Start with hours, not hope — map a realistic weekly schedule

Creating a realistic weekly care schedule is crucial for managing in-home senior care costs effectively. Begin by assessing the specific needs of your loved one, considering factors such as mobility, medical requirements, and daily activities. Use the national median hourly rate for non-medical caregiver services, which was $35 per hour in 2025, to estimate the necessary hours of care. For instance, if your loved one needs assistance with daily tasks for 2 hours a day, that translates to 14 hours per week. This approach ensures you start with a clear understanding of the care hours required, allowing for a more accurate budget planning. Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey

Weekly care schedule with hours marked for in-home caregiver.

National median hourly context (CareScout non-medical caregiver)

According to the 2025 CareScout Cost of Care Survey, the national median hourly rate for non-medical caregiver services is $35 per hour. This rate is crucial for families budgeting for in-home care, as it provides a benchmark for expected costs. Understanding this median rate helps families plan more accurately and make informed decisions about care options. For instance, if a senior requires 20 hours of care per week, the weekly cost would be $700, or approximately $2,800 per month. This figure should be considered alongside other potential expenses such as agency fees, overtime, and supplies to create a comprehensive budget. Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey

Sample math — 10 / 20 / 40 hours per week (show method; label as illustrative)

To illustrate the calculation of weekly and monthly costs for in-home care, we use the national median hourly rate of $35 per hour for non-medical caregiver services as of 2025, as reported by the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. For 10 hours per week, the weekly cost is $350, and the monthly cost is $1,400. For 20 hours per week, the weekly cost is $700, and the monthly cost is $2,800. For 40 hours per week, the weekly cost is $1,400, and the monthly cost is $5,600. These calculations help families understand the financial commitment required for different levels of care. Download the full survey as PDF.

Hidden costs families forget (agency vs. private hire, overtime, holidays, mileage, supplies)

When budgeting for in-home care, families often overlook several hidden costs that can significantly impact the overall expense. These include the difference between agency and private hire rates, overtime charges, holiday pay, mileage reimbursement, and supplies. Agency services typically come with higher rates due to additional administrative and overhead costs, whereas private hires may offer more flexibility but require careful vetting. Overtime and holiday pay can add up if care needs extend beyond regular hours or fall on public holidays. Mileage reimbursement for caregivers who travel to provide care can also accumulate, especially in rural areas. Lastly, families should budget for supplies such as incontinence products, medical equipment, and personal care items, which are often not included in the caregiver's hourly rate. To account for these hidden costs, it's advisable to consult the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey for up-to-date median rates and consider a buffer in the budget for unexpected expenses.

List of hidden costs associated with in-home care.

Income and benefit buckets to list (savings, Social Security, LTC insurance, VA, Medicaid if eligible)

When budgeting for in-home care, families should consider various income and benefit sources to help cover the costs. These include personal savings, Social Security benefits, long-term care (LTC) insurance, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, and Medicaid if eligible. Each of these sources can contribute differently to the overall care budget, and understanding their potential contributions is crucial for effective financial planning. For detailed guidance on how to pay for senior care, visit How to Pay for Senior Care: Medicare, Medicaid, VA Benefits & Insurance Explained.

Personal Savings: Utilize any available savings to cover in-home care costs. This can be a flexible source of funding that can be adjusted based on care needs.
Social Security Benefits: These benefits can provide a steady income stream to help offset care costs. The amount varies based on individual circumstances.
Long-Term Care Insurance: If you have LTC insurance, it can cover a significant portion of in-home care expenses. Review your policy to understand the coverage details.
VA Benefits: Eligible veterans and their families may receive benefits that can be used towards in-home care. Check the VA Aid & Attendance Benefits: A Guide for Veterans and Their Families for more information.
Medicaid: If eligible, Medicaid can cover in-home care costs. Eligibility and coverage vary by state, so it's important to check local guidelines.

A one-page family budget worksheet (sections to copy)

Here's a template for a one-page family budget worksheet to help estimate weekly/monthly in-home care costs and plan realistically.

Category	Details
Care Hours	List the number of hours of care needed per week. Consider different scenarios (e.g., 10, 20, 40 hours) to understand varying costs. Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey
Care Costs	Calculate the cost based on the national median hourly rate for non-medical caregiver services, which was $35 per hour in 2025. Include hidden costs such as agency fees, overtime, holidays, mileage, and supplies. Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey
Income	List all sources of income, including savings, Social Security, and any long-term care insurance benefits. How to Pay for Senior Care: Medicare, Medicaid, VA Benefits & Insurance Explained
Benefits	Include any benefits that can help cover care costs, such as VA Aid & Attendance benefits or Medicaid if eligible. VA Aid & Attendance Benefits: A Guide for Veterans and Their Families