In Home Care for Elderly: 11 Services, Costs & Coverage

You’re trying to keep an older adult safe and independent at home—but figuring out what help to bring in, how to schedule it, and what it costs can be overwhelming. Needs can range from a few hours of help with bathing or meals to skilled nursing, therapy, transportation to appointments, and equipment like hospital beds or grab bars. On top of that, payment rules are confusing: Medicare covers some short‑term skilled care, Medicaid varies by state, and private insurance often excludes nonmedical help. You need clear options, realistic costs, and reliable ways to arrange care.

This guide breaks down 11 in‑home services in plain English. For each, you’ll see what it is, what’s included, who it’s best for, average costs, a quick coverage snapshot (Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance), and step‑by‑step tips to set it up—whether that’s calling a doctor, your local Area Agency on Aging, or using a care coordination platform to bundle transport, home care, and equipment. You’ll also get practical cues to combine services into a workable plan. Let’s start with care coordination tools that streamline everything, then move through aides, skilled home health, respite, adult day programs, meals, rides, DME and home mods, companionship, alert systems, and care navigation.

1. Care coordination platforms (VectorCare): streamline in-home care, transport, and DME

When in-home care for elderly loved ones involves multiple vendors, authorizations, and moving parts, a coordination platform pulls it all into one command center. VectorCare centralizes orders for home care, transportation, and durable medical equipment (DME) with real-time messaging and automated workflows—cutting scheduling time by up to 90% and helping large hospitals save hundreds of thousands annually.

What it is

A unified, HIPAA‑secure platform that lets care teams request, schedule, and track services like non‑emergency medical transport, home health visits, and DME deliveries in minutes. It replaces back‑and‑forth calls with structured workflows, status updates, and automated dispatching intelligence.

What it includes

VectorCare brings the logistics layer most organizations are missing so older adults get the right help at the right time at home.

• Hub (workflows): No‑code scheduling, protocols, secure messaging, and e‑signature (e.g., PCS forms).
• Trust (network): Vendor onboarding, credentialing, compliance, and policy enforcement.
• Pay (billing): Custom invoices, ACH/credit card payments, reminders, and notifications.
• Insights (BI): Dashboards for volumes, on‑time performance, costs, and resource planning.
• ADI (AI agents): Automates dispatch, scheduling, price negotiation, resource assignment, and billing.
• Connect (integrations): EHR, CAD, and billing integrations to unify the workflow.

Who it’s best for

Organizations coordinating in-home care for elderly patients at scale and needing predictable, auditable operations.

• Hospitals/health systems (discharge planning, care transitions)
• Home health and hospice agencies
• Payers and ACOs
• County/state health departments
• NEMT, EMS, and DME providers
• Care managers and social workers handling multi‑service plans

Average costs

Pricing typically follows a SaaS model (platform subscription) plus usage or transaction‑based fees; implementation fees may apply. Exact costs vary by volume, integrations, and modules selected; most organizations justify spend via labor savings, fewer vendor touchpoints, and reduced brokerage fees.

Coverage snapshot

Platform fees are generally not covered by [Medicare](https://www.vectorcare.com/journal/7-point-checklist-to-improve-health-outcomes-for-medicare)/Medicaid or private insurance. However, the services coordinated through the platform follow standard rules: Medicare may cover short‑term skilled home health when eligible, Medicaid coverage varies by state, and most private plans don’t cover nonmedical homemaker services.

How to arrange it

Map your current discharge and in‑home workflows, then standardize them inside a platform so every order follows the same playbook.

1. Define scope: List services (aides, skilled visits, NEMT, DME) and required documentation.
2. Engage stakeholders: Include clinical, IT, compliance, finance, and dispatch.
3. Configure workflows: Build order templates, protocols, and approval paths in Hub.
4. Onboard vendors: Use Trust to credential, set rate cards, and enforce policies.
5. Integrate systems: Connect EHR, CAD, and billing; set up Pay and Insights.
6. Train and launch: Pilot with one service line, iterate, then scale across teams.

