Is In-Home Health Care More Affordable than You Think?

Health visitor and a senior woman during home visit.

Finding Affordable Care

The cost of a personal care assistant can seem high, especially if you don’t have any experience coordinating care for yourself or a loved one. However, we wager that home health care is more affordable than you think. In fact, senior health care is exceptionally affordable if you look for the correct service and have the right coverage.

Cost on Average

If you are pricing home health aides, you’ll find a common number shared on the internet. According to the national average, personal care assistants make anywhere from $16 to $28 per hour. This price can sound daunting. In most circumstances, people won’t have the resources, even with retirement, to afford hiring someone full-time.

Navigating Costs

There are some easy solutions to covering the cost of an in-home health aide. Most of these involve manipulating the circumstances to offer you the maximum benefit without sacrificing your wallet.

  • Hiring Part-Time – You can opt for hiring an aide that only offers service for part of the week, and this time reduction will cut the cost in half. For specific cases, like a person who only needs minor services, like occasional vital signs or meal preparation, you can reduce the number of hours even further.
  • Using Medicare – Medicare does cover the cost of “skilled” senior health care administered in your home. Be sure to check first if you qualify, though. Medicare is stricter with its coverage and often emphasizes only covering those who are genuinely “home-bound and in need of skilled services (services only a licensed nurse, physical, or occupational therapist can provide.”
  • Considering Other Options – If you require more than 40 hours a week of home health care, like overnight monitoring, then you’ll quickly find that other options are cheaper. Considering senior living communities or assisted living facilities will be far more affordable in the long run.

Making the Best Decision

You know your situation better than anyone else. Consider your options and pick the best one that meets your needs and finances. If you need help deciding which solution is best for you, the Good Shepherd Community can help you find the proper service for your circumstances. Contact us today to find out what’s right for you.

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