How much does help cost?
Consider this information about options and cost as you plan to live well at home.
Nursing home and assisted living care can be very expensive compared to living in your home, with lower cost help. Most often payment for this care is the person’s responsibility.
Learn more about the cost of care and/or use the
cost calculator for different settings including care in your own home.
- Now, more older people are using their own money to hire family, friends, and/or neighbors to provide personalized help while living at home.
- Medicare only pays for short term nursing home care and limited home care and hospice care. Examples of what Medicare does pay for in the home are: occasional skilled nursing visits, rehabilitation therapies, and occasional help with medications, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, and transferring. Most health insurance plans follow Medicare rules.
- For people with very low income and assets, Minnesota’s Medical Assistance and Alternative Care Programs pay for care in your home only if you qualify.
- Veterans with at least one day spent in wartime may be eligible for Aid and Attendance funds for home care.
- Other private pay options to buy help include: long-term care insurance, reverse mortgage, trusts, and annuities.