Out Of Pocket, Not Out Of Options

As America’s population ages, the demand for home care is growing—fast. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 1 in 5 Americans will be age 65 or older by 2030, and by 2060, that number will rise to nearly 95 million. At the same time, a large majority of older adults—about 77% according to AARP—say they would prefer to age in place rather than move to a facility.

Home care offers the comfort of familiar surroundings, one-on-one attention, and the ability to maintain independence for as long as possible. It can improve quality of life while reducing stress for both the individual and their family. But for private pay families, especially those without long-term care insurance or Medicaid coverage, the cost of traditional home care—often $30 to $40 per hour—can be out of reach.

The good news? You're not alone, and there are creative, practical alternatives that can help lighten the load. Here are several cost-effective paths worth exploring when private-pay home care isn't in the budget.

Hire Private Caregivers Directly (and Get Help Managing Them)

Hiring an independent caregiver—without going through a traditional agency—can dramatically reduce the hourly cost of care. But with that cost savings comes more responsibility: you become the employer.

Here’s how to make it work:

• Where to Find Candidates: Post job listings on trusted sites like Care.com, Nextdoor, or local community boards. Ask friends, local senior centers, or churches for referrals.

• Do Your Due Diligence: Always check references, run background checks, and conduct in-person interviews.

• Be Clear About Expectations: Create a written job description that outlines duties, schedule, and pay. A clear agreement helps avoid confusion and sets the tone for a professional relationship.

Unsure on where to start?
Managing a caregiver isn’t always straightforward—especially when you’re juggling taxes, schedules, legal obligations, and interpersonal dynamics.

This is where a household employment consultant can be a lifesaver. These professionals help families:

• Prescreen qualified candidates

• Navigate hiring and onboarding

• Stay compliant with payroll, taxes, and labor laws

• Provide tools caregivers and set expectations

• Mediate any issues that arise in the home

Consultants can walk you through the process —saving you time, stress, and potential legal trouble. You remain in the driver seat, while you have an expert guiding your way. Think of it as HR for your home.

Explore Local and Government Resources

Even if you don't qualify for Medicaid, there may be county- or state-level programs that offer partial assistance.

• Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): These offices often coordinate services like meal delivery, respite care, and transportation.

• Volunteer Groups and Faith Organizations: Many offer free or low-cost help to older adults and people with disabilities.

• PACE Programs (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly): In some regions, PACE provides comprehensive care for eligible seniors, often at no cost.

 Visit Eldercare.acl.gov to locate programs near you.

Partner up and Care Share

A growing number of families are lowering their care costs by sharing a caregiver with another nearby household. This strategy can cut your costs in half while maintaining quality support.

Here’s how it works:

• Shared Schedule: A caregiver splits their day between two households depending on the needs of both families.

• Joint Hiring: Some families team up from the start to hire one caregiver together and clearly outline roles, hours, and payment terms in a written agreement.

• Compatibility Matters: This option works best when both care recipients have similar needs, routines, personalities and live close by. 

 Agency-Supported Care Share:
You don’t have to go it alone. Some home care agencies are open to facilitating care sharing between families. This allows you to:

• Split costs while still getting professional oversight

• Ensure the caregiver is trained, vetted, and insured

• Avoid the full administrative load of managing employment

Ask agencies directly if they offer or support care share arrangements—some are more flexible than others, especially smaller, locally owned providers.

Use Technology to Fill Gaps

Care doesn’t always have to be hands-on. Consider tools that reduce the need for constant physical presence:

• Medication reminders and dispensers

• Video doorbells and monitoring systems

• Wearable alerts and sensors

These tools can offer peace of mind and reduce the number of hours a caregiver needs to be physically present.

Get Guidance from Trusted Professionals

If you're unsure where to start or feel overwhelmed by options, reach out to a local Home Care Agency.  Redeemed In Home Care specializes in guiding families through the complexities of both traditional and non-traditional care solutions. They understand that no two families are the same, and they’ll work with you to customize care that respects your values, goals, and financial limitations.

Whether you're looking to:

• Hire a private caregiver

• Explore agency support

• Set up a care-sharing arrangement

• Manage caregiver employment legally and ethically

• Access community resources or financial aid

Redeemed In Home Care can walk you through your choices, connect you with trusted professionals, and help you build a sustainable care plan that meets your needs and budget.

When you can't afford traditional home care, it doesn't mean you're out of options. With creativity, community, and a little planning, many families can create a safe, supportive care environment without breaking the bank. And remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s hiring help and learning how to manage it, teaming up with another family, or organizing a community of support—you do have options, even when you're paying out of pocket

 To get started, reach out to Redeemed In Home Care and find the right solution for your family’s unique needs.