When creating a budget for home care, it’s important to look beyond the hourly rate and consider what other expenses may come with your loved one’s changing needs. Start by considering:

• Frequency and number of care hours: Determine how many hours of assistance are needed each day and whether care will be needed occasionally, several days a week, daily, overnight, or around the clock.

• Type of assistance: Personal care, companionship, transportation, meal preparation, and help with daily activities may all affect the amount of care needed.

• Changes in care needs: Consider whether your loved one’s needs may increase over time and how that could affect your budget.

• Family availability: If family members will provide some assistance, factor in which hours they can realistically cover.

• Additional aging-related expenses: Set aside room in the budget for expenses such as transportation, home modifications, or other services your loved one may need.

Yes. When two people in the same household need care, most companies offer a couple’s rates, which can help make care more affordable when both individuals receive care together. Pricing varies based on your city and the amount and type of care needed.

If your loved one is hesitant to spend money on home care, it can help to look at the cost in terms of what the care provides. Having assistance with daily tasks can provide added safety, help your loved one remain at home, and give family members greater peace of mind.

You can also start small by paying for only the hours of care that are most needed rather than beginning with a full-time schedule. Even a few hours of assistance each week can provide valuable support without creating the expense of a larger care schedule. Over time, you can reassess the amount of care needed and adjust the schedule as circumstances change.

If care needs increase, your overall cost will increase as well. Planning for this possibility early can help your family avoid being caught off guard and give you time to consider how additional expenses will fit into your budget. Revisit your care budget regularly and consider how you would handle an increase in hours, additional days of care, or a transition to more frequent assistance. Starting with the level of care that is needed now and adjusting the schedule as needs change can also help you manage expenses over time.

If you cannot afford as many hours of care as your loved one needs, start by identifying the times when assistance is most important and prioritize those hours. You may be able to combine paid care with help from family members or other available resources to fill in the gaps. Creating a realistic care plan that fits your family's financial situation can help provide necessary assistance without taking on more expense than you can manage.