The type of equipment that is needed for adequate care is a primary factor in the cost of home care. There are generally several types of services available, and each of these can add to the expense. The higher the qualifications of the care provider, the more the overall service is likely to cost. Additionally, the amount of time required for home care will also affect the bill for it.
When a person opts for home care as opposed to other options such as a nursing home, she must consider what will be needed to provide that care. A special bed or mobility equipment may be required. Some individuals have extreme difficulty sitting in a bathtub, but they also cannot stand for long periods, so special equipment may be required for bathing. Smaller items, such as disposable diapers and medicine organizers, will also affect the home care cost.
The type of services that are needed will also affect the cost of home care. Some people require assistance with personal care tasks such as bathing and shaving. Home care service providers may engage in household chores, such as cleaning or cooking for their clients. Others may require these services in addition to medical care, such as monitoring blood sugar levels and administering medication. The fact that a home care provider is on site does not mean that she is responsible for whatever needs to be done at a set rate. Each category of service generally involves a charge.
Everyone is not qualified to provide all services. There is a significant difference in the skills and abilities of a certified nurse's aide (CNA) and a registered nurse (RN). A CNA is not qualified to provide all of the medical care that an RN is capable of. The more qualified that the care provider is, the more wages she is usually entitled to, which will increase the overall cost of home care.
If services are provided through an agency, the home care cost is likely to be higher. An agency's pricing will usually reflect its desire to sufficiently pay its staff, to cover operational costs, and to make a profit. Many individuals lower the financial burden by finding qualified individuals and employing them directly.
The length of time that services are needed also affects the cost of home care. A person in need of assistance for a few hours per day should not pay nearly as much as a person who needs assistance around the clock. When considering home care, individuals must also consider their location. Areas in which large portions of the population are aging may experience a shortage of service providers, which can result in higher rates.