When staying at home is the goal, which it is for many aging and in-need individuals, the right help can make all the difference. Here, Executive Director of Village Caregiving Madison, Leslie Luedtke, explains who benefits from in-home care, what to look for in an agency, and how families can plan for services.
Why In-Home Care Works
Familiar surroundings reduce stress and support routine. As Luedtke states, “Keeping the clients at home, they’re very familiar with their surroundings. So, it is really important to keep it calm for the client and be consistent and personal as well.”
Staying home can also promote longevity, especially with an individual’s memory—keeping them independent. Another plus is that family members nearby can coordinate with caregivers for added support, and schedules are typically more flexible, which is helpful for building a steady, trusting relationship.
Who Can Benefit from In-Home Care?
In-home care isn’t just for older adults. “It is really anybody who needs that extra assistance in the home,” Luedtke notes, citing that she’s worked with clients ranging from 35 to 75 years old. Needs can be short-term (post-hospital rehab) or 24/7 for those who require around-the-clock help.
What to Look For in a Provider
When looking for an in-home care provider, Luedtke emphasizes the importance of prioritizing access and oversight. “Having direct communication with the office staff is very key,” she urges, ideally with a 24/7 line. She also shares the following advice:
- Caregivers should be properly trained with continuing education.
- Confirm a state background check, which should be completed every four years with the State of Wisconsin.
- Ask whether there’s a registered nurse (RN) in the office to complete in-home assessments every six months to capture changes in health.
Smart Questions for Your Consultation
Luedtke urges to go “beyond the brochure” and dig into operations and fees. “Review the service agreement line by line,” she suggests. Additional considerations include:
- A reliability plan: What if the caregiver doesn’t show up or they’re not doing the proper scope of work?
- Billing details: Do you bill for assessments or plan of cares? Does the hourly rate change after an RN assessment? Is there an hourly minimum?
- Coverage: What insurances could be added as a supplement instead of doing private pay?
Insurance, Veterans Benefits, and Community Resources
When it comes to potential insurance coverage and other resources, there are variable factors. “It really does come down to the family’s preferences and needs,” Luedtke explains. Long-term and short-term policies may apply depending on the plan of care. Many agencies work very closely with the U.S. Office of Veterans Affairs (VA). If insurance isn’t available, various aging and disability resource centers can help families navigate options.
What It Costs—And How To Plan
Pricing depends on needs and setting. Luedtke’s research shows a range from about $35 an hour to more than $75 per hour. Factor in-home safety items (e.g., shower chairs, grab bars) and use long-term care insurance when appropriate. Not sure where to start? “We are definitely able to help assess and guide the families and get them to the right place,” she assures.
Typical Services—and How Agencies Decide
After an in-home assessment, the professional team of providers aligns services to the client’s goals. Common supports include:
- Personal care: bathing (including sponge baths), dressing, grooming, and shaving
- Home support: light housekeeping and meal help
- Social and mobility: companionship and transportation
- Safety: standby assistance for higher-risk tasks
“We can chat with them about what needs to be in the home and what their primary focus is while a caregiver is there,” Luedtke shares.
The Bottom Line
The best in-home care is personal, consistent, and transparent about training, communication, and costs. Start with a thorough assessment, ask detailed questions about reliability and billing, explore insurance and VA resources—and choose a team that treats your loved one’s home as the center of care.
