Facing an illness or injury of a loved one is a difficult time to navigate, and you may wonder how much in-home care costs in Texas. While costs in general for in-home care services can be high, they run slightly lower in Texas than in other states.
This guide is intended to break down what to expect for your loved one’s care and the ways in-home care can be an affordable option to let your loved one age or heal in place.
Overview of In-Home Care Costs in Texas
In-home care costs in Texas are generally lower than the national average, even in larger metropolitan areas. It helps to understand these costs to make informed decisions based on the best care possible for your loved one.
Next, we’ll break down average overall costs, what factors influence these costs, and how in-home care compares to other options for care in Texas.
Average Costs of In-Home Care in Texas
The average cost of in-home care varies across the state. Here’s a comparison of the state-wide average vs. Dallas (which is cost comparable to other Texas metropolitan cities).
- Home Health Aide services average $5,339 state-wide and range higher to $5,720/month in Dallas.
- Adult Day Health Care services cost an average of $1,083/month, although unavailable in some regions. The Dallas Area, TX, costs upward of $1950 for Adult Day Health Care.
- Assisted Living Facilities in TX cost similar to in-home care services, ranging from $4,915 to $5,241/month.
- Nursing Home Care averages $5,323 to $7,178/month, depending on a semi-private or private room.
Factors Influencing In-Home Care Costs
Various factors influence the cost of in-home care, including the type and duration of care you or your loved one needs, the type of provider used, and the region of Texas where you live. Costs will increase with the care you or your loved one needs, as professional services from nurses, therapists, and doctors are higher than home health aides.
Other factors can also affect costs, including:
- The time of day you use in-home care services. Visits by home health aides are generally more expensive in the evenings and weekends, especially on holidays.
- Services beyond grooming, meals, and housekeeping, including laundry, transportation, etc., are charged extra.
Types of In-Home Care Services and Their Costs
Personal Care and Assistance
Home health aides usually provide personal care and may perform other “homemaker” services.
These are generally part-time, 20-hour-per-week assignments for home health aides to do grooming, dressing, meal preparation, transportation to medical care, assistance with telehealth appointments, and light housekeeping. In TX, this generally costs $1,950/month.
Skilled Nursing Care
The next level of care, if medical interventions are necessary, is skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing care includes services from a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, which can involve caring for wounds, administering medications, and other activities to monitor the patient’s health and wellness.
Skilled nursing care in Texas averages $7,000 to $8,000 per month. The level of care needed impacts this range.
Specialized Care
Specialized care, like Alzheimer’s or dementia care, is needed when a patient’s condition requires assistance that goes above and beyond the scope of personal care or skilled nursing care.
In cases of dementia, there is a loss of cognitive function that often makes around-the-clock care essential for your loved one’s safety and well-being. Given the 24/7 nature of this care, the average monthly cost for specialized care services in Texas is $20,385.
Comparing In-Home Care Costs to Other Care Options
Not every situation calls for in-home care; other options may better suit your loved one’s needs and the availability of family and friends for care.
In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living
In-home care allows patients to remain in their familiar surroundings, in the comfort of home settings, and with loved ones they are used to while receiving personalized care. Assisted living facilities are a community setting. They offer around-the-clock services and supervision, meal preparation, and activities to maintain the residents' social well-being.
In-home care averages $5,339 to $5,720 monthly in Texas, while assisted living ranges from $4,915 to $5,241 monthly. The two have close costs, and choosing between the two largely depends on the level of care, independence, and social support the senior or patient desires.
In-Home Care vs. Nursing Homes
Nursing homes provide medical and personal care in a facility setting for those who require constant supervision and medical attention.
While nursing home care costs range between $5,323 and $7,178 per month for semi-private or private rooms, in-home care offers a more personalized care experience at a similar price. In-home care can appeal to your family if you seek a more comfortable and familiar environment for your loved one.
Financial Assistance and Payment Options
What are the options available for families to manage the costs of these care options? Long-term care insurance and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid provide financial resources for families who can’t afford to pay out-of-pocket.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare may cover short-term in-home care services if the patient meets specific criteria, like being homebound and requiring skilled nursing care.
However, it does not cover long-term in-home care. Conversely, Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage for long-term in-home care, particularly for low-income seniors who meet eligibility requirements.
Private Pay and Long-Term Care Insurance
Many families use savings or retirement funds to pay for in-home care out-of-pocket or if they have private or employer-sponsored insurance.
Long-term care insurance is often a benefit option separate from your employer's general medical insurance, which you must select during your benefits enrollment period. Check the policy documents carefully to understand what is and is potentially not covered.
Veterans Benefits
You and your spouse may qualify for in-home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits program if you served in the military.
The VA has programs including Housebound benefits and Aid and Attendance, which can provide financial assistance to cover costs for eligible veterans to have in-home care. If in-home care is not an option for your loved one, the VA is a great place to encourage social interaction. Life in the military is a unit that cares and looks out for one another. This camaraderie and support from the care staff and fellow residents can be effective for your loved one’s social wellness.
Tips for Reducing In-Home Care Costs
Hiring Independent Caregivers
Hiring independent caregivers directly can be more cost-effective than hiring through an agency, as agencies require extra fees on top of the caregivers' hourly rates.
However, hiring an independent contractor requires careful vetting, managing payroll, handling taxes, and performing background checks. This option comes with additional responsibilities but offers more flexibility for personalizing the care your loved one needs.
Utilizing Community Resources
Community resources often offer free or low-cost services. Many community organizations can supplement in-home care, providing services like meal delivery, social services, and transportation to medical appointments.
Using these resources can reduce the cost of care and support you, your loved one, and your family during this time. Consider the support groups for caregivers available in your area or online to help you navigate the complexities of caring for your loved one.
Final Thoughts
While this is a lot of information to consider, we hope you discover some ideas for managing your loved one’s in-home care and know what to expect for the costs of services. In-home care is an alternative to allow your loved one to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment and allows for personalized care.
Alternatively, assisted living and nursing facilities are available if your time and resources don’t allow for in-home care. Don’t hesitate to contact the resources in this guide, especially those offered through your state and community. Many people desire to help and are willing to provide the assistance you need to navigate this time.
This article was reviewed and fact-checked by Megan Jones, MSW, LSWAIC.
Sources
“Home Health and Personal Care Aides.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311120.htm#st.
“Cost of Long Term Care by State: Cost of Care Report.” Genworth Financial, 2023, www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care
“Who Pays for Long-Term Care?” Who Pays for Long-Term Care? | ACL Administration for Community Living, acl.gov/ltc/costs-and-who-pays/who-pays-long-term-care. Accessed 8 Aug. 2024.
Paying for Long-Term Care | National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov/health/long-term-care/paying-long-term-care. Accessed 08 Aug. 2024.
