Q: I was surprised to hear the price of hiring in-home care. How do people afford to pay for care at home?
A: The cost of hiring a caregiver through an agency is at an all-time high. It can seem very overwhelming if you are not familiar with the industry. Rates right now range from $35 up to $45 or more. The average is right around $40 per hour.
Most agencies also have a minimum number of hours for a shift of at least 4 hours. This cost can add up quickly.
Most people do not see what goes into that price. It includes not only the wages for the caregiver but also training, oversight, a background check, the scheduling and monitoring of the care, and the insurance the company requires.
People who choose to hire someone privately may pay around $25 an hour, but then they then assume the legal risk of being an employer. California law still requires you to follow proper employment practices even if you only hire a caregiver in your home.
For anyone who decides to hire privately, I recommend consulting with a labor attorney first to ensure you have the correct documentation, payroll process, and paperwork in place and follow the correct rules for breaks and overtime.
These recommendations aren’t meant to deter anyone from hiring care, but it is essential to understand and be prepared for realistic costs. When needed, a private caregiver is invaluable for safety and care and can allow someone to stay at home longer.
Of course, not everyone has the option to pay for this care. If someone has Medi-Cal low-income insurance, then they can apply for In-Home Supportive Services to pay for care at home through their Medi-Cal.
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact your provider to see if your plan covers any care at home. While plans typically only cover health care needs, some provide short-term care with custodial needs at home.
Adult day care is another option that is less expensive than one-on-one care. These are group settings that provide socialization, activities, care, and supervision during set hours of the day. Some are licensed as social model programs, and others are health care models (Adult Day Health Care programs). You can learn more and find care in your area here: https://aging.ca.gov/Care_Options/Adult_Day_Services_Programs/
Some organizations offer short-term grants to pay for home care for a short period. Call the Area Agency on Aging at 805-477-7300to locate the Family Caregiver Resource Center in your area to see if you qualify.
If these are not viable options, look for volunteer programs or get creative about asking for others to help. Think about what your needs for care are and look for people to match their skills. It may mean asking family or friends to take on roles or shifts to help provide care or supervision.
Consult with a financial planner if you have one. If you need a free consultation, you can reach out to the Camarillo Healthcare District at 805-388-1952 and Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189, which both offer this service.
Whether you need the care now or are planning for the future, it is important to have the correct information and understand your options. Delaying or reducing care may result in other consequences to health, safety, and well-being. Talk to a trusted professional, like a Care Manager at Senior Concerns or one of the Family Caregiver Resource Centers, to make sure you are prepared.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
