In-Home Care

Explore your options for receiving safe, personalized care without leaving home.

As we age, many of us prefer to recover, heal, or simply live comfortably in our own homes. In-home care offers a compassionate and personalized alternative to nursing facilities or extended hospital stays. However, while Medicare covers some home health services, many types of in-home care, especially personal or custodial care, are not fully covered.

Understanding what’s included and what requires supplemental coverage can help you prepare for the unexpected and protect your quality of life at home.

What Is In-Home Care?

In-home care includes a wide range of services that allow individuals to remain in their homes while receiving assistance with health, personal, or daily living needs. Services may include:

• Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting

• Medication reminders and meal preparation

• Light housekeeping and mobility support

• Skilled nursing care or physical therapy (with a doctor's prescription)



Some services are medical in nature, while others are non-medical support designed to help you live independently and safely.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare does provide limited coverage for in-home services, but only under certain conditions:

• You must be considered homebound by your doctor

• Care must be medically necessary and prescribed by a physician

• Services must be provided by a Medicare-approved agency

Typically, Medicare may cover:

• Skilled nursing care (short-term)

• Physical, occupational, or speech therapy

• Part-time home health aides (for medical care, not personal care)

• Medical social services



• However, custodial care—help with bathing, dressing, or cooking—is not covered unless it is part of a skilled nursing plan.

To manage the out-of-pocket expenses of non-medical home care, many individuals turn to supplemental insurance plans or alternative funding options:

Long-Term Care Insurance
Provides benefits for a variety of services including personal care, home health aides, and adult day care.

Short-Term Care Plans
Designed for temporary coverage needs—such as recovery after surgery—these plans help bridge the gap for services not covered by Medicare.

Life Insurance with Living Benefits
Some life insurance policies include riders that allow you to access funds early if you become chronically ill or need long-term care.



Private Pay or Hybrid Options
You may also consider setting aside savings or working with a financial planner to develop a strategy for funding future home care needs.

Plan ahead for care in the comfort of home—talk to an broker about your options ➜