Education and Support

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.