Types of Long-Term Care

Depending on your needs, you may be able to get help with your personal activities (for example, help with the laundry, bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning) at home from family members, friends, or volunteers. If you think you need home care, talk to your family to see if they can help with care or help arrange for someone to come to your home to help.

Some home care can only be given by licensed health workers, such as if you need skilled nursing care and certain other health care services that you get in your home for the treatment of an illness or injury. Skilled nursing care includes services and care that can only be performed safely and correctly by a licensed nurse (either a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse) or a licensed therapist. Remember, Medicare only pays for home care if you meet certain conditions. For more information, look at the Medicare booklet, Medicare and Home Health Care.

You can also hire a home health care agency for care in your home if Medicare doesn’t cover it. In this case, you will need to pay for this care on your own. Home care costs can vary depending on where you live, the type of care you need, and how often you need care. Usually home care is charged by the hour.

To locate home health agencies that provide services in your area, look at Home Health Compare on this website. You can also look at the National Association for Home Care website to get information about home care and hospice. This website includes information on how to find a home care or hospice agency and how to prepare for care.