In-Home Care Costs

[blacktalon]

First, let me say thank you to Debbie and all the others who have contributed valuable information to the questions being asked in this forum. I would like to know what a reasonable charge for 24 hr care might be in the home.  The VA claims it should be "reasonable" but exactly what is their definition of "reasonable"? Is $3000 per month "reasonable" to care for someone 24 7  in your home when an assisted living facility or nursing home offering similar care would charge $4000 to $6000 monthly? From what I can gather the going rate for someone to come in to the home and provide care is $12 - $25 per hour. Given this formula the cost would amount to $8928 - $18600 per month which is absurd. I'm speaking of someone who is legally blind who needs assistance constantly for everyday living. I have been to several nursing homes and feel the care would be much better in the home rather than an assisted living or nursing home facility. 

[Red Headed Mommy]

Just a thought, but I would come at this 3 ways to determine what is reasonable.  First, have a home health agency come in and give you a written estimate of what it would cost to care for someone 24/7 in the home setting. Many times the overnight rate is reduced.  For my mother, in home care was much more than an assisted living facility.  Next, go to the assisted living facility and get their fees (FYI for my father in law in Texas, it is $3,080 per month).  Lastly, go to the nursing home and get their brochure on daily rates.  I know you have visited some of this already, but personally I would build. "file" in case the VA ever requires support.

I think the combination of these gives you documents to support your reasonableness amounts.  You could pay a family member within this range to care for your loved one.  Be sure to pay by check and that you meet the applicable tax guidelines (caregiver to claim as income). 

Good luck!

[vetadmin]

Thank you for your kind words about our efforts here, and Red Headed Mommy, thank you for jumping in here.

You are correct.  "Reasonable" would be based off a rate in your area.  Call a couple of home care agencies and tell them what you are in need of in the way of services and see what the rate is, and yes, there should be some discount for overnight.

Using that average rate that is standard for your area would be the guideline to use for what a "reasonable" rate would be for providing care in the home.