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What does In-Home Care Cost? A Complete Guide for Families

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:24:53 GMT

Everything families need to know about pricing, payment options, and what to expect - explained with transparency and care.

In-home care is becoming increasingly popular for aging individuals and those managing medical conditions, and for good reason. It offers comfort, familiar surroundings, and the ability to maintain a regular routine.

When it comes to finding the right care for a loved one, the process can feel overwhelming. Questions come up fast, and one of the most common ones we hear is: What does it actually cost? The reality is that pricing is never one-size-fits-all.

At Circle of Angels, we believe in full transparency. This article breaks down the real costs of in-home care- what you can expect to pay, what drives those prices, and what options are available to help. Our goal is to make sure you have everything you need to make the best decision for your family.

What does In-Home Care Cost?

Typically, in-home care is billed and paid for by the hour. The hourly rates may vary depending on location, the type of care needed, and several other factors.

In-home care services can range from light housekeeping, such as food preparation and laundry, to skilled nursing services like wound care and medical monitoring. According to recent data, the national median cost is around $30 per hour for non-medical care services, with skilled nursing services ranging between $40-$75 per hour.

When calculating cost estimates for in-home care, you must also consider how many hours of care will be provided. This varies for every individual. One person may require 40 hours of care while another may only require 15 hours. Before seeking quotes, we recommend doing an “audit of needs” and determining the type of help that will truly serve you and your family.

What Factors Affect the Price?

As discussed, pricing for services is dependent on many factors. But what are the factors? How do these factors affect pricing? The location of you and your family can impact the price of care. Currently, the most expensive state for in-home care is Maine, with other high-cost states including Alaska, Hawaii, and Minnesota. We may see higher price ranges in these areas due to things like high cost of living, labor shortages, or accessibility in more remote or rural areas. Conversely, Louisiana, along with Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, offers the most affordable home care. Lower price ranges in these areas are attributed to lower wages, lower cost of living, and saturation of the market. Here in SC, we fall in the lower range of pricing with an average cost of $30 per hour.

Other factors may include the type of care being provided. Skilled nursing care will naturally come at a higher price point due to the skill, expertise, and education required for the position. Oftentimes, these services include wound care or recovery needs as well as medication assistance and supervision. Light housekeeping, transportation, and other services provided by non-credentialed professionals are generally more affordable.

How can I pay for it?

While financial decisions in healthcare can be intimidating, it's important to remember that there are resources available to alleviate the strain. For some, home care costs can be covered fully or partially by their health insurance. This is the same for federally or state-funded insurance programs like Medicaid. Those receiving disability may find resources available to help with payment, as well as those receiving payments from the VA.

In South Carolina, we have the option of reaching out to The SC Respite Coalition, which will help individuals find waiver programs that they may be eligible for. The Appalachian Council on Aging offers similar support for our aging population. We do everything we can to help navigate and assist our clients in finding programs applicable to their situations.

It’s our hope that all those who choose to age in place and receive care at home are able to do so with as little financial burden as possible. We do our best to offer consistent, high-quality care and keep our services available to everyone who needs them. In a time when many are evaluating finances closely and are spending more mindfully, we see the value in transparency, clear communication, compassion, and understanding. If you have questions about navigating the cost of in-home care, please reach out. We’re here to help you find answers and a path forward.

Compassion in Care: Why it Makes All the Difference

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:53:06 GMT

Compassion in Care: Why it Makes All the Difference

Nurses and caregivers have a vast skill set that they utilize on a daily basis. They educate us when we have questions, nurse us while we heal, and help us attempt to prevent illness in the future. These skills have one thing in common- they are driven by compassion and the desire to help someone who’s in need. We think that compassion is one of the most important skills in home healthcare. We hope that by the end of this article, you will see the significance of this skill and gain a better understanding of the impact of compassion when it comes to care.

Because of the vulnerable nature of giving and receiving care, trust becomes the framework of what we do. We work very closely with our patients and their families, becoming intertwined in one of the most personal and private sides of their lives. Compassion is needed when discussing patients' health concerns or other sensitive needs. We aim to create and foster a space of active listening, one that allows our patients to feel seen and heard. In a secure environment, our patients feel comfortable, empowered, and confident discussing their thoughts and needs regarding their care.

Along with building trust, empathy, and a sense of connection can really make a powerful impact. Studies show that seniors are actually 2 times more likely to experience depression . In-home care offers a unique opportunity to alleviate the loneliness our patients might experience throughout their healthcare journey. Generally speaking, social connections can be beneficial to cognitive health. Studies show that socialization can stimulate attention and memory as well as help to strengthen neural networks. By just being present and socially attentive, we can help strengthen the minds of our patients.

Kindness in care can literally have a positive impact on recovery . Along with the cognitive benefits of socialization, kindness and empathy can make a big difference in how your patient participates in their care. By simply being kind and encouraging self-compassion, we can improve coping skills, increase motivation, and strengthen the bond between provider and patient. Creating an effective healthcare environment can even influence patient compliance. We often see that a patient is more likely to adhere to their treatment plan when they’re provided a safe, respectful, and collaborative space that promotes high-quality patient care - which we aim to provide for all those we serve.

