Finding the right home care for yourself or a loved one is a deeply personal decision, and for many families, the question of how to pay for that care can feel overwhelming. At Assisting Hands West Houston, we understand that quality care should be accessible, and we’re committed to helping families explore every available option.

In this article, we take a look at how to pay for home care, along with resources and guidance to help you make informed decisions.

Private Pay

Private pay — using personal savings, retirement accounts, or contributions from family members — offers the most flexibility when arranging home care. With private pay, families can choose the number of hours, type of care, and specific caregivers that best suit their needs.

While this option may initially seem costly, it allows complete control over the care schedule and services provided. Many families find that combining private pay with other funding sources — like long-term care insurance or veterans benefits — helps make home care more affordable and sustainable over time.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance (LTCI) is one of the most direct ways to pay for home care services. These policies are designed specifically to cover the costs of personal care, companionship, or skilled care that traditional health insurance and Medicare often don’t cover. Because policies vary widely, it’s important to understand your plan’s details, such as daily benefit amounts, elimination periods, and covered services. 

At Assisting Hands West Houston, we are proud to serve as Long-Term Care Certified Advocates, offering the expert guidance you need to unlock the full potential of your policy and access high-quality in-home care. We can help verify benefits, determine eligibility, and assist with the claims process. Our goal is to simplify the paperwork and help you maximize your benefits so you can focus on what matters most: quality care for your loved one.

Learn more about long-term care insurance in Houston, TX, here.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for benefits that can be used to pay for home care services. 

One key program is the Aid & Attendance Pension, which provides benefits to veterans and surviving spouses who require the aid and attendance of another person or are housebound due to a disability or medical condition. The funds can be used to cover the costs of in-home care services, including personal care, assistance with daily activities, and medical monitoring.

As a VA-approved Community Care Network provider, Assisting Hands West Houston directly serves veterans and their families who qualify for in-home support. We can also guide you through the various veteran programs, the VA application process, and help you determine whether you qualify for additional programs, such as homemaker or respite care benefits.

Medicare

Medicare provides limited coverage for in-home care services, depending on the type and duration of care needed. Typically, it covers short-term skilled nursing, therapy, or medical services following a hospital stay — but it does not cover long-term custodial or personal care.

However, certain programs associated with Medicare can provide respite and support for families caring for loved ones with dementia.

The GUIDE Program: Dementia Care Respite Benefit

One such option available through Assisting Hands West Houston is the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) program, a dementia care respite benefit designed to give family caregivers a much-needed break.

The GUIDE program is offered in collaboration with PocketRN, a telehealth platform that connects families with dementia care specialists and guides them through available respite benefits. Through this program, families can receive professional dementia care for their loved one at home, while taking time to rest, work, or manage other responsibilities.

In addition, our caregivers are specially trained in dementia support, ensuring compassionate and engaging care that promotes safety, dignity, and comfort. Whether your loved one is in the early or advanced stages of dementia, the GUIDE program helps you navigate the complexities of care with expert guidance and reliable support.

If you’re unsure whether your loved one’s Medicare plan includes respite benefits or other related options, our team can help you review your coverage and connect you with programs that fit your needs.

Learn more about the GUIDE program here.

Medicaid

 A joint federal and state program, Medicaid can help pay for in-home personal care, particularly for individuals with limited income and assets. In Texas, Medicaid is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and can cover in-home care through specific programs designed for older adults and people with disabilities.

Two of the most common ways Texas Medicaid helps pay for home care are through:

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: These programs allow eligible individuals to receive care at home instead of in a nursing facility. Services can include personal assistance, respite care, and in-home health support.
• Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD): This program provides medical and long-term care benefits to older adults and individuals with disabilities who meet income and asset requirements.

Each state’s Medicaid program is unique, so coverage, eligibility, and available services can vary. At Assisting Hands West Houston, our staff assists families in determining eligibility and navigating the Medicaid application process to ensure they access all possible benefits.

Life Insurance and Home Equity

For those with life insurance or home equity, these assets can sometimes be converted into funds to help pay for care:

• Life Insurance: Many policies offer accelerated benefits or life settlements that allow policyholders to access a portion of their benefits while still alive.
• Home Equity: A reverse mortgage can provide homeowners with additional cash flow, helping to cover home care expenses without needing to sell the home.

These financial tools are complex, so review them carefully with a trusted advisor. Our team can connect you with professionals who specialize in elder care financial planning.

Community and Nonprofit Resources

Numerous community and nonprofit organizations can help offset the cost of care or provide temporary assistance. In West Houston, families can often find support through:

• The Area Agency on Aging connects older adults with local programs and financial aid. In West Houston, Katy, and the surrounding areas, you can find the Harris County Area Agency on Aging here.
• The Alzheimer’s Association offers respite grants and caregiver resources. You can find the Houston and Southeast Texas chapter here.
• Other local nonprofits dedicated to senior care and dementia support.

Assisting Hands West Houston maintains partnerships and referral connections with many of these organizations and can help families access community-based assistance programs.

How Assisting Hands West Houston Can Help

At Assisting Hands West Houston, we know that every family’s financial situation is different and that navigating the many options for paying for care can be confusing. That’s why we take a personalized approach to every conversation.

Our team will walk you through your funding options, assist with long-term care insurance verification, and help you explore available veterans programs, Medicaid, or respite benefits. We can also help you develop a care plan that fits both your budget and your loved one’s needs.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore home care or are looking for guidance on how to manage ongoing costs, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today by using the chat box on this page or by calling us directly at (281) 369-5858.