If you’re weighing your options and planning your financials, one of the many living options for you as a senior is to stay at home. But, you might be thinking that home healthcare is more expensive than nursing homes or assisted living, right? Not necessarily. Like everything, the costs can vary greatly, and where you live is greatly going to impact your rates. However, let’s look at some of the figures, and what you might average each month, if you choose this route rather than a nursing home or facility.
Monthly cost averages
On average, a home healthcare company will cost about $4000 to $5000 per month for normal hours (usually Monday through Friday morning through late afternoon). This is for an average of 40 to 50 hours of care per week, and the average hourly rate is about $125 to $150. This is below the average of most nursing homes in the US, but does cost a little more than assisted living. Remember, the costs can greatly increase or decrease based upon location. So, some areas in the country are going to average closer to $200 per hour, while some regions might come in under $100 per hour.
Weekend, overnight, extended hours
The cost of weekend, overnight, or extended hours (beyond the 40 to 50 weekly hours) will also incur additional costs. Most home healthcare aide companies will charge a flat rate. If you need them to stay overnight, some companies will charge a weekly rate, others will charge a rate which flutters around $200 additional. Some companies also offer the option to pay a flat rate, so if you require around the clock care, you might want to inquire about this option to see what kind of discounts you can receive if you pay for the additional hours/package all together.
Extra costs
There are some additional costs, above the extended hours. Some things which can increase your home healthcare service costs include
- Transportation services
- If you need to go to/from doctor appointments
- Laundry, cleaning, and other services at home
- If you require an RN or medical attention at home
- If you require 24/7 medical attention, or require more than one home healthcare aide to stay with you at home
Some companies might charge additional costs for holiday seasons, or for additional services you choose to add, above and beyond the normal business hours which the home aide will remain in your home. So, discuss these costs, as well as any discounts offered, in order to determine which companies are offering you the best deal for their services.
Ways to reduce costs
There are some things you can inquire about to see if you can reduce overall costs for home healthcare aides which include
- Paying up front for the month rather than weekly/daily
- Seeing if there are packages for extra hours
- Discussing payment plan/options
If you have family that can stay with you over the weekend, or if you have someone that can come home early a few times a week, this is also an option to consider, so that you reduce the total number of hours the aide will be with you, and reduce costs. Many companies also offer military discounts, or other savings if you have a particular insurance company or are a member of AARP or other senior groups. So, it’s worth asking questions so you can find out what ways you can save, and which options are the best for payment, so that you end up paying the lowest rates for your home healthcare aide to stay with and care for you.
Although it is more expensive than an apartment or home mortgage, home healthcare aides can be affordable if you take the time to shop around and compare them. And, for those who want their liberties and to remain at home, it’s an option which might actually be cheaper than a nursing home, while affording you the ability to remain in your home, in your own bed, and under your roof.
Do your shopping, compare, discuss with Medicaid, and find out what options are available where you live, to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible when the time comes to choose a home healthcare aide company for your living/care needs.