Hourly care
Companion and personal care usually cost $28 to $40 an hour in South and Central Jersey. Weekend, overnight and holiday hours often cost more.
Most agencies set a minimum visit, typically 3 or 4 hours.
Live-in care
A live-in caregiver often costs $350 to $500 a day. Round-the-clock awake shifts can cost twice that.
Ways to pay
Private pay, long-term care insurance, VA benefits and NJ FamilyCare MLTSS all pay for some home care. Medicare covers skilled home health visits, not ongoing hourly aides.
Common questions
- Does Medicare pay for a home health aide?
- Only as part of a skilled home health episode ordered by a doctor, and only for short visits. Medicare does not pay for ongoing hourly or live-in care.
- Are rates negotiable?
- Sometimes. Agencies may lower the rate for more hours per week or a longer commitment. Ask.