What is the cost for a caregiver?

You can call Council on Aging in your area. They will do a needs assessment and if you qualify, you will receive help for a few hours.

They will assist with light housekeeping, preparing meals, bathing, etc.

There is usually a waiting list so keep that in mind. Don’t wait too long to apply for help.

Best wishes to you.

I've read somewhere that the average cost for a caregiver is about $25 an hour across the nation. I can tell you that caregivers in my state cost a lot more than that, even the unlicensed ones.

There are multiple factors in the cost: whether they are licensed or not, whether they have a CNA credentials, whether they have to give medications (in my state, only RNs can give medications, both prescription and non-prescription (e.g. vitamins)), what they will be expected to do (e.g. bath, toileting, minor cooking, etc.), whether the patient is ambulatory or not, how difficult is the patient.

If you were in the military, VA benefits provide some number of hours per week for a caregiver if the medical condition qualifies, but probably not as many hours as you would like.

We paid out-of-pocket for my mother's part-time caregivers. It was a significant expense.

Texaskat54- If you are low income and you apply and qualify for Medicaid, then Medicaid can pay to have a caregiver help you. It could be 20 hours to 60 hours or more a week based on your needs.

Here's hoping you stay healthy and independent as long as possible.