Considering how to cover the cost of in-home care can feel daunting. You might be wondering how to find affordable home care in Charlotte — and how to determine which options are right for your family.
In this post, we’ll break down key drivers of the cost of home care in NC, along with assistance programs in your area. Then, we’ll delve into helpful budgeting tips.
Cost Drivers
Home care costs an average of $25/hour in Charlotte, which is slightly higher than in smaller cities like Goldsboro and Greenville, where it costs $20–21/hour.
What affects the cost of home care in NC? The number of hours needed and specific services required are two main factors. For those needing skilled nursing or constant supervision, costs can rise substantially. In 2024, a home health aide who handles personal care tasks and basic health checks, and works 44 hours per week, costs an average of $77,792 nationwide. But in many cases, clients don’t require a caregiver to work a full-time schedule.
Considering that the average annual cost of a nursing home room in Charlotte is $113,471 for a shared room and $120,514 for a private one, home care is often the most affordable option. Plus, it lets seniors maintain the lifestyle and independence they enjoy.
Financial Assistance Programs
Let’s review a few funding options that could apply to your loved one.
Benefits Programs
Medicare only provides temporary coverage for skilled care while people recover from an illness or injury. But for those who qualify, Medicaid can cover the costs of essential home care. (However, a recent 3% rate reduction may affect coverage.)
Additionally, the PACE program (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) provides comprehensive care services to support people in living at home. In North Carolina, Medicaid covers the full cost of PACE services.
Veterans’ benefits and long-term care insurance can also cover the costs of a home health aide or skilled home care.
Respite Programs
A couple of NC programs offer funding for respite care:
- The Dementia Alliance Caregiver Assistance Program offers up to $500 in assistance with respite care (once per year).
- The NC Lifespan Respite Program provides reimbursement for respite care services totaling up to $750 (once per year).
- The NC Family Caregiver Support Program offers counseling and training to caregivers, as well as short-term respite care.
- North Carolina’s Home Care Independence Program provides financial support for seniors to hire a family member, friend, or acquaintance as their caregiver.
Let’s turn to some budgeting considerations now.
Budgeting Tips
Use these tips to gain a stronger grasp of your financial options and needs for home care services.
Perform a Needs Audit
Conduct an audit to assess your loved one’s needs. Do they need ongoing memory care, or do they mainly need periodic companion care and meal prep assistance? Keep a log of your care activities over the course of a week, noting any unmet needs as well.
Then, consider which tasks you need to offload. Also try to predict the level of care your loved one may require six months or a year from now.
Seek Tailored Financial Guidance
You can gain personalized guidance on your funding options through the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). Find a local counselor to set up an appointment.
BenefitsCheckUp, a free service offered by the National Council on Aging, also connects seniors with counselors who can assist in navigating benefits. Visit the website or call 1-800-794-6559.
Long-term care insurance can help cover costs, but for those experiencing significant health challenges, signing up now might not be a viable option. A reverse mortgage is another option that some people consider. Talk with a financial advisor about how to fund affordable home care for your needs.
By choosing a reputable home care agency with reasonable prices, you’ll make sure your loved one receives the highest quality care.To discuss how in-home care can support your loved one’s needs, schedule a free nurse consultation call today.
