Choosing 24/7 in-home care for a loved one is a profound decision that balances comfort, safety, and financial considerations. If you’re exploring this option in California, you’re likely asking: How much does it cost per month, why does it vary so widely, and what should I know before making a commitment?

Let’s break down these questions and help you make an informed choice, with real-world numbers and practical advice tailored for California families.

The Price of 24/7 In-Home Care: California’s Averages

California is consistently ranked among the highest-cost states for senior care, and in-home care is no exception. The average monthly cost for 24/7 in-home care in California typically ranges from $23,000 to over $27,000 per month, depending on the city, type of care, and whether services are medical or non-medical in nature.

• Average Monthly Cost (Statewide): $25,200

• Los Angeles Area: Around $27,000/month

• San Francisco Bay Area: Even higher in some zip codes, due to the overall cost of living

• Sacramento & Rural Areas: Slightly below the state average, but prices are still substantial

• Typical Hourly Rate for Caregivers: $29–$40/hour, with specialized nursing fetching higher rates

These numbers reflect the cost for continuous, “awake and alert” coverage—meaning someone is there every hour, day and night, to assist with personal care, safety monitoring, meal preparation, mobility, and medication reminders.

Why Does 24/7 Care Cost So Much?

There are several factors behind these price tags:

• Labor Costs: In California, labor laws require overtime and often mandate “double shift” coverage. For 24/7 care, agencies typically employ multiple caregivers to ensure no one works more than 8–12 hours per shift, which increases staffing costs.

• Caregiver Wages: Home care aides in California earn a higher-than-average wage; current averages are $29–$40/hour for agency-based care.

• Insurance, Taxes, and Compliance: Reputable agencies (including options like Clara Home Care) handle payroll taxes, workers’ comp, liability insurance, and legal compliance, all of which add costs but protect families from risk.

• Location: Care costs are higher in metro areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and San Mateo County than in rural or inland regions.

What Does 24/7 In-Home Care Include?

When you pay for round-the-clock home care, you’re not just hiring someone to “sit in the house” with your loved one. Services typically include:

• Personal care: bathing, dressing, grooming, incontinence care

• Medication reminders and management

• Assistance with mobility and transfers

• Meal planning, preparation, and feeding support

• Light housekeeping and laundry

• Companionship and emotional support

• Transportation for errands or appointments (if included in the care plan)

• Safety monitoring to reduce the risk of falls or accidents

You can read more about the different duties a caregiver might perform in our blog on "What does a caregiver do?".

Lower-Cost Alternatives and Flexible Options

Part-time care

Families who don’t need full 24/7 care can save substantially by hiring help for only a portion of the day. For example, hiring a caregiver for 40 hours per week instead of 168 can bring costs down to the $5,000–$7,000/month range.

Overnight “Sleeping” Shifts

Some home care agencies may offer a sleeping shift model, where an overnight caregiver is allowed to sleep and is only expected to assist if needed. These shifts often come at a flat rate, which can reduce costs if nighttime care is less intensive.

If you are privately employing a caregiver in your home as your direct household employee, you should be aware of labor laws and compliance around this type of care setup.

Home Care Marketplaces

Services like Clara Home Care are disrupting traditional agency models by connecting families directly with qualified, vetted caregivers at lower rates. For 24/7 care, this usually exceeds $12,000/month—while significantly lower than hiring an agency-based caregiver, this is still a substantial long term care cost.

24/7 Care vs. Assisted Living or Nursing Homes

You may find that monthly costs for assisted living facilities in California typically run $5,500–$8,000 depending on location and care needs, while nursing homes average $9,000–$12,000+.

In comparison, in-home care lets your loved one stay in familiar surroundings with personalized one-on-one support, which, though more expensive, is invaluable for many families seeking dignity, comfort, and independence. Indeed, aging in place has been linked to more favorable experiences and outcomes for older adults.

Tips for Families Shopping for In-Home Care

• Get Multiple Quotes: Interview several agencies or private caregivers in your region. Rates vary more than you might expect.

• Ask About Flexibility: Can you “custom build” a schedule? Is there a sliding scale for continuous coverage?

• Check for Financial Assistance: Long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits, and some county and nonprofit programs may offer subsidies, especially for seniors with lower incomes.

• Plan for the Future: Start a conversation early so you can plan for both care needs and finances—waiting until a crisis can limit your options.

How Clara can help

Clara Home Care helps families find, directly hire and retain independent, vetted caregivers—empowering families to find their perfect caregiver and save substantially on their long term care costs. In fact, one family saved hundreds of thousands on their 24/7 care.

When around-the-clock care is needed, the bond you share with your caregivers matters more than ever. This is where Clara’s advanced AI comes in, matching you with caregivers who not only meet your loved one’s needs, but also fit your family’s unique preferences and values.

Final Thoughts

While the monthly cost of 24/7 in-home care in California is substantial—often in the $23,000 to $27,000 range—many families find the investment worth it for peace of mind and the ability to keep loved ones safe and comfortable at home. Providers like Clara Home Care are making personalized care more accessible and affordable than ever before. As you evaluate your own needs, remember that the right planning, transparency, and support can help you navigate this journey with confidence—ensuring that your family gets the care, dignity, and attention it deserves.

If you’re exploring in-home care, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Clara Care Consultant for a free consultation. Every situation is unique—but you have more options than you might think.