On a professional scale, compassion is essential. Oftentimes, there are many moving parts and multiple parties involved in one person’s care. This may include other caregivers, nurses, administrators, or other healthcare agencies. It's important to remember that we are all experiencing the strain of working in the healthcare industry. According to a study done in 2022 by the CDC, 46% of healthcare workers are experiencing burnout . We owe it to our colleagues to treat them with dignity and respect. We all have a shared purpose, which is to care for those in need, especially when that includes a fellow healthcare worker.

Compassion in care should be the standard. With this in mind, patient focused care is bound to follow. We hope that we can inspire you to find ways to incorporate more kindness into your daily routines. If you or a loved one has questions about their care, we are always here to listen and do our best to find a solution together.

Sources :

Fordham Institute Inc- The Heart of Healthcare: Why Compassion Matters as Much as Skills, published 9/16/25

American Association of Colleges of Nursing- Compassionate Care

National Library of Medicine- Compassion in Healthcare: A Narrative Review of Cross-Cultural Perspectives , published 11/17/25

CDC- Health Workers Facing a Mental Health Crisis, published 10/24/23

Creating a Safe Home for the New Year

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:03:58 GMT

Creating a Safe Home for the New Year

The beginning of a new year often feels like a transformative time—new experiences, new opportunities, and for many, new challenges. As we age and our bodies change, adjustments must be made to ensure safety and comfort in the home. One in four seniors will fall or be injured in the home- this leads to millions of hospitalizations yearly. This year, we encourage you to assess the safety of your home and see if there are any improvements you can make for your loved one with limited mobility. This article will break down multiple safety tips for each room of the house.

The room with the highest risk for falls is the bathroom, with 80% of falls happening there. Often, surfaces are slippery, wet, and generally awkward to navigate. It's important to ensure bright and clear lighting at all times- nightlights can be great for visibility in a small area when daylight is scarce. A non-slip rug on the floor is a good addition, as tiles can be slick- even when dry. However, any rug can pose a fall risk, and so it’s essential to ensure the rug is low profile and easy to walk over. It is also recommended to add grab bars to aid in stability when walking, sitting, or using the shower. The shower can be an area of concern- but with some preparation, it can be made much safer. Along with grab bars installed in the shower, you can add non-slip mats to the floor of the shower or tub, and a water-safe bench or chair to allow for seating and breaks during the shower process. A commonly overlooked safety concern is the temperature of the water. It is important to make sure that your water is set at a safe temperature (no higher than 120 degrees) to prevent scalding or burns from the water. Check this regularly to ensure proper function. Stock the bathroom often to make sure that all needed supplies are available and items are easily in reach.

Another area of concern is the bedroom. It is vital to keep the bedroom accessible to the individual- this is an important space to them. Keep pathways clear of tripping hazards so they may move around comfortably. As in any other room, clear lighting is important, and an easy-to-access light at the bedside can be helpful. You can even add “clap on/clap off” lights to the room or add adapters to existing lights to make it easier to turn them on and off. Getting in and out of bed may be physically exerting for the individual or the caregiver helping them - you can add grab bars to the side of the bed to aid with independence in the transition. If you do install bed rails, check with the manufacturer often- to stay aware of any recalls, as bedrails do carry risks of their own. It could be beneficial to address the height of the bed. You can add a sturdy stepstool if the bed is too high, or risers to the bedframe, if it’s too low. Lowering closet shelves and using tools such as grabbers or shoehorns can help with reachability issues when dressing or undressing. Do a regular walkthrough of the bedroom and speak with your loved one frequently to ensure they are able to move around and access their things with ease.

For many people, the kitchen is a room of love and connection. As we age, it can become a difficult and unsafe place to navigate. Make sure there is plenty of sturdy seating available so that your loved one may continue to cook safely or have a safe place to enjoy the aromas. Similar to the bathroom, kitchen floors are often made of tile, which can get slippery. Clear pathways with safe non-slip rugs can help. Keep frequently used ingredients or tools on lower shelves or in lower cabinets so that they can be reached with ease. Regularly test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors in the home to ensure they are working properly. In the event of an emergency, it’s important to make sure there is a fire extinguisher accessible as well as a personal phone or call button to alert the appropriate parties for help.

Accessibility in the home is non-negotiable, and keeping your loved one safe can be a daunting task. Luckily, today, we have many tools and resources available to help with this process. Communication will be your biggest asset. Ask your loved one what changes can be made to make their daily living and tasks easier to accomplish. If you are concerned about the safety of the home, you can reach out to a professional to ask clarifying questions, set up a safety assessment walkthrough, or acquire additional assistance.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic Health System- Household Safety Checklist for Senior Citizens

Shelley Geerdes, published July 31, 2023

Consumer Reports- How to Set Your Bedroom Up for Aging in Place

Catherine Roberts, published April 23, 2025

Elder Care Alliance- 10 Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors

Published May 22, 2025

United States Consumer Product Safety Commision- Older Americans are More Likely to Suffer Fatalities from Falls and Fires; CPSC Report Highlights Hidden Hazards Around the Home

Published March 07,2022