2. Personal care aides and homemaker services (ADLs and IADLs)

When you think about in home care for elderly adults, this is often the first layer: nonmedical help with daily routines that keeps someone safe, nourished, and on schedule. It covers Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing and dressing, plus Instrumental ADLs (IADLs) such as meals, laundry, and errands—and pairs well with skilled visits when needed.

What it is

Personal care and homemaker services provide hands‑on assistance and supervision at home without clinical procedures. Also called attendant care, companion/homemaker services, or nonmedical home care, it supports independence by filling the gaps family can’t reliably cover each day.

What it includes

These services focus on practical, repeatable tasks that reduce risk and caregiver strain.

• ADLs: Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, continence support, safe transfers, and feeding.
• Mobility/cueing: Walks, repositioning, fall‑prevention reminders, and safety checks.
• Meals: Planning, cooking, hydration prompts, and light cleanup.
• Household: Light housekeeping, laundry, and linens.
• Errands/reminders: Grocery runs, prescriptions pick‑up, and medication reminders (no dosing).

Who it’s best for

Older adults who don’t need ongoing clinical care but do need reliable help to stay home.

• Seniors with mobility limits or fall risk
• People with memory loss needing structure and supervision
• Post‑hospital discharges who need short‑term help with routines
• Family caregivers who need coverage for work or breaks

Average costs

Costs are typically hourly and vary by market and schedule. According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey (via AgingCare), the national median is about $30/hour for homemaker services and $33/hour for a home health aide. Agencies may have minimum shift lengths and higher rates for nights/weekends.

Coverage snapshot

Nonmedical in-home care for elderly adults is mostly private pay, with important exceptions.

• Medicare: Generally does not cover personal care/homemaker services without a skilled need.
• Medicaid: May cover through state plans or HCBS waivers; some states pay family caregivers.
• Long‑term care insurance: Often covers approved hours—check policy terms.
• Older Americans Act/AAAs: May offer limited, low‑ or no‑cost hours based on need.
• Private health insurance: Typically does not cover nonmedical care.

How to arrange it

Start with a simple plan, then choose the hiring path that fits your risk tolerance and budget.

1. List tasks and hours: Map ADLs/IADLs, preferred times, and safety priorities.
2. Pick agency vs. independent: Agencies handle vetting, training, scheduling, and liability; private hires may cost less but require background checks and payroll/tax handling.
3. Use trusted referrals: Ask your doctor or social worker, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Eldercare Locator, and request references; check the Better Business Bureau for complaints.
4. Interview and trial shift: Confirm experience with your needs (e.g., dementia care), review a written care plan, and pilot a shift before committing.
5. Reassess monthly: Adjust hours or layer services (meals, transportation, alert systems). If your hospital or agency uses a coordination platform, ask them to bundle scheduling with other supports to simplify your week.

3. Skilled home health care (nursing, PT/OT/speech therapy)

When an older adult needs clinical care at home to recover from an illness, injury, or surgery, skilled home health brings licensed clinicians to the doorstep. Unlike nonmedical in home care for elderly adults, this is short‑term, goal‑directed treatment delivered by Medicare‑certified agencies to stabilize conditions, prevent complications, and reduce hospital readmissions.

What it is

Intermittent, physician‑ordered services provided at home by registered nurses and licensed therapists through a Medicare‑certified home health agency. It’s not 24/7 care and not meant for long‑term custodial needs; coverage is limited and typically tied to a short‑term skilled need.

What it includes

Clinicians deliver evidence‑based care plans that target recovery, safety, and self‑management.

• Skilled nursing: Wound care, injections/IVs, medication management, monitoring vitals, and disease education (e.g., diabetes support).
• Physical therapy (PT): Strength/balance, gait training, mobility aids, and fall‑prevention.
• Occupational therapy (OT): ADL retraining, energy conservation, and home safety strategies.
• Speech‑language pathology: Swallowing therapy, communication/cognition strategies.
• Medical social work: Community resources, benefits counseling, caregiver support.
• Home health aide (limited): Personal care only when tied to a skilled plan.

