What Is the Cost of 24 Hour Home Care?

The cost of 24-hour care can vary depending on a variety of factors, and understanding these factors will assist you in deciding which home health agency to use for your loved one’s care.

First, consider the client’s needs and whether they fall under the purview of “24-hour care.” This process is completed with a free assessment for a nurse to make recommendations that are truly customized to each situation. If the nurse discovers that the client is sleeping overnight but requires someone in the home for peace of mind with minimal disruption to the caregiver at night, there is the option of live-in care, which means that someone will be present 24 hours a day with an 8-hour break for sleep. This method is most beneficial when the client is able to sleep alone for at least 8 hours while the caregiver is in a separate, undisturbed bedroom but still in the house. If, on the other hand, the client cannot be left alone for 8 hours overnight while the caregiver is away, this level of care is known as continuous around-the-clock care. Two caregivers would alternate 12-hour shifts to ensure that eyes were always on the client, reducing the risk of a fall, difficulty with nighttime bathroom trips, or general fear of being left alone. Many clients are opting to age in place rather than being moved to an assisted living facility, but they cannot be left alone at any time of day or night.

The cost of that specific level of care will be determined by the recommendation made following the assessment.

For example, the less expensive option would be to hire a live-in caregiver who would be paid for 16 hours of work and would be off for 8 hours but would be within earshot if an emergency arose in the middle of the night. If the caregiver was constantly woken up, the nurse would reassess and possibly recommend 12-hour shifts with two caregivers to provide the continuity of care and assistance required both overnight and during the day.

Whichever the nurse recommends, you can be confident that we will do everything possible to provide the quality of care that you and your loved one expect from a Home Health agency.