits, and premiums, so it’s essential to understand the specifics of your policy.

If you have long-term care insurance, check your policy to see what types of home care are covered and any potential limitations or waiting periods.

2. Veterans Affairs

If your loved one is a veteran and didn’t obtain a dishonorable discharge, they can be eligible for health care if they served in the active naval, military, or air service.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers various programs to help veterans and their surviving spouses with home care costs.

Each program has its own eligibility requirements and covered services, so it’s a good idea to talk to a VA social worker to find the best program for your family’s needs.

3. Grants and Assistance Programs

Several non-profit organizations and government programs offer grants and assistance for home care.

These programs target specific populations, such as those with certain medical conditions, low-income families, or seniors.

The Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) can help you find programs and services available in your community.

4. Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage allows your loved one to borrow money based on their home’s equity to cover care costs.

The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is the only type of reverse mortgage insured by the federal government, specifically the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

To qualify for a HECM, your loved one must:

• Live in the property as a primary resident
• Be 62 years old or older
• Completely own the property or have a low remaining mortgage balance
• Have no federal debts that are overdue

Personal Savings

Personal or out-of-pocket savings can include your loved one or family’s savings, investments, retirement funds, or other assets.

Using personal savings can offer flexibility and immediate access to funds, but it’s essential to consider the long-term financial implications, especially for prolonged care needs.

How to Choose a Private Home Care Provider

As your parents or loved ones age, their needs can significantly change. This makes private home care a lifeline to make sure they receive the attention and support they need in the comfort of their own home.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision when choosing a care provider:

1. Assess your loved one’s needs: Clearly identify the type and level of care your elderly loved one needs. Consider whether they need basic assistance with daily activities, such as help with personal hygiene, or assistance with daily housekeeping.
2. Conduct research: Research care providers in your area. Use online resources or healthcare professional recommendations to create a list of potential providers.
3. Ask the right questions: Before reaching out to the care provider, prepare a list of care needs. Your list should cover the type of nursing care your loved one needs and whether the care is temporary or long-term. In addition, highlight their activity level, hobbies, and interests, along with your availability during those hours.
4. Evaluate the provider’s compatibility with your loved one: Meet with potential providers to assess their communication skills and to make sure they feel comfortable together.
5. Understand the cost and billing: Discuss the cost of services and billing procedures upfront. Ask about payment options and whether they accept insurance or offer any financial assistance programs.
6. Read client reviews: Look for reviews online and ask the provider for references from previous and existing clients. Contact these references to inquire about their experiences with the provider.
7. Discuss emergency procedures: Understand how the care provider manages emergencies or unexpected situations. For example, if your loved one gets sick, understand how promptly the provider can act and what steps they will take to make sure your loved one gets immediate attention.
8. Set up interviews with your loved one’s potential care provider: Once you have chosen a reliable care provider, they will arrange interviews with potential candidates for you. They will shortlist candidates and make sure you meet the final contenders before making your decision.

Explore Top-Notch Care Services and More at Always Best Care

At Always Best Care, we understand that finding the right home nurse care can feel overwhelming.

The good news is, our team is ready to help and provide top-notch in-home care services for your elderly loved one.

We’ll help you understand your loved one’s needs and explore payment options for your loved one’s care. We’ll also help you set your priorities, plan your budget, and find local home care agencies that can fit your loved one’s needs.

With operations spanning across 225 territories, we can help reduce the stress that caregivers who are looking for the ideal senior care often experience.

In addition to supporting your loved one in the comfort of their home, we also offer the following care services:

• Veterans assistance program: We aim to provide veterans with the best care possible and help them secure the funding needed for their care.
• Skilled home health care services: We build personalized care plans for your loved one, tailored to recovery or specific health needs. Available in select areas.
• Specialized home care services: We offer daily social interaction and insights into your loved one’s health, directly from their home.
• Respite care services: We provide temporary breaks for caregivers, making sure your loved one still gets constant, compassionate care. Respite care can last from a few hours to several days, depending on what’s needed.
• Dementia care services: We offer care specifically designed for your loved one with dementia, prioritizing their comfort, safety, and well-being.
• Senior living referral services: We can help you choose the best senior living options for your loved one.

At Always Best Care, our compassionate team provides excellent support for the elderly. Get in touch with us to set up a consultation and explore how we can improve your loved one’s comfort and quality of life.