Care Cost Estimator
Get a quick estimate of what in-home care could cost per year based on the hourly rate and hours needed.
How to use this estimate
Enter the hourly rate you are considering, the number of care hours needed each week, and the weeks of care expected each year. The tool multiplies those inputs to show weekly, monthly, and annual planning figures.
Try a few rate or schedule combinations to understand the range before requesting agency quotes.
Enter Care Details
Estimated Cost
Annual Care Cost
$33,280
Monthly Cost
$2,773
Weekly Cost
$640
Educational Only: This is a simple estimate, not a quote. Actual rates vary by agency, caregiver experience, and level of care needed. Contact local providers directly for an accurate quote.
A worked example
Say your mom needs help four hours a day, five days a week, so 20 hours a week. An agency quotes $35 an hour.
- Weekly: 20 × $35 = $700
- Monthly (annual ÷ 12): about $3,033
- Yearly (52 weeks): $36,400
Now say her needs grow to six hours a day, seven days a week (42 hours). At the same rate, that’s $1,470 a week, or about $76,440 a year. That jump is why it helps to run a few “what if” scenarios now, before needs change.
What the number doesn’t include
- Higher rates for nights, weekends, and holidays (often extra per hour)
- Minimum shift lengths (many agencies require 3–4 hours per visit)
- Live-in or 24-hour care, which is usually priced by the day, not the hour
- Mileage if the caregiver drives your parent to appointments or errands
- Rate increases each year
- Medical home health visits, which Medicare may cover separately
Ways families lower the cost
- Illinois Community Care Program: For adults 60+ with limited assets, the state may pay for in-home help. See our Community Care Program guide.
- Adult day services: A day program for part of the week can cost much less per hour than in-home care, and gives family caregivers a break.
- Veterans benefits: Wartime veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for Aid & Attendance. See our Veterans Aid & Attendance article.
- Long-term care insurance: If your parent has a policy, check the daily benefit and elimination period before hiring.
- Mixing family and paid help: Covering a few shifts yourselves and paying for the rest is common.
Home care vs. other options
In-home care is often the most affordable choice when your parent needs help for part of the day. Once care is needed most of the day, every day, assisted living or a supportive living facility can cost less, because staff are shared. Compare with our guides to choosing home care and the Illinois Supportive Living Program.
Suggested Next Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Care Cost Estimator calculate the annual amount?
The estimator multiplies the hourly rate by the hours of care each week and then by the number of weeks of care each year. The monthly figure is the annual estimate divided by 12.
Does this estimate include every cost of in-home care?
No. This is a simple planning estimate and does not account for agency fees, taxes, overtime, transportation, or changes in the level of care. Ask providers for a detailed quote.
What hourly rate should I enter?
Use a rate from a local agency quote when you have one. If you are still researching, enter a reasonable rate range and run the estimate more than once to see how different prices affect the budget.
How do I get a real quote?
Call two or three licensed home care agencies near your parent. Ask for their hourly rate, minimum shift, weekend and holiday rates, and what's included. Then plug each quote in here to compare.
Does Medicare pay for in-home care?
Medicare doesn't pay for ongoing help with daily tasks like bathing, cooking, or housekeeping. It can cover short-term skilled home health care after an illness or hospital stay. See our guide to in-home care vs. home health care.