Live-In Care Costs
Live-In Care Costs
Live-in Care Costs
How It Works
Imagine your loved one living comfortably at home with a dedicated, full-time, one-on-one caregiver—for less than the cost of a nursing home and roughly half the price of a home care agency.
Live-in care offers personalized support, continuity, and peace of mind, all while being a cost-effective alternative to facility or shift-based care.
We make it easy to arrange live-in care for your loved one with a one-time consulting and recruiter fee—a fraction of what an employment agency or traditional recruiter would charge for the same service.
50% of the cost of two 12-hour shifts.
24-hour Private Live-in
Monthly Cost
Estimated Range: $11,000–$13,000 per month
This estimate covers a single care recipient living alone, receiving memory care and hands-on ADL support, with 12–24 hours of respite per week. Costs may be higher for couples or care recipients who share a home with someone else.
The estimate includes:
Caregiver payroll and payroll taxes
Workers’ compensation
Payroll service fees
All Happy At Home Live-In service fees
For a customized estimate tailored to your situation, please complete a payroll estimate form. Costs tend to be higher in New York and California.`
Payroll
Payroll includes the caregiver’s wages, required payroll taxes, and a dedicated payroll service that manages all employer responsibilities on your behalf. These services help ensure everything is handled properly and in full compliance with state and federal requirements, and many also provide HR support for added peace of mind. We’ll also guide and educate you on the available payroll options, helping you choose a solution that is simple, compliant, and appropriate for your family’s situation.
Workers’ Compensation
While not required in most states for household employees, workers’ compensation insurance is recommended for peace of mind.
Cost is typically based on a percentage of payroll and varies by state
Average cost: $208 per month
Respite Coverage (Optional)
All live-in caregivers need time off to rest and recharge, usually averaging 12+ hours per week.
If the care recipient cannot be left alone and the family is unable to provide coverage, a local home care agencycan fill in
Average cost for respite coverage (based on $35/hour): $1,820/month
Calculation: 12 hrs × $35 × 52 weeks ÷ 12 months
Care Manager (Optional)
Many families hire a local care manager to assess and monitor the care situation. They can:
Advise on local senior-care resources
Conduct regular home visits and reports
Serve as your eyes and ears, especially if you live far from the care recipient
A care manager can be an invaluable resource to ensure quality care and peace of mind.
In most cases, we can help refer you to a home-care agency for respite, an insurance agent for worker’s comp insurance, or a care manager to help oversee the process. Call us at (443)956-8608 to find out more.
Comprehensive Care at Home, When You Need It
Nursing homes offer institutional care—but often with limited space and high costs.
Residents typically have about 100 square feet of private space, or as little as 80 square feet in shared rooms
Rooms are commonly 10′ × 10′, often shared with another resident
The national average cost for a private nursing home room in 2024 was $131,580 per year
Federal regulations require nursing home bedrooms to meet minimum standards, including:
Housing no more than four residents per room
Providing 80 sq. ft. per resident in shared rooms and 100 sq. ft. in private rooms
Access to an exit corridor and at least one window to the outside
Use of curtains for visual privacy, rather than fully private living space
While nursing homes meet regulatory requirements, many families find the environment restrictive, impersonal, and costly—especially when compared to live-in care that allows loved ones to remain in the comfort, privacy, and familiarity of their own home.
Schedule your free consultation today.
Find the Right Caregiver with Confidence
We help families across the country safely and successfully arrange private live-in care. Let us guide you through the process and answer your questions.
