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In-Home Dementia Care Costs And Influencing Factors (PA)

Written by Kathleen Jones

Verified by Michelle Chamberlain, Director of Nursing

July 28, 2023

For those with aging loved ones diagnosed with dementia, understanding the in-home dementia care costs can be challenging. This guide aims to give you a clear and comprehensive view of this important issue and prepare your finances.

The Growing Demand for In-Home Dementia Care

In-home dementia care is a form of service that supports individuals with dementia in the comfort of their own homes. The demand for these services has been growing, especially in places like Pennsylvania. This trend is due to an increase in the aging population, coupled with the desire of seniors to age in place.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a collective term used to describe various symptoms of cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness. It is a symptom of several underlying diseases and brain disorders.

Dementia care plans are necessary when your loved one starts having those symptoms. Once you understand what is coming, you can now get your finances ready for the in-home dementia care costs.

Average In-Home Dementia Care Costs in Pennsylvania

Here is a table of the average in-home dementia care costs in Pennsylvania, according to each component and each influencing factor.

Component / Factor	Average Cost in Pennsylvania
In-Home Care Services	$20-$30 per hour
Specialist Visits	$100-$200 per visit
Level of Care Needed (Low)	$1,500 per month
Level of Care Needed (High)	$3,000+ per month
Hours of Care Per Week (Part-Time)	$400 per week
Hours of Care Per Week (Full-Time)	$1,600 per week
Urban Area	+20% compared to rural areas
Rural Area	-20% compared to urban areas

Please note, these are average costs and can vary significantly depending on specific circumstances and needs. Continue reading the article for more details on these components and factors.

The Components of In-Home Dementia Care Costs

Understanding the in-home dementia care costs requires an examination of the different components that contribute to the overall cost.

In-Home Care Services

In-home care services include assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and therapeutic activities. These services are typically provided by trained professionals who specialize in dementia care.

Specialist Visits

In some cases, in-home care for dementia patients may require specialist visits from medical professionals like neurologists or psychiatrists. The frequency of these visits can significantly impact the in-home dementia care costs.

Factors Influencing In-Home Dementia Care Costs

Several factors can influence in-home dementia care costs. These include the level of care needed, the number of hours of care required per week, and the location of the care recipient.

Level of Care Needed

The level of care needed is determined by the stage of dementia and the individual’s physical health. The more advanced the dementia, the more care is typically needed, which can increase the cost.

Hours of Care Per Week

The number of hours of care required per week also significantly impacts the cost. Some individuals may require only a few hours of care each week, while others may need round-the-clock care.

Geographical Location

In-home dementia care costs can also vary significantly depending on geographical location. For example, in-home care costs in urban areas are generally higher than in rural areas.

Ways to Manage In-Home Dementia Care Costs

Managing in-home dementia care costs can be challenging. However, there are several resources available that can help.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance designed to cover the cost of long-term care services, including in-home care. This can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses⁶.

Government Programs

Government programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, can also provide assistance with in-home dementia care costs. Eligibility requirements vary, so it’s important to review the specific criteria for each program.

In Summary

Understanding in-home dementia care costs is critical for families with loved ones diagnosed with dementia. These costs can vary widely depending on the level of care needed, the number of hours of care per week, and the geographical location. However, by leveraging resources like long-term care insurance and government programs, it is possible to manage these costs effectively.

Once your finances are ready, get in touch with Tahara Health which offers dementia care services!