Key Takeaways
- The national median cost of 24-hour home care is $30 per hour. Costs vary by location and a senior’s level of care.
- The monthly median cost of 24-hour home care is around $21,823. This includes multiple caregivers working in shifts and available at all times.
- Other senior care types may be less costly than 24-hour home care. Assisted living is typically less expensive than hiring round-the-clock in-home caregivers.
- Round-the-clock home can become costly. While 24/7 home health care is available for seniors who need 24/7 medical care, a nursing home is usually a more affordable option and can be covered by some benefits programs.
How much does 24/7 in-home care cost per month?
The median cost of 24/7 in-home care is $21,823 per month, based on the $30 hourly rate. These costs will vary based on where a senior lives and the level of support they need. Other factors that can affect the cost of care include the types of services provided, the number of caregivers required, and whether your family hires a private caregiver or works with a home care agency. The above figures are sourced from A Place for Mom’s 2024 report based on our proprietary data.
You should also factor in the duration of time you plan to use this service, says Todd Austin, president of Home Care Pulse.
“The timeline varies a lot by chronic conditions. This isn’t something that is [a] standard amount of time. On average, in-home care has a standard service time of 15-20 months,” says Austin.
In some cases, such ashome care for hip replacements, your loved one may only need intensive care for a short period of time tosafely recover after surgery. However, a permanent disability may call for home care for an indefinite period.
From a budgeting perspective, this may be costly, and you may want to consider whatpayment options a home care agency will accept. Most home care agencies work withprivate pay clients, but some may accept veterans benefits or long-term care insurance. In some cases,Medicaid may cover qualified home health care costs.
What services are included in the cost of 24-hour care?
Providers of 24-hour home care typically offer the following services:
- Light housekeeping
- Help with activities of daily living such as transferring, bathing, and grooming
- Medication reminders
- Companionship
- Meal preparation
- Ambulation — assistance with moving — to prevent bed sores in seniors who are unable to move themselves
- Monitor fecal or urinary incontinence and maintain a clean environment
Round-the-clock supervision and support can offer a senior the opportunity to continue aging in place and provide peace of mind for their family.
While 24/7 home care offers the convenience of receiving care in the comfort of one’s home, the cost may become prohibitive for some families. A senior living community — such asassisted living, which offers a similar level of care — may be a more cost effective option. The national median cost of assisted living is $4,995 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s2024 Cost of Long-Term Care and Senior Living report.
Live-in care is another option that is less expensive than 24/7 home care and allows seniors to receive care in their own home. A live-in caregiver lives in the senior’s home and provides care during a specified shift, usually eight hours.
Read more:When to Move to Senior Living: Weighing Your Loved One’s Wants and Needs
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The cost of 24-hour home health care
The cost of 24-hour home health care will be even higher than standard home care, since these services are medical in nature and provided by skilled professionals like nurses and therapists. Medicare and Medicaid may cover some home health care expenses in certain situations, but these programs typically don’t cover round-the-clock care for an extended period of time. If a senior requires round-the-clock care, nursing homes offer the same level of care and are often a more affordable option than 24/7 home health care.
Read more:Home Care vs. Home Health Care: What’s the Difference?
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Choosing the care your loved one needs
Whether you’ve previously worked with ahome careagency or are considering at-home help for the first time, choosing a provider can feel overwhelming. Many agencies offer an in-home care assessment to help ensure that they can meet your loved one’s needs. Plus, because there are so many home care agencies to choose from, finding the best fit for your loved one can be difficult.
If you’re unsure of how to proceed, or if you want to explore additional options, such as assisted living, consider working with one of ourSenior Living Advisors. These senior living experts can help you find a home care agency or senior living community that’s right for your loved one and your family — all at no cost to you.
