Home health aide cost in NJ doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you’d think. Here, we’ll walk you through all of the factors that could affect the cost of the home help you need.

It’s worth getting a general idea before diving deeper into it.

Average Monthly Cost of In-Home Senior Care

The average home health aide cost in NJ is $29.95 per hour, according to data from the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2021. The actual rate you’ll pay varies from agency to agency, however, with multiple factors playing into this.

You’ll need to take several factors into account when choosing the agency you work with, other than price. These include:

• Transparency
• Professionalism
• Training
• Trust

While the average home health aide cost in NJ may seem high, you should keep your loved one in mind. They’ll feel more comfortable in their own home, and multiple studies have linked this with better long-term health. It lets them receive the care they need somewhere they’re most comfortable with.

Type Of Care Needed

Not all senior citizens need the same kind of care, and you’ll need to know precisely what type of care  your loved one needs. There are two main categories of in-home senior care: activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Three other terms – companion care, homemaker care, and personal care – repeatedly come up, too, so it’s worth diving into what these are.

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)

Instrumental activities are the ones that let someone live as independently as possible. Grocery shopping, housework, and meal preparation are all included in this. Caregivers provide these services so clients can live as independently as possible.

Activities of daily living (ADL)

Some daily living activities are difficult to do for senior citizens with specific issues. ADLs are the essential tasks that need to be done every day, such as cleaning and cooking, and even moving about the house.

Companion Care/Homemaker Care

Companion care, also known as homemaker care, focuses on helping clients preserve their sense of independence, especially when they’re still relatively healthy. It provides a range of basic services, such as medication management, appointment tracking, and even transportation to social events and medical facilities.

Personal Care

Personal care specializes in helping patients with their daily activities. Agencies who supply this help people with mobility and similar issues continue to live their lives without any risk of hurting themselves. It lets them stay at home while still getting their daily activities done with ease.

Why Does Location Affect the Cost of In-Home Care?

The cost of living in New Jersey varies depending on exactly where you are in the state. It’s noticeably different from county-to-county and even from city-to-city. That doesn’t just affect the cost of groceries, but also the home health aide cost in NJ. You’ll find that some areas are much more affordable than others. Regardless of price, however, you should receive the same type of care and services.

How Much Care Is Needed?

How much care a person needs dictates how much in-home senior care will cost. The more time and work that’s needed, the more you should expect to pay. The monthly rate for someone needing 24/7 support and care will be drastically higher than someone who only needs two or three hours of care a day.

How does a person’s health affect the cost of in-home care?

The type of in-home care a person gets is dramatically affected by their health, with this also affecting the home health aide cost in NJ. The more a person needs, the more it’ll naturally cost. Someone who only needs basic care will pay less than someone who needs 24/7 care, for example. Some agencies and providers will offer this at different rates, however. 

There are four main types of in-home care your loved one can get:

Home Health Aide (HHA) and Personal Care Aide (PCA)c

Patient Care Aides/Assistants and Home Health Aides specialize in helping clients carry out their daily tasks, such as cooking and cleaning. Depending on qualifications, they’ll also check and monitor a client’s vital signs regularly, including pulse and respiration rate. The minimum requirement for these aides is a high school diploma, though many go on to receive a college education.

Nursing Assistant (CNA)d

Nursing Assistants provide basic care to patients, including administering medication and helping clients carry out their daily duties. Alongside completing an education program, they’re certified by New Jersey’s Department of Health to conduct their work after passing a state competency exam.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Licenses Vocational Nurse (LVN)

LPNs and LVNs are trained and licensed to carry out work under a registered nurse’s supervision. They carry out various duties, such as inserting catheters, changing bandages, and bathing and dressing clients. They’ll also report client status to registered nurses, doctors, and other relevant parties.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Better known as RNs, registered nurses provide multiple services, including assessing a client’s condition, and administering medication. They also work with clients and their families to educate them about their condition and treatment path.

See them as the people who coordinate a senior citizen’s care. Outside of having an extensive education in the area, RNs must have a National Council of Licensure Examination certification before they can practice.

About Family Choice Healthcare

Independently owned and operated, we’ve looked after seniors in New Jersey for 25 years, offering a range of in-home services. We believe the home health aide cost in NJ shouldn’t be high, and that you should get all the help you need and deserve without breaking the bank.

If you want to learn about specific services, we’ll be more than happy to chat with you. Give us a phone call, and we’ll love to discuss your case with you.