What Does In-Home Care Cost? $35/hr (CareScout 2025)

Official CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025 Non-Medical Caregiver medians: national median $35/hour; Alabama $27/hour; Texas $30/hour. These are published cells, not regional ranges. See costs by state for other official state cells.

One of the first questions families ask when considering in-home care is: "How much does this cost?" The answer depends on where you live, the type of care needed, and how many hours per week you need help — but here is a realistic breakdown to help you plan.

National median: $35/hour (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025)

According to industry surveys from Genworth and the AARP, the national median cost for a home health aide in 2025 is approximately $35 per hour (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025). For a homemaker or companion who provides non-medical help (cooking, cleaning, errands), the average is around $35/hour (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025).

Here is what that looks like at different care levels:

Even within a state, urban areas tend to cost 10-20% more than rural areas due to higher wages and cost of living.

What Affects the Price

Several factors push costs up or down:

• Type of caregiver — A certified nursing assistant (CNA) or licensed home health aide costs more than a companion or homemaker because they can perform medical tasks.
• Agency vs. independent caregiver — Hiring through an agency typically costs 20-40% more than hiring independently, but agencies handle background checks, insurance, backup staffing, and payroll taxes.
• Hours and schedule — Overnight, weekend, and holiday hours often carry surcharges. Committing to a minimum number of hours per week may qualify you for a reduced rate.
• Specialized care needs — Dementia care, Parkinson's care, or post-surgical recovery care may require specialized training and cost more.

How to Pay for In-Home Care

Most families use a combination of funding sources:

• Private pay — Out-of-pocket is the most common method, especially in the early stages of care.
• Long-term care insurance — If your loved one has a policy, it may cover a daily or monthly benefit for home care. Check the elimination period and benefit triggers.
• Medicaid home and community-based waivers — Many states fund in-home care through Medicaid waiver programs for people who meet income requirements. There may be wait lists.
• Veterans benefits — The VA's Aid and Attendance benefit provides a monthly stipend for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. This can be used to pay for in-home care.
• Medicare — Covers medically necessary home health services (skilled nursing, therapy) but not ongoing personal care or companionship.

Tips for Getting the Best Value

A few strategies can help you stretch your budget without compromising on care quality:

1. Start with fewer hours — You might only need 10-15 hours a week initially. You can always increase as needs change.
2. Combine paid care with family help — Many families split the schedule so a professional caregiver covers the hardest shifts while family members fill in the rest.
3. Ask about package rates — Some agencies offer discounted rates for 20+ hours per week or month-to-month contracts.
4. Compare at least three providers — Prices can vary 20-30% between agencies in the same area. Get detailed quotes that break down exactly what is included.
5. Use our cost calculator — Our Care Cost Calculator can give you a personalized estimate based on your ZIP code and care needs.

What to Do Next

Getting a realistic cost estimate early helps you plan financially and avoid surprises. Start by searching for in-home care providers in your area and requesting quotes from two or three agencies. Ask each one exactly what is included in their hourly rate — things like background checks, insurance, and backup staffing can vary.