The hourly rate for home care can fluctuate considerably, influenced by several factors, such as state, type of service, and whether caregivers are hired by an agency or are independent. The details of long-term care and life insurance policies also vary, but they can cover the costs of home nursing care for home health aides when specific criteria are met. The cost of home care is lower than home health care and may be covered by Medicaid, veterans benefits, and certain insurance policies. In addition to the different types of care that are provided and the different qualifications of those who provide it, the costs of home care and home health care are considerably different.
Keep in mind that these values are only estimates of care costs; actual costs will vary depending on the degree of care needed by an older person and, therefore, the hours of care required, among other factors. Different types of care are also offered to older people in residential care facilities, including assisted living facilities, nursing homes and memory care centers to promote the health and safety of older people, and which vary according to the needs of each resident. Older people who live in an area with a higher cost of living are likely to pay more than the national average for home care. While both are performed at home, home care is not the same as home health care; home health care includes medical services and therapies administered by medically trained professionals certified by the state.
In contrast, home health aides are certified or licensed professionals who can offer broader care, including medical services and therapy, to older people in their homes. Addressing the costs of 24-hour home care can be complex due to variability between different regions and care needs. Likewise, seniors who need company and reminders about medications, as well as help with shopping, preparing meals, eating and cleaning, will have to pay even more for extra hours of home care. The table below shows the average hourly rates for home care in each state, based on A Place for Mom's 2025 report on the cost of long-term care and life for older people.
A 24-hour care plan is a comprehensive plan that outlines the care and support provided to an older person at all hours of the morning, day, and night. However, seniors in the United States pay an average of 30 hours of home care a week, and your loved one will most likely not need assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Home care is often confused with home health care, and while both are performed at home, the type of care provided is different. Home health care differs from home care in that care is provided by trained medical professionals, such as a nurse or physical therapist, and must be ordered by a doctor.