Who it’s best for

Older adults who are home‑limited and need clinical oversight to safely recover.

• Post‑hospital/post‑surgery patients
• New or unstable diagnoses (e.g., wounds, heart failure, diabetes)
• Declines in function/falls requiring PT/OT
• Caregivers needing training to perform care at home

Average costs

When covered, agencies bill the payer per episode/visit. Outside of coverage, skilled visits are private pay and priced per discipline/visit (varies by market and agency). If you need extra nonmedical aide hours beyond what’s included, expect typical private rates around $30–$33/hour (Genworth national medians via AgingCare).

Coverage snapshot

• Medicare: Limited coverage for short‑term, medically necessary, intermittent skilled care from a Medicare‑certified agency; nonmedical care alone isn’t covered.
• Medicaid: May cover home health; benefits and eligibility vary by state (some HCBS waivers apply).
• Private insurance/Medigap: Plans may cover portions of medically necessary skilled care; benefits vary. Medigap helps with Medicare cost‑sharing but isn’t long‑term care.
• PACE (where available): Coordinates comprehensive services to help frail seniors remain at home.

How to arrange it

A physician’s order starts services; your hospital or clinic team can help you choose a certified agency and set expectations.

1. Get the order: Ask your doctor/discharge planner to assess for home health and write orders.
2. Choose an agency: Use referrals and Medicare Care Compare to find Medicare‑certified providers; request references and ask about discipline availability.
3. Confirm the plan: Review visit frequency, goals, and how caregivers will be trained.
4. Coordinate supports: Align skilled visits with personal care, meals, and transportation.
5. Monitor progress: Attend the first visit, post your emergency contacts, and revisit goals weekly. If your provider uses a coordination platform, ask them to bundle scheduling with DME and rides for a smoother transition home.

4. Respite care (in-home and short-stay options)

Even the best in home care for elderly loved ones becomes unsustainable if the primary caregiver never gets time off. Respite care provides temporary coverage—at home, in an adult day center, or as a short facility stay—so families can rest, work, travel, or simply reset without risking a crisis.

What it is

Short‑term substitute care that ranges from a few hours to several weeks. It can be scheduled or occasional, delivered in the home by an aide, during the day at a center, or as an overnight stay in a licensed facility. The goal is caregiver relief while maintaining the older adult’s safety and routine.

What it includes

Respite options are flexible; pick the setting that best fits your needs and risks.

• In‑home respite: Trained aides provide personal care, supervision, meals, mobility support, and safety checks.
• Short‑stay respite: Temporary stay in a hospital or skilled nursing facility; commonly used for hospice or when home coverage isn’t feasible.
• Daytime respite: Adult day services offer socialization, meals, supervision, and activities.

Who it’s best for

• Family caregivers who need coverage for rest, work, or travel
• People living with dementia who require structured supervision
• Post‑discharge families needing a bridge while routines stabilize
• Hospice families who need a brief inpatient break

Average costs

Respite is billed by the hour, day, or week depending on setting. In‑home respite typically follows local nonmedical aide rates; national medians run about $30–$33 per hour (Genworth via AgingCare). Facility short‑stays and day programs charge daily rates that vary by market and services provided.

Coverage snapshot

• Medicare: Covers most costs for up to five consecutive days of inpatient respite only when the patient is under the Medicare hospice benefit; otherwise not covered.
• Medicaid: May provide payment assistance; benefits vary by state.
• Private insurance: Most plans don’t cover respite; some long‑term care policies may.
• Community programs: Nonprofits and local agencies may offer limited free or low‑cost hours.

How to arrange it

1. Define the gap: Hours needed, level of supervision, and preferred setting.
2. Ask your clinician/social worker: Document needs; get referrals to vetted providers.
3. Use local resources: Contact your Area Agency on Aging, Eldercare Locator, or the ARCH National Respite Locator for programs and funding options.
4. For hospice patients: Request Medicare‑covered inpatient respite through your hospice team.
5. Book and brief: Share routines, risks, medications, and emergency contacts; schedule a trial shift if in home.
6. Coordinate logistics: If your provider uses a care coordination platform, bundle respite with meals, transportation, or DME so coverage is seamless while you’re away.

