What Is In-Home Care?

In-home care allows seniors to receive professional assistance while remaining in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. Services range from a few hours of companion care per week to around-the-clock nursing support.

Professional care delivered in your parent's own home, from a few hours to around-the-clock.

Who Needs In-Home Care?

In-home care is ideal when your parent needs help with daily activities but doesn't require institutional care. It's also essential when family caregivers are experiencing burnout or cannot provide the level of care needed.

Common Services Included

  • Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming)
  • Medication reminders and management
  • Meal preparation and nutrition support
  • Light housekeeping and laundry
  • Transportation and errands
  • Companionship and social engagement
  • Skilled nursing visits (wound care, injections)
  • Physical, occupational, or speech therapy at home
  • Respite care for family caregivers
  • Fall prevention and home safety assessment

In-Home Care Costs by State (2025)

In-Home Care costs vary significantly by location. Here are the national ranges:

$2,800 National Low
$4,957 National Median
$7,200 National High

Find costs in your specific city by browsing the locations below. Local data is always more accurate than national averages.

How to Pay for In-Home Care

In-home care is paid privately (by the hour) or through Medicaid HCBS waivers. Medicare covers skilled home health (nursing, therapy) after a hospitalization for a limited time. Veterans may qualify for the VA Home Health program.

Medicaid covers in-home care through HCBS waiver programs in most states. This is often the preferred option because it allows seniors to remain in their own homes. Eligibility and hours covered vary by state.

How to Evaluate In-Home Care Providers

Quality indicators for In-Home Care go beyond star ratings and first impressions. Here are the factors that matter most:

Questions to Ask

  1. Are your caregivers employees or independent contractors? (affects liability)
  2. How do you screen and background-check your caregivers?
  3. What training do caregivers receive, and are they certified?
  4. What happens if our regular caregiver calls in sick?
  5. Do you offer a guaranteed minimum number of hours per visit?
  6. How do you match caregivers to clients based on personality and needs?
  7. Are you licensed by the state as a home care agency?
  8. Do you carry liability insurance and workers' compensation?
  9. What is your protocol if a caregiver notices a medical emergency?
  10. How do you handle caregivers who are not a good personality match?

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Agency uses independent contractors (not employees) - creates liability gaps
  • No clear background check policy or willingness to share screening details
  • Unable to guarantee caregiver continuity for ongoing care
  • No state licensure as a home care agency (required in most states)
  • Vague answers about what happens when a caregiver doesn't show up
  • No written care plan or assessment process before starting care
  • Caregivers who spend time on their phone rather than engaging the client
  • Billing discrepancies or charges for hours not worked
  • No protocol for communicating medical concerns to family or physician
  • Pressure to commit to more hours than currently needed
  • No liability insurance or workers' compensation for their employees
  • Dismissive attitude toward family concerns or complaints