Home care · Private pay
Home care: non-medical help at home
Home care means a caregiver who helps with bathing, dressing, meals, errands, light housekeeping, companionship and supervision for memory loss. It is non-medical, so Medicare doesn't pay for it on its own; most families pay privately, and long-term care insurance, VA Aid and Attendance and Medicaid waivers can help people who qualify.
Home care runs about $35 an hour nationally costs
Who pays
See how to pay for home care and what care costs. Need skilled nursing or therapy instead? That is Medicare home health.
Common questions
Does Medicare pay for home care?
Not on its own. Medicare doesn't pay for non-medical home care (help with bathing, dressing, meals) when that's the only care you need. It covers Medicare home health, which is skilled care ordered by a doctor, for people who are homebound and qualify.
How much does home care cost?
CareScout's 2025 national median is $35 an hour for a non-medical home caregiver, about $6,673 a month at 44 hours a week. Costs vary by state; see the costs page.
How do I check a home care agency's license?
Use the state licensing agency's search: Texas HHSC for Texas, the California Department of Social Services for California. Each listing on HomeCareFinder links to the official source.
Quick facts: Home care means a caregiver who helps with bathing, dressing, meals, errands, light housekeeping, companionship and supervision for memory loss. It is non-