5. Adult day services and memory care day programs

Adult day centers provide supervised, structured daytime care in a community setting—an ideal companion to in home care for elderly adults who need socialization, routine, and safety while caregivers work or rest. Memory care day programs add dementia‑specific activities and trained staff.

What it is

Center‑based, daytime programs that offer supervision, health monitoring, and meaningful activities. They give family caregivers reliable coverage without requiring 1:1 care at home.

What it includes

Expect a safe setting with trained staff and a predictable schedule that supports function and mood.

• Social and cognitive activities: Group exercise, music, crafts, and memory‑friendly programs.
• Meals and snacks: Nutritious food with attention to preferences and restrictions.
• Personal care: Help with toileting, hygiene, and mobility as needed.
• Basic health services: Safety checks and wellness monitoring; some provide medication reminders.
• Transportation (varies): Many centers offer rides to and from the program.

Who it’s best for

Older adults who benefit from structure and social contact, and caregivers who need dependable daytime relief.

• People with dementia who need supervised engagement
• Isolated seniors at risk of depression or inactivity
• Caregivers working weekdays or needing routine respite

Average costs

Programs charge hourly or per day and tend to be less expensive than in‑home or nursing home care. Genworth’s national median daily cost is about $95/day (AgingCare). Transportation, extended hours, or specialized memory tracks may add fees.

Coverage snapshot

• Medicare: Does not cover adult day care.
• Medicaid: Coverage varies by state; some programs/waivers pay.
• Private insurance: Generally does not cover.
• Long‑term care insurance: May pay a portion per policy.
• Community funding: Area Agencies on Aging and local programs may subsidize costs.

How to arrange it

1. Clarify goals and risks: Supervision needs, mobility, and dementia support.
2. Get referrals: Ask your clinician or social worker; contact your Area Agency on Aging or Eldercare Locator for local centers and funding.
3. Tour and vet: Review staff training, participant‑to‑staff ratios, activities, safety protocols, and memory care expertise.
4. Confirm logistics: Hours, transportation, meals, costs, and trial days.
5. Coordinate the week: Blend day program hours with in home care for elderly routines, transportation, and respite; if your provider uses a coordination platform, schedule everything together for fewer gaps.

6. Meal delivery and nutrition support (for special diets, post-discharge)

Good nutrition is often the quiet linchpin of successful in home care for elderly adults, especially after a hospital stay or when cooking becomes unsafe or exhausting. Meal delivery fills the gap with reliable, diet‑appropriate food so family and aides can focus on safety and routines.

What it is

Home-delivered meal services provide prepared meals brought to the doorstep on a regular schedule. Many programs accommodate special diets; delivery staff do not cook in the home or feed the person.

What it includes

Most programs are designed to make healthy eating effortless while respecting dietary needs.

• Prepared meals: Daily or weekly deliveries of ready‑to‑eat meals.
• Diet options: Menus for diabetes, heart‑healthy needs, texture changes, or other restrictions.
• Community resources: Some senior centers or faith groups offer congregate meals.
• Subscription options: Commercial ready‑to‑eat meals and meal kits with recurring fees.

Who it’s best for

Older adults who can eat independently but struggle to shop, plan, or cook—particularly those living alone, recently discharged from the hospital, or managing chronic conditions with diet requirements.

Average costs

Costs vary widely. Some community programs are free or donation‑based; others charge modest fees. Commercial subscriptions bill weekly or monthly. Confirm delivery frequency, portion size, and any add‑on charges.

Coverage snapshot

• Medicare: Generally does not cover meal delivery; under limited circumstances it may provide this benefit for a short time.
• Medicaid: May pay for some meal services if the person is eligible; benefits vary by state.
• Local government/community: Some programs provide low‑ or no‑cost meals based on age, mobility, and financial need.

