Caregivers who are registered with 1+1 Cares have the opportunity to be matched with their ideal clients and work the hours they want. They can also choose where they work and how much they will be paid, and they don’t have to search for their own clients independently. This allows them to focus primarily on providing care and increases work satisfaction.
Whether you are looking to find a senior caregiver or would like to become one, you probably have a lot of questions about how everything works. Learn more about 1+1 Cares, and check out this Senior Care Ultimate Guide for answers to common questions about in-home senior care.
How Much Does In-Home Senior Care Cost?
In-home senior care costs will vary depending on where you live, which type of care is needed, and how many hours per week assistance is required. You can get an idea of approximately how much in-home senior care will cost using the information below.
Home care aides will visit for 2 to 8 hours, several days a week. This type of care includes non-medical services for clients both at home and in assisted living facilities. Services may include laundry, light cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, or transportation. They may also help with bathing, dressing, or eating.
With 1+1 Cares, you can arrange home care aides and even 24-hour live-in senior care. We’re happy to answer questions about the cost of care in your area and will work to make payments easy and manageable.
Is In-Home Care Cheaper Than a Nursing Home?
Receiving in-home care is less expensive than you might think. At an average of nearly $70,000 per year, a nursing home can cost approximately 75% more than in-home care. With in-home caregivers referred by 1+1 Cares, you’ll be matched with a caregiver best suited to your needs, including your budget. Our goal is to help seniors get the care they need—easily and affordably.
Learn more about the social impact of 1+1 Cares and how we’re making a positive impact on families.
Does Medicare Pay for In-Home Caregivers?
There are various levels of care that may be needed from an in-home aide. Medicare does not cover in-home care 24 hours a day, or homemaker and personal care services if those are the only services you need. But Medicare does cover intermittent skilled nursing or skilled therapy care, and “part-time or intermittent home health aide services.” These services are usually coordinated through a medical home health agency. Costs may depend on whether you have other coverage, such as a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap policy.
Skilled nursing aide: Under supervision from a licensed nurse, can provide basic medical care in your home—e.g., treatment and care plan support, assistance with injections or catheters. Typically visits for about an hour a few times a week.
Skilled therapy aide: With guidance from a licensed physical, speech, or occupational therapist, can help with in-home therapy such as strength-building, language/speech recovery, and re-learning daily activities (eating, dressing). Typically visits for about an hour a few times a week.
Neither skilled nursing nor therapy aides address non-medical care such as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—dressing, bathing, shopping, light cleaning, or cooking.
Medicare may also cover the cost of social services like emotional counseling and may help pay for needed medical supplies and equipment.
What Is 24-Hour Care at Home?
There are many reasons a person may need 24-hour care at home, including dementia, ALS, depression, surgery recovery, fall risk, or a tendency to wander or self-harm. 1+1 Cares can match you or your loved one with a compassionate, skilled caregiver who can devote the needed time and attention and assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
24-hour care can be arranged temporarily (e.g., after illness or surgery) or on a more permanent basis. This allows a loved one to remain at home—where they are most comfortable and surrounded by family.
Two Models of 24-Hour Care
- Live-in aide: One caregiver remains in the home throughout the day and sleeps at night (available for needs that arise overnight but not awake continuously).
- Rotating shifts: Two or three caregivers split a 24-hour period so someone can remain awake and watchful overnight, while allowing caregivers adequate rest.
Both options can be advantageous depending on your needs. Rotating shifts provide continuously awake care; live-in care is often more affordable and can deepen trust and continuity.
How Many Hours Does a Live-In Caregiver Work?
Live-in care typically refers to one caregiver who lives with the client for a set number of days and is available up to 16 hours a day, with 8 hours of rest. This person sleeps at night but can respond to needs that arise. Local and state laws for meal and break times apply.
Another option is for two or three caregivers to work 8- to 12-hour shifts and split the week. This allows for 24-hour monitoring and constant assistance and may be preferable for clients with higher needs (e.g., wandering, dementia, self-harm risks), since on-shift caregivers do not take extended breaks or sleep.
Both models are available through 1+1 Cares referred caregivers. We’ll match you with an experienced, qualified caregiver best suited to your needs.
How Can I Help My Elderly Parent Stay at Home?
Many seniors prefer to remain living at home as they age, which often means bringing in support. It’s common for a family member to step into the caregiver role—yet the time and effort, especially long-term, are easy to underestimate.
- Track tasks and time: Note what you help with and how often. Project needs for the next 1–2 months to understand the commitment.
- Protect your health: Consider whether you can safely continue long-term without burnout.
- Bring in support: If multiple family members are juggling tasks—or one person is overloaded—consider a professional caregiver for in-home care. 1+1 Cares will help you find the best fit.
What Services Do Seniors Need Most?
While some seniors can use tools like walkers or bathroom grab bars, many require hands-on assistance with daily activities. On average, seniors in need of daily help may require approximately 200 hours of care per month—a significant load for families over time. Common areas of need include:
- Mobility: Walkers, canes, wheelchairs; ramps and handrails; lifts or hospital beds; removing trip hazards (cords, rugs, clutter); adequate lighting.
- Personal Care: Bathing, dressing, grooming, hygiene.
- Transportation: Safe rides to appointments, errands, and social events.
- Nutrition & Cooking: Meal planning, prep, and feeding assistance when needed.
- Medication Support: Reminders and assistance, including injections where appropriate by trained personnel.
Is Senior Care a Good Career?
With over 50 million seniors in the U.S.—and many wishing to remain at home—the senior care field is rapidly growing. In-home care is both meaningful and in demand.
In typical senior care businesses, caregivers are paid an hourly rate while clients pay significantly more to the agency. As an independent caregiver, you can earn nearly all of what the client pays. Independent caregivers can register with 1+1 Cares, where we help match you to clients across a wide range of needs and schedules.
Benefits include choosing your hours, clients, and pay rate—while clients gain great caregivers at significantly lower total cost than traditional models.
What In-Home Care Services Are Available for Seniors?
In-home care allows loved ones to stay where they are most comfortable—at home—while maintaining independence and often reducing overall costs. Service availability depends on the caregiver and the client’s needs. Common services include:
Non-Medical Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Cooking
- Feeding
- Dressing
- Light cleaning
- Bathing
- Mobility assistance
- Companionship
Concierge Service Suggestions
- In-home hair salon
- Manicures/pedicures
- Grocery shopping
- Additional cleaning
- Gardening
- Pet care or grooming
- Meal preparation or delivery
This Senior Care Ultimate Guide is designed to help families and caregivers make confident choices for safe, affordable in-home care.
Contact 1+1 Cares
Ready to find the right caregiver—or start your caregiving career? Contact 1+1 Cares and we’ll help you take the next step.
- Phone: (408) 298-0663
- Email: info@1plus1cares.com
