Let’s first take a look at the nationwide cost of care, and then our costs.
What is the nationwide cost of care for the elderly?
The cost looks like this:
- The average daily rate for a private room at a nursing home in the Chicago area is $410, or $149,650 per year, according to Genworth.
- For a semi-private room in a nursing home in the Chicago area, the daily cost is $335, or $111,325 annually.
- Average daily rate for Assisted Living (pending level of care) is $231/day or $84,315 annually
- The average hourly rate in Chicago for home health aides is $35.00/hr, monthly average cost $6,578 or $78,936 annually. (rate depends on level of care)
- The national average rate for adult day care is $128/day. Cost would be $26,000 annually.
Agencies and caregivers prefer caring for individuals who have predictable and well-communicated needs.
What are our costs?
The costs at Safe at Home Healthcare are based on projecting the needs of the patient. Fees assessed are also a direct reflection of:
- The exact wage paid to our caregiver.
- What benefits are given to the care staff, such as workers’ compensation and liability coverage.
- The experience of the caregiver as well as the ability to drive to do errands and escorting.
We at Safe at Home Health Care have an activity fee-based schedule consisting of three different levels of care which is determined by the family, patient, and agency assessment. The more assistance with activities of daily living the caregiver is required to do, the higher the cost of care.
Live-in care is quoted based on daily care; however, the caregiver will likely be contracted to be available only one time per night.
“13 Hour Rule”
As a licensed agency we need to abide by the Department of Labor’s “13-Hour Rule.” That means that 13 hours is allocated as work hours, 8 hours for sleep time, five of which must be uninterrupted, and breaks of 3 hours for meals. (See also court ruling on New York Dept. of Labor “13 Hour Rule”.)
If an older adult is not sleeping through the night, more shifts of caregivers or care providers may be necessary. A patient getting up in the night on a consistent basis will require an “awake” shift caregiver.
If during the night the home service worker does not get reasonable periods of uninterrupted sleep totaling at least 5 hours, the interruption to sleep time must be paid at $35/hour for the hour sleep is disturbed. If a client is up multiple times throughout the night or all night providing services, the entire period (5 hours) must be counted as time spent working. (Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act 35Q, 36Q)
Best solution to multiple times getting up in the night is to hire an “Awake” shift caregiver that will be up during the night for 8 hours. An example would be 10 pm to 6 am to help as needed so that the primary caregiver can get their allotted 8 hours of sleep and at least 5 hours minimum of uninterrupted sleep.
I understand that looking for in-home care for your loved one isn’t just about numbers – it’s about finding peace of mind during a challenging time. And I know that when you see the typical costs in Chicago – $400-450 per day for live-in care. And hourly rates? They’re at $39-45/hr from most agencies – it can feel overwhelming and even discouraging.
That’s exactly why we created a different approach at Safe at Home Health Care. We believe every family deserves access to quality care, which is why we’ve thoughtfully structured our rates at $365-385 per day. This isn’t just about saving money – it’s about making sure you can provide sustainable, long-term care for someone you love.
Your family member deserves to be comfortable in their own home, surrounded by compassionate care they can trust. And you deserve to sleep well at night knowing you’ve made the best choice – both for your loved one’s care and your family’s financial wellbeing.
Let’s have a heart-to-heart conversation about finding the perfect care solution for your situation. We’re here to listen, understand your unique needs, and help create a care plan that feels right in every way.
Our Hourly Rates:
We offer three thoughtfully designed levels of care to match your loved one’s exact needs:
Companion Care – $33/hour Perfect for seniors who need friendly support and helping hands around the house. Includes: • Companionship and supervision • Meal preparation • Transportation to appointments • Light housekeeping and laundry • Medication reminders • Basic personal care assistance
Assisted Care – $35/hour Ideal for those needing more hands-on support with daily activities. Everything in Companion Care, plus: • Safe transfer assistance • Help with walking and movement • Personal hygiene assistance • Bathing and dressing support • Toileting and incontinence care
Complete Care – $37/hour Our most comprehensive care level, designed for those requiring full support. Includes all previous services, plus: • Specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care • Professional hospice support • Full assistance with all daily activities • Around-the-clock attention and care • Complete personal care support.
Contact us!
Not sure which level is right for your situation? Let’s talk it through together – we’ll help you find the perfect match for your loved one’s needs.
Give us a call at (800) 480-4154. Or contact us by email.