How to arrange it

Ask your clinician or social worker for referrals, contact your local senior center or Area Agency on Aging, and explore Meals on Wheels America for nearby providers. Specify diet restrictions and delivery timing. Coordinate drop‑offs with aide schedules, and, if your organization uses a care coordination platform, bundle meals alongside home care, transportation, and DME to simplify post‑discharge routines.

7. Transportation and non-emergency medical rides (NEMT)

Reliable rides keep appointments on track and prevent avoidable hospital stays. For families building in home care for elderly loved ones, transportation fills the gap between home and the doctor’s office, rehab, dialysis, the pharmacy, or community programs—especially when driving is no longer safe.

What it is

Door-to-door, non-emergency transportation to medical and community destinations. Services range from volunteer drivers to wheelchair-accessible vans and stretcher-capable vehicles, with options for escorted assistance.

What it includes

Beyond a simple ride, quality programs focus on safety, timeliness, and fit.

• Medical rides (NEMT): To and from appointments, therapies, dialysis.
• Community trips: Groceries, pharmacy, senior centers.
• Accessibility: Vehicles that accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters.
• Support: Curb-to-curb or door-through-door assistance; return-trip coordination.
• Options: Public transit discounts, paratransit, taxis, and ride-share.

Who it’s best for

Older adults who can’t drive or need mobility support, and caregivers who need dependable scheduling to keep care plans on time.

• Chronic conditions with frequent visits
• Fall risk or mobility limitations
• Dialysis or therapy schedules
• Isolated seniors without a driver

Average costs

Pricing varies by distance, wait time, assistance level, and vehicle type. Some programs are free; others charge per trip with senior discounts. Expect higher rates for wheelchair or stretcher transport and after-hours service.

Coverage snapshot

• Medicaid: Provides transportation for emergency medical care and for doctor’s appointments when no other ride is available.
• Medicare: Covers ambulance for emergencies and limited nonemergencies (e.g., rides to dialysis) when medically necessary.
• Other: Public transit often offers discounted fares; nonprofit and local programs may be free or low cost.

How to arrange it

Start with the medical schedule, then match the ride to mobility and safety needs.

1. Confirm appointment times and any wait or return requirements.
2. Note equipment and assistance needs (wheelchair, walker, escort).
3. Ask your clinician or social worker for vetted providers and paratransit options.
4. Call your local senior center/Area Agency on Aging for volunteer and low-cost programs.
5. Book accessible vehicles and request door-through-door help if needed.
6. If your provider uses a coordination platform, bundle rides with home care and DME so pickups, drop-offs, and deliveries align.

8. Durable medical equipment and home modifications

The right equipment and small changes at home can make in home care for elderly adults safer, easier, and more sustainable. Durable medical equipment (DME) supports mobility and medical needs, while home modifications lower fall risk and reduce the physical strain on family and aides—often preventing avoidable ER visits and readmissions.

What it is

DME includes reusable medical items used at home to support a health condition or recovery (think walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds). Home modifications are structural or fixture changes—like grab bars or ramps—that adapt the environment so an older adult can move, bathe, and transfer more safely.

What it includes

Focus on items that directly reduce risk and effort in daily routines, then layer larger fixes as needed.

• DME examples: Hospital bed, wheelchair or transport chair, walker/rollator, bedside commode, shower chair, transfer bench, raised toilet seat, oxygen equipment, glucose monitors, and basic wound-care supplies coordinated through home health.
• Home safety add‑ons: Grab bars, non‑slip mats, handheld shower, brighter task lighting, bed rails (as clinically appropriate).
• Structural modifications: Threshold ramps, full‑length ramps, sturdy railings, stair or platform lifts, widened doorways, and repositioned storage for reach.

Who it’s best for

Older adults with mobility limits, balance issues, recent surgery, chronic lung or cardiac conditions, cognitive impairment with wandering or fall risk, and caregivers who need safer transfer setups to continue providing in‑home support.

