Last updated on August 13th, 2025 at 12:53 am
Home care costs can add up quickly. If you live in Washington State or another area with a high cost of living, you can expect higher rates for home care aide services and other expenses. However, you may be eligible for certain resources that can help you pay for care.
Below, we break down some of the costs you can expect to pay and the ways you may be able to afford them.
The Average Cost of a Home Care Aide in Washington State
The most recent Genworth Cost of Care Survey found that the average cost of home care in Washington State is $42.00 per hour or $8,008 per month. However, those numbers can vary quite a bit depending on the level of care you need.
If you just need someone to help with cleaning, meal prep, and errands a few times a week, you can expect a much lower bill. If you need help with bathing, dressing, medications, and getting around every day, those costs will add up quickly. Someone who needs 24/7 care can expect a much larger bill, and at that point, other care options likely make more sense.
Other Home Care Costs
If you need a home care aide, you likely also need an accessible home. Many care recipients need no-step showers with grab bars, ramps, stairlifts, widened doorways that can accommodate walkers or wheelchairs, or other home adjustments.
You may also need medical equipment and supplies outside of traditional medical services. Many home care recipients need mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers, for instance.
How to Pay For Home Care
The earlier you start planning for home care, the better. In the U.S., most people get long-term care through some combination of family assistance and personal savings, ideally supplemented by a long-term care insurance policy that was purchased long before it was needed.
| Home Care Financial Resource Type | What It Pays For | Limitations |
| Private long-term care insurance | Long-term care expenses that aren’t covered by health insurance, depending on the policy. | Since premium costs depend on the policyholder’s age, health, amount previously paid, length of deductible period, and duration of benefits, it may not be affordable for people who expect to need it soon. |
| WA Cares Fund | Up to $36,500 that can be used for home care, medical equipment, home modifications such as grab bars and walk-in showers, and other long-term care needs. | Not available until July 2026; only available to qualifying Washingtonians who contributed to the fund with at least 500 hours of work per year for a certain length of time. |
| Medicaid | Medical and personal care services. | Only available to eligible persons; access depends on health and financial circumstances. |
| Community Options Program Entry System (COPES) | Personal care and other services. | Only available to eligible persons; access depends on health and financial circumstances. |
| Respite Care | Short-term care to give family caregivers some time away. | Only available for up to a few days at a time; not an option for everyday care. |
| Private health insurance or Medicare | Medical care services, depending on the policy. | Typically does not cover personal care for activities like bathing or dressing. |
| Disability insurance | Partial or complete income replacement following a long-term illness or injury that prevents the policyholder from working. | Only available in specific situations; typically not designed to cover the full cost of rehabilitation or aging-related long-term care. |
| Nonprofit organizations such as Rebuilding Together Seattle or Habitat for Humanity’s Aging in Place program | Free or reduced-cost home safety and accessibility improvements. | May not be available depending on your location; wait times depending on local demand and fundraising. |
How Sunrise Services Can Help
Sunrise Services has a professional, licensed home care agency that serves Snohomish, Whatcom, Island, and Skagit County residents. We aim to maximize independence and comfort for seniors and persons with disabilities.
We can help with all of the following:
- Housework and laundry
- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Toileting
- Eating and/or meal preparation
- Dressing
- Body care
- Transferring
- Housework and laundry
- Ambulation
- Self-Medication
- Supervision
- Shopping essentials
- Travel to medical services
- And more!
Our home care agency offers highly competitive rates for private pay services. We have contracts with the State of Washington for Medicaid Personal Care, COPES, and In-Home Respite.
Partner with Sunrise Services for compassionate, professional home care services.
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