How Much Does Home Care Cost in North Carolina?

If you are starting to look into in-home care for a parent or spouse, one of the first questions is what it will cost. The answer depends on how many hours of care are needed and what kind of help your loved one needs, but there is good public data to help you plan.

What home care costs in North Carolina

The most widely used benchmark is the Genworth and CareScout Cost of Care Survey. In its 2024 survey, the median annual cost in North Carolina was $68,640 for both homemaker services and home health aide services, based on full-time care of 44 hours a week. That works out to roughly $30 an hour.

North Carolina is less expensive than the national average. Nationally, the 2024 medians were $75,504 a year for homemaker services and $77,792 for a home health aide.

Your own cost will depend on your care plan. Many families start with a few visits a week and add hours as needs change, so the yearly figure for full-time care is the high end, not the starting point.

What affects the cost of in-home care

• Number of hours. A few four-hour visits a week costs far less than daily or overnight care.
• Type of care. Hands-on personal care, companionship, transportation and housekeeping can all be combined in one visit.
• Overnight or 24-hour needs. Round-the-clock coverage requires more caregiver hours.
• Specialized needs. Memory loss, recovery after surgery, or mobility challenges can shape the care plan.

Ways families pay for home care

• Private pay. Many families pay out of pocket from savings, income or help from relatives.
• Long-term care insurance. Many policies cover in-home care. Check your policy’s elimination period and daily benefit.
• NC Medicaid. The Personal Care Services (PCS) program and the CAP/DA waiver can help eligible people get care at home. See our guide: Does Medicaid pay for home care in North Carolina?
• Veterans benefits. Some veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA benefits that help with care costs. Contact the VA or a local veterans service officer to learn more.

What about Medicare? Medicare generally does not pay for non-medical, custodial care such as help with bathing, dressing or companionship when that is the only care a person needs. Medicare can cover short-term, skilled home health care ordered by a doctor, which is a different service.

Getting a clear price for your situation

At @Home Care, every client starts with a free in-home assessment. We learn what your loved one needs, recommend a care plan, and explain the cost up front. Visits have a 4-hour minimum, and we accept private pay, long-term care insurance, Medicaid and all major credit cards.

Have questions about care for a loved one in the Piedmont Triad? Call @Home Care at 1-336-431-HOME (4663) or contact us to schedule a free in-home assessment. We serve Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford and Randolph counties from our office in Archdale.

Source: Genworth and CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey, North Carolina results. Figures are medians and individual costs vary.