When deciding what kind of care is best for you or your aging loved one, cost plays a significant role. It’s important to hire services you can afford long-term to ensure you have continuous care. Of course, it’s also essential that those services be high-quality and meet your family member’s needs.
Understanding the average cost of home care services can help you choose the best and most affordable home care agency. The guide below provides detailed insight into the average cost of a home health aide (HHA) in New Jersey.
Do you want to retain your independence and continue to thrive at home as you age? Contact LightSpring Home Care today to learn how our home health aides can help them do just that.
Average Hourly Cost of In-Home Care in NJ
On average, the cost of a home health aide in New Jersey is $29 per hour. The cost of home care in New Jersey almost perfectly matches the national average—hourly rates fall right in the middle of the pricing scale for the United States.
Factors that could affect the hourly cost of in-home care in New Jersey include:
- Where you live in New Jersey
- Type of care needed
- How much care is needed
Costs Based on Location
The average cost of care varies not only from state to state but between regions of that state. This disparity is due to the differences in the cost of living between regions. A home health aide in NJ—particularly the North Jersey area—costs between $32 and $33 per hour. Those same services may only cost $29 per hour in an area where costs of living are lower, as in many areas of South Jersey.
Are There Different Rates Based on Weekends or Holidays?
This answer varies based on the agency you hire, but many home care agencies don’t adjust their rates for holidays and weekends. For instance, at LightSpring Home Care, we understand that your loved one’s condition doesn’t change based on the day. In fact, they may need additional care over the holidays—these busy times can exacerbate certain conditions, and seeing many people at once may put them at higher risk of an infection. Having an HHA can foster better health and improve comfort so you can focus on enjoying your time.
However, it’s worth noting that some agencies do raise their rates during these times, so it’s best to ask when interviewing care providers.
Does the Home Care Agency Cover the Caregiver’s Taxes?
Yes—if you hire a home care agency like LightSpring Home Care, your home health aide works for you and is paid by the agency. That means it’s the agency’s job to process payroll, issue paychecks, and deduct the correct amount of taxes from your caregiver’s salary.
Is a Home Health Aide Cheaper Than a Nursing Home?
Home care may be cheaper than a nursing home, depending on how much care is required. On average, living in a nursing home with a semi-private room will cost about $90,000 per year or $7,500 per month.
In contrast, 44 hours per week of in-home care in New Jersey costs about $68,640 per year, or $1,320 per month—a little over half the cost of total care in a residential facility.
However, if your loved one needs live-in care, it may cost a little over $100,000 per year or $8,333 per month. In this case, it’s wise to consider the pros and cons of keeping your loved one at home. The expense may be worth it to guarantee their safety, comfort, and individualized care.
Out-of-Pocket Payment Options
If you’re unable to finance your loved one’s home care through their regular insurance or need to fill in the gaps, private pay may be a viable option. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be paying solely from your income—it simply means you’re responsible for funding your care.
Some options for financing your home care include:
- Life insurance policy conversions
- Reverse mortgage
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
- Long-term care insurance
- Home care loans
Each of these options provides funds to pay for home care services without sacrificing your regular income.
LightSpring Home Care Provides Affordable Home Health Aides in NJ
At LightSpring Home Care, our goal is to help you remain independent and safe at home for as long as possible. Our home health aides impart care with profound kindness and a focus on your holistic well-being so you can continue to enjoy the comfort and security of your home.
If you or a loved one needs assistance to thrive at home and want to learn more about how much our home health aides cost, contact LightSpring Home Care today.