Average costs

Costs vary widely by item complexity and installation. Some equipment can be rented short‑term; others are one‑time purchases. Structural changes (like ramps or lifts) add labor and materials. Ask for written estimates and consider a home safety evaluation to prioritize the highest‑impact items first.

Coverage snapshot

• Medicare: Home health services may include medical equipment and supplies when short‑term skilled care is ordered and delivered by a Medicare‑certified agency; coverage is limited and situation‑dependent.
• Medicaid: May cover DME and certain home-based supports; benefits vary by state and program.
• Private insurance: Coverage for equipment and home mods is plan‑specific; many nonmedical modifications are not covered.
• Community programs: Your local Area Agency on Aging or Eldercare Locator can connect you to low‑ or no‑cost safety upgrades and lending closets where available.

How to arrange it

1. Request a home safety review: Ask your clinician, PT, or OT to identify high‑impact equipment and hazards (bathroom, stairs, lighting).
2. Prioritize essentials: Start with transfer safety and bathroom access; add mobility and medical devices next.
3. Choose reputable suppliers/installers: Use referrals from your care team; check references and, when possible, the Better Business Bureau for complaints.
4. Coordinate delivery/installation: Align dates with hospital discharge or therapy schedules; confirm training on safe use and maintenance.
5. Reassess regularly: As function changes, adjust equipment and consider additional home modifications.
6. Bundle logistics: If your provider uses a care coordination platform, schedule DME delivery and home mods alongside rides and caregiver shifts so everything arrives when someone is there to receive it.

9. Companionship and friendly visitor programs

Loneliness can quietly derail even the best in home care for elderly adults. Friendly visitor programs add safe, social connection and regular check‑ins so families get peace of mind and seniors stay engaged between clinical or aide visits.

What it is

Volunteer- or aide‑based companionship that provides social visits and light support at home. Many community “friendly visitor” programs send trained volunteers for regular short visits (often less than two hours), while home care agencies offer paid companion services on an hourly basis.

What it includes

Companionship focuses on conversation, engagement, and basic help—not hands‑on medical care.

• Conversation and check‑ins: Social visits, reading, games, and reminiscence.
• Activity support: Short walks, puzzles, light meal prep/cleanup.
• Safety awareness: Noticing risks and escalate concerns to family.
• Errand/company: Accompany to appointments or community events (program‑dependent).

Who it’s best for

Older adults living alone, recently bereaved, or experiencing isolation or mild cognitive changes who don’t require clinical care but benefit from structure, social time, and a reliable visitor to reduce risks like inactivity, missed meals, or low mood.

Average costs

Many volunteer programs are free or donation‑based. Paid companion services through home care agencies are typically hourly and often align with local homemaker rates; nationally, the median is about $30 per hour (Genworth Cost of Care, via AgingCare), with variations by market and schedule.

Coverage snapshot

Volunteer companionship is free. Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance generally do not cover companion/friendly visitor services; some long‑term care insurance policies may help pay for companion visits. Confirm your specific policy and any program eligibility rules.

How to arrange it

Start with the person’s interests and best times for a visit, then match programs to needs.

1. Contact your local senior center, Area Agency on Aging, or Eldercare Locator for vetted volunteer programs.
2. For paid companions, ask your clinician/social worker for reputable home care agencies and request references.
3. Schedule a trial visit, share a simple social/cueing plan, and note safety priorities.
4. Coordinate with other supports (meals, rides, alert systems); if your provider uses a coordination platform, bundle visits so schedules align and gaps are minimized.

10. Emergency medical alert and fall detection systems

For many families building in home care for elderly loved ones, a fast way to summon help is non‑negotiable. Medical alert, fall monitoring, and GPS devices add a safety net between visits without complicating the daily routine.

What it is

Wearable, home‑based, or GPS‑enabled systems that connect an older adult to emergency support when they fall, feel unwell, or become lost. They work only if set up correctly, worn consistently, and kept charged.

What it includes

Most programs center on simple, reliable tools that lower risk without replacing human check‑ins.

