When it comes to caring for aging parents, one of the most common and complicated questions we hear is: “How can we pay for in-home care?” The answer isn’t a simple one. This is because every family’s needs, financial situation and eligibility for assistance varies. At Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore, we’ve guided many families through this exact question. Here’s what you need to know:
Start With the Type of Care Your Parents Need
Before you can explore how to pay for home care, it’s important to understand the kind of care your loved one needs. Needs typically fall into one of two categories:
- Short-term care, often needed after an illness, surgery, or hospitalization. This care may last a few weeks or months and supports recovery at home.
- Long-term care, which involves ongoing support for day-to-day tasks and functional needs. This can include help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing and toileting, as well as Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) like meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation, household chores and more. These services are often essential for maintaining independence and quality of life over time.
Knowing the difference will help you choose the right services and build a plan that aligns with your budget and goals.
Understand What Health Insurance Doesn’t Cover
One of the biggest surprises for many families is discovering that health insurance and Medicare rarely if ever pay for non-medical home care. While there are some programs that may cover skilled nursing or therapy under strict conditions, day-to-day support with personal care and household tasks is again, rarely covered.
This is where understanding your funding options becomes critical.
Explore Available Funding Sources
While home care is usually paid out-of-pocket, there are several ways families can manage the cost – especially with proper planning. Some of the most common options include:
- Personal assets, such as savings, retirement funds or home equity, which many families use to fund ongoing care.
- Veterans benefits, especially if your parent served during wartime and has minimal assets or receives care through the VA, they may qualify for financial support to cover in-home assistance.
- Medicaid can sometimes help cover in-home care for those who meet specific eligibility requirements based on income and assets.
- Long-term care insurance, if your parent has a policy in place, it will provide benefits for personal (think hands on) care services.
Every family’s financial picture is different, and navigating these options takes time and insight. We recommend starting early and speaking with knowledgeable professionals to determine what can apply in your situation.
Build a Realistic Budget
Home care can be tailored to fit a wide range of needs and budgets. Some families only require a few hours a week, while others need more frequent or even daily care. Average levels of care nationally are 25 to 35 hours per week, but this will depend on your parent’s health, available family resources and your family’s financial priorities.
At Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore, we work with families to create care plans that not only meet the needs of their loved ones – but also respect their financial situation. Whether you’re looking for short-term recovery support or long-term assistance, we’ll help you find a solution that feels manageable and right for your family.
Let’s Talk About Your Family’s Needs
Paying for in-home care for your parents in Boston and on the South Shore care may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Senior Helpers, we are here to help you understand your options, so that you can make educated decisions with confidence and clarity.
Call us at 617-500-6999 or contact us using the form here on our website to start exploring how you can pay for in-home care for your parents.