The elderly may face health issues, including dementia, osteoarthritis, and others, due to which they may be unable to take care of themselves. While most senior adults do not want any external help and want to live without assistance, sometimes it becomes a necessity. The situation may worsen when no family member is available to provide “round-the-clock” assistance to the elderly. Fortunately, senior home and hospice care services can comfort seniors and the elderly at a cost. These in-home care services may also benefit patients who have recently undergone a medical procedure and must recover and others who require some support.
Factors Influencing Hourly Rate & Cost of Senior Hospice Care
Many distinct factors may influence the cost of home care availed by a senior, elderly, or any other individual and person who requires it. It is a highly individualized and personalized service with costs varying due to agency, region, and the number of hours of care needed and provided, among other aspects. Furthermore, the greater the span of the services and the facilities, the higher the cost. A recent survey with respondents coming from segments including home care providers, assisted-living facilities, and adult healthcare facilities gives some essential information and cues on the subject.
- Usually, home care services and agencies charge for the services based on the number of hours served. However, some services (approximately 10%) may discount the prices based on monthly and long-term contracts.
- The average cost of elderly and senior home care is approx. $ 24 for each hour, on average.
- The cost of the services varies based on the region/geography, licensure, and level of care.
- Full-time care for the seniors and elderly for a month is $4480 on average.
- The cost of the elderly and in-home hospice care services is increasing yearly from 1.8 % to 3.8 %. Therefore, it may go beyond the rate of inflation as well.
Individualized Attention
As stated, the elderly and senior home care services are highly personalized. The service providers will first discuss the kind of care services required by a senior with the client and their family members. They perform a thorough need assessment before allotting a home care aid/assistant to a client and senior. In some cases, more specialized home care assistants may be required, and they have more experience and training. The cost of such services may be greater when compared to the services of inexperienced home care assistants. However, all kinds of assistants can assist seniors in almost all day-to-day activities, including bathing and dressing.
The Cost of Senior In-Home Care Based on Location
The cost of a senior home care service may depend on the location and geography. The cost will be less when you live in a city with a relatively lower living cost. The regulations of the states will also impact the cost of senior care. In some states, the services must possess a license. The cost of home care services would be higher in such states.
Washington may have one of the highest costs of senior home care, where the prices may go up to $31 per hour of service. On the other hand, the hourly rate for senior home care will be close to $26 for every hour of service in the District of Columbia. However, the cost can be as low as $15 per hour in some regions. Along with locations, it also depends on the service’s level and expertise. For instance, in some states, the hourly cost for the senior care home care service is $18.
Impact of “Round the Clock” Service & Shift on Cost
There can be a different price structure for the “round the clock” home care service for senior care. The costs may also be affected by factors including sleeping arrangements), the number of assistants that change the shift during the day (and work in rotation), and other factors.
For the “round the clock” or 24/7 shift, three caregivers/assistants may be involved. They may work an 8-hour shift. Two caregivers may also work at a location in 12-hour shifts. The median average rate for 30 days or 24/7 care for a month is close to $17250.
Sometimes the elderly only require occasional help, which overnight caregivers can provide. A 12-hour shift with a sleeping arrangement for a month can cost you up to $12780. The services are helpful when an alert caregiver and assistant are not required throughout the 24 hours of the day.
The elderly and senior home care services can provide various levels of support and specialization and may also hold licensure to provide expert and reliable services. You can reach out to leading, reputable senior homes care and hospice service providers to know more about the cost and the benefits involved and ensure peace of mind for yourself and the senior. Comparing a few options (by obtaining price quotes) can also make your deal affordable.