How much do you pay a live-in caregiver?

Hiring live-in caregivers remains an ideal option to provide care for elders or another family member. Having a reliable care provider also brings balance and organization in the household since some in-home caregiving also involves light housekeeping and running errands. If there is no doubt that employing live caregivers is reasonable, does it translate to its cost too?

Estimating the value of hiring a live-in caregiver

Practically, the cost of hiring live-in care providers includes different considerations. One of the starting points is to check the national average salary rate. Follow it up by examining the price range in your state. Live-in caregivers in Connecticut and New Jersey, for example, receive the highest annual pay for this profession, which is around $49,000 or more. Two possible cues for this are the high cost of living and hectic lifestyles. At the national level, though, the average rate is around $35,700 per year. The weekly salary cost is between $221 and $1,173, according to Ziprecruiter.  

Bear in mind that these figures are variable because of changes in situations. In some recent news and studies, the pandemic crisis is already taking its toll on how much clients pay your live-in caregiver. Reportedly, it could be about $38,000 to $42,000 per year now on average. It may continue to rise or fall when everything is back to normal. Currently, the average hourly rate is still between $16 and $17. 

Other factors to check in employing live-in care providers

With or without the crisis, some factors increase the rate of live-in caregivers. Other than the place of clients, here other cost points to check caregiving: 

The demand for in-depth service makes the hourly rate pricier. An example of this is when the caregiver must stay up even in the wee hours because the client has a mobility issue. Another reason is the administering of interval medications or treatment. Additionally, hospice care and nursing services demand all-inclusive work for the care providers. It may include coordination with the patient’s doctor, mental and emotional stimulation, and more. 

The specializations and certifications of care providers increase their demands and asking price too. Those identified as home health aides mean they have the license and special training to become effective in the specific needs of the care recipients.

An advantage of having someone with specialization and licenses is assurance. You can count on the care recipient to take medication and treatment safely at home with a licensed home health aide.

The experienced live-in caregivers also have different asking prices. A reason for this is their work experiences can prove their effectiveness. Moreover, these hone their caregiving skills further that they become practical or expert in what they do.

Besides the salary rate, other possible expenses can increase the cost. An example of this is providing a place for a live-in caregiver. Even if this is costlier, bear in mind that the needs of care recipients are the ultimate consideration. Also, a care provider with sufficient rest and client access can do more quality service. Do not also forget to examine your and the caregiver’s expectations and the policies on your agreement.  

On the other hand, the cost of this arrangement is not always high. First and foremost, live-in caregivers have lower rates compared to their assisted living. And some care recipients do not necessarily need in-depth and specialized services. It is a reason to get a lower rate.