• Wearable alerts: A device the person wears that signals for help.
• Fall monitoring: Sensors that detect a fall and trigger an alert.
• GPS/location options: Tools to find someone who becomes lost or wanders.
• 24/7 response routing: Alerts reach responders or designated contacts quickly.

Who it’s best for

Older adults living alone or with risks that benefit from rapid response between visits.

• Fall risk or mobility limits
• Cognitive changes with wandering concerns
• Post‑discharge patients needing short‑term backup

Average costs

Most companies charge a one‑time activation fee plus a monthly service fee. Prices vary by features and coverage area; confirm contract terms and cancellation policies.

Coverage snapshot

• Medicare: Does not pay for emergency medical alert systems.
• Medicaid: Coverage may be available in some programs; varies by state.
• Private/long‑term care insurance: Some plans pay a portion; check your policy.

How to arrange it

Pick the simplest device that fits the person’s habits, then test it.

1. Match risks (falls, wandering) to features (fall monitor, GPS).
2. Confirm cellular/home coverage where the person lives and travels.
3. Complete setup, test alerts, set contacts, and establish battery‑charging routines.
4. Remember: these systems supplement—not replace—regular caregiver check‑ins and safety visits.

11. Geriatric care managers and care navigation (aging life care)

When needs get complex, a geriatric care manager brings expert navigation to in home care for elderly adults. Also called aging life care professionals, they’re usually licensed nurses or social workers who assess the situation, build a care plan, and coordinate the right mix of services so families aren’t guessing.

What it is

A dedicated care navigator who evaluates medical, functional, and social needs; creates short‑ and long‑term plans; and coordinates services at home and in the community. They’re especially helpful when family lives far away or care involves many providers.

What it includes

They translate goals into an actionable plan and keep everyone aligned.

• Comprehensive assessment: Home visit, risks, priorities, and supports.
• Care planning: Short‑ and long‑term goals, safety steps, service mix.
• Service coordination: In‑home aides, skilled home health, transportation, meals, and DME.
• Medical navigation: Appointments, referrals, and care team communication.
• Housing guidance: Evaluate living arrangements and transitions.
• Caregiver support: Education, stress management, and resources.

Who it’s best for

Older adults with multiple conditions or frequent transitions; families at a distance; caregivers nearing burnout; and anyone unsure how to sequence aides, therapy, equipment, and rides to keep home safer.

Average costs

Initial evaluations vary and may be expensive. Ongoing services are hourly. Fees differ by market, experience, and scope of involvement.

Coverage snapshot

Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for geriatric care management. Most private health plans don’t cover it. Some long‑term care insurance policies may pay for part of the cost. Many people pay out of pocket.

How to arrange it

Ask your physician or social worker for referrals, contact your local Area Agency on Aging, or search professional associations for credentialed care managers. During interviews, ask:

• Credentials and experience: Are you licensed? How long in care management?
• Availability: Do you handle after‑hours emergencies?
• Scope: Do you also provide home care services or only coordination?
• Communication: How will you update the family and care team?
• Fees: Hourly rates and written estimates; references you can call.

Set clear goals and a check‑in cadence. If your organization uses a coordination platform, plug the care manager into that workflow so scheduling, documentation, and vendor tasks stay synchronized.

Next steps

You now have a clear menu of in‑home options, typical costs, and what’s likely covered. Build a 90‑day plan that layers basics (personal care, meals, transportation) with time‑limited clinical support when ordered (skilled nursing/therapy), adds safety (DME, home mods, alert systems), and protects caregivers (respite, adult day, companionship). Expect Medicare to cover only short‑term skilled needs, Medicaid to vary by state, long‑term care insurance to help with personal care per policy, and community programs to fill gaps.

Capture needs, hours, and budget on one page, verify payer eligibility, and get a physician order if skilled home health is appropriate. Call your Area Agency on Aging for local programs, vet providers, set start dates, and schedule a 30‑day check‑in to adjust. If you coordinate across teams, standardize and streamline with a care coordination platform like VectorCare to bundle rides, home care, and DME in one workflow and get real‑time status without phone tag.