How much does companion care cost?
A plain-language look at how non-medical companion care is priced, and how private pay, insurance, and benefits fit in — so Central Ohio families can plan with confidence.
In short: companion care is almost always billed by the hour, and your total depends on how many hours you use, the schedule (days, evenings, overnight), and the level of support. It's typically private pay; long-term care insurance or veterans benefits may help, while Medicare generally does not cover non-medical companion care. For an accurate number, ask a provider for a personalized quote — request a free consultation.
Typical ways companion care is priced
- Hourly — by far the most common; you pay for the hours scheduled.
- Scheduled blocks / half- or full-day — regular recurring visits on set days.
- Overnight or extended care — priced for longer or nighttime coverage (see overnight companion care).
Hourly vs. scheduled care
Hourly care is flexible and ideal when you need a few visits a week or help at specific times. As needs grow, many families move to a consistent weekly schedule, which makes caregiver matching and routines easier. The right structure is the one that fits your loved one's day — not a one-size package.
Minimum-visit considerations
Many home care providers set a minimum visit length so a caregiver has time to arrive, settle in, and genuinely help rather than rush. Minimums vary by provider. We'll walk you through the options that fit your family's schedule — just ask.
Factors that affect cost
- Number of hours and how often care is scheduled
- Time of day — evenings, weekends, holidays, or overnight coverage
- Level of support and complexity of the routine
- Whether visits are occasional or a consistent weekly plan
- Your location within Central Ohio
Third-party estimate — labeled as such: independent surveys of long-term care costs (for example, the Genworth / CareScout Cost of Care Survey) report a wide hourly range for non-medical home care that varies significantly by region and over time. Because published figures change and are not specific to your care plan, we don't quote a rate here — contact us for a current, personalized quote. Local Central-Ohio rate data: verify with current sources before relying on it.
Private-pay companion care
Haven Grove provides private-pay, non-medical companion care — most families pay out of pocket, sometimes with help from the sources below. Private pay keeps care flexible: you decide the hours and can adjust as needs change, without insurance pre-authorization for non-medical support.
Medicare limitations
Medicare generally does not pay for non-medical companion care (also called custodial care) when that is the only care needed. Medicare may cover limited, physician-ordered skilled home health for eligible patients — a different service from companionship and daily-living help. Confirm what's covered at Medicare.gov — home health services. See also our Medicare explained guide.
Long-term care insurance
Many long-term care (LTC) insurance policies reimburse in-home non-medical care. Check your policy's covered services, daily/hourly benefit, elimination (waiting) period, and documentation requirements, and confirm directly with your insurer. Our long-term care insurance guide explains how to use a policy for home care.
Veterans benefits
Eligible wartime veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance pension, which can help pay for in-home care. Eligibility and amounts are set by the VA — verify at VA.gov — Aid and Attendance. See our veterans benefits guide.
Questions families should ask
- Is care billed hourly, and is there a minimum visit length?
- What's included in companion care, and what is not (e.g., hands-on personal or medical care)?
- Are evenings, weekends, holidays, or overnights priced differently?
- How are caregivers screened, matched, and covered if one is unavailable? (See trust & safety.)
- Are there contracts, deposits, or cancellation terms?
- Can you provide documentation for long-term care insurance or VA benefits?
More in questions to ask before hiring and how to pay for home care.
Frequently asked questions
How is companion care usually priced?
Most non-medical companion care is billed by the hour; the total depends on hours, schedule, and level of support.
Does Medicare pay for companion care?
Generally no — Medicare doesn't cover custodial/non-medical care when it's the only care needed. It may cover limited, doctor-ordered skilled home health, which is different. Confirm at Medicare.gov.
Can long-term care insurance or VA benefits help pay?
Sometimes — many LTC policies reimburse in-home non-medical care, and eligible veterans/survivors may use VA Aid and Attendance. Verify with your insurer and VA.gov.
Is there a minimum number of hours per visit?
Many providers set a minimum visit length; it varies. Contact us and we'll explain the options that fit your schedule.
Sources
This page is educational and not financial, tax, insurance, or legal advice; verify current details with the source and a qualified advisor. References: Medicare.gov (home health); VA.gov (Aid and Attendance); Genworth / CareScout Cost of Care Survey; ACL.gov (long-term care). Local Central-Ohio rate figures are intentionally omitted pending current, credible local verification.