Americans spent $3.7 trillion in 2022 on personal care services according to the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. That spending is expected to increase substantially in the coming years. Here are the top 5 most expensive personal care services paid for by consumers. Note that ranking depends upon the entire spend amount which consists of unit or hourly price and the amount of services rendered.
24/7 In-Home Care: This involves round-the-clock care, often with multiple caregivers working in shifts to ensure continuous support. The cost is high due to the extensive hours and specialized attention required. Based on a $30 billing rate, this care would cost about $22,320 per month.
Skilled Nursing Care: This includes medical care provided by registered nurses, such as wound care, medication administration, and health monitoring. The specialized skills and qualifications of the nurses contribute to the higher cost. Based on the extent of care, patients could pay $4,400 a month for home-based skilled nursing services.
Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy: These therapies are provided by licensed therapists and are essential for rehabilitation and recovery. The expertise and personalized treatment plans make these services more expensive. Patients can expect to pay $72 to $147 per therapy session in the home (NC: $72 to $107; SC: $77 to $114; Va: $78 to $116).
Palliative and Hospice Care: These services provide specialized medical care for individuals with serious illnesses, focusing on comfort and quality of life. The complexity and intensity of care contribute to the higher costs. These specialized services vary greatly. They can ranges for a low of $150 to $500 per day to up to $1,500 per day.
Memory Care: This type of care is tailored for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. It requires specialized training and a higher staff-to-patient ratio, leading to increased costs. The cost of care depends on how progressive the disease is. Memory care costs per month in an assisted living facility setting averages $6,160 per month. For more progressive cases that required a nursing home, the median cost in the U.S. is $7,098 per month for a semi-private room and $9,034 per month for a private room.
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