Understanding prices for 24-hour care: A comprehensive guide

How much does it cost to have your loved one cared for at home around the clock? The cost of 24-hour care varies depending on the individual needs and specific circumstances of the person in need of care. What factors influence this price? And how can I afford these costs? If you're asking yourself these questions, you're not alone - many families who worry about their loved ones feel the same way. In our comprehensive blog article, you will find answers to these and other questions to finally gain clarity.

 

 

The solution for Mrs. Müller 

Mrs. Müller, a retired teacher, has been living alone in her house on the outskirts of the city for several years. But for some time now, she has been finding everyday life increasingly difficult: getting up is a challenge, her joints hurt and her memory often fades. Her daughter Melanie, who has a family of her own and a full-time job, is very worried about her mother. After a long discussion with her brother Armin, they decide that 24-hour care could be the best solution for Mrs. Müller. But before they make this important decision, they need to fully understand the costs involved.

 

24-hour care: an overview of costs and services

For many families like the Müllers, 24-hour care is a necessary support to enable loved ones to live a dignified and safe life in their own four walls. It offers not only physical care, but also emotional support and an important social component. However, organizing and financing this intensive care can quickly become overwhelming. To help you keep track of things, we have put together an overview of the prices of 24-hour care. Because only with this knowledge can families make informed decisions and organize the best possible care for their loved ones.

 

What affects 24-hour care costs?

To better understand the cost of 24-hour care, it is important to identify the various factors that influence pricing. These factors depend heavily on the individual needs of the person requiring care and the specific circumstances.

 

Personnel costs

The costs for caregivers vary depending on qualifications, experience and regional circumstances. A specially trained caregiver with theoretical training who is available around the clock costs significantly more than an unskilled caregiver. If a specially trained specialist is required, this is usually also more expensive.

 

Accommodation and meals

 

Caregivers who live in the household of the person in need of care must be provided with appropriate accommodation and meals. This includes a room of their own and regular meals. The prices for this can vary. In the Müller family's case, for example, it was necessary to convert the guest room to meet the requirements of the caregiver, which resulted in additional costs.

 

Need and intensity of care

Another cost factor is the individual care requirement and the intensity of care. A patient who requires round-the-clock medical care and support incurs higher costs than someone who only needs help with basic daily care. For example, a person who is dependent on intensive support due to severe arthritis needs more support than someone who can still do a lot on their own despite needing care.

 

Administrative costs

In addition, salaries differ depending on whether the caregiver is employed directly or placed through an agency. If you choose a care agency, you must expect to pay additional placement fees. If you hire the caregiver through noracares, for example, these extra costs are waived. This also saved the Müller family a lot of money. You can also take advantage of state subsidies for 24-hour care to reduce the financial burden.

 

Additional output

 

In addition to direct care costs, expenses for medical aids and equipment must also be planned for. This can range from special beds and wheelchairs to medication and therapy equipment. Mrs. Müller needed a stair lift due to her progressive joint problems. Installing this required an additional investment. Therapy and travel costs also fall into this area.

These factors make it clear that the prices for 24-hour care are varied and often very individual. By providing a detailed breakdown of the various cost components, you and your family can create a realistic calculation and plan accordingly.

 

Typical pricing structures and their content

 

Pricing for 24-hour care can be structured in different ways. The most common pricing models are:

 

• Variable cost models: With these models, costs are calculated based on the actual use of services. In the case of hourly wages, for example, only the hours actually required are paid for. This allows flexibility in the event of fluctuating care needs and you only have to pay the actual caregivers according to the number of hours worked. Prices can vary depending on the time of day (day/night) and day of the week (weekday/weekend). The fluctuating costs can therefore make budgeting more difficult. As 24-hour care also requires round-the-clock care anyway, the hourly costs are usually high.

 

• Fee: With this price structure, a fixed amount is agreed for care per day, week or month, regardless of the actual working hours of the caregiver. Transparent and predictable costs make financial planning easier, which is ideal for continuous, intensive care. The only disadvantage is the lack of flexibility in the event of changes in care needs.

 

When drafting the contract, pay attention not only to the billing model, but also to clauses on inclusive and exclusive services. It is important that you and the caregiver clarify in advance which activities are included in the billing and for which you have to pay extra. If you intend to use the services of a care agency, you should check this carefully to ensure that all necessary services are covered without incurring unnecessary costs for services that are not required.

 

 

Budgeting tips and strategies for families

When Melanie and Armin decided to organize 24-hour care for their mother, they were faced with a huge financial challenge. While the emotional burden of providing the best possible care for their mother was already great, it quickly became apparent that the financial aspects also required extensive planning. To ensure that they were well equipped to provide long-term care, they drew up a financial plan. The two proceeded as follows:

 

1. Income and expenditure analysis

Melanie and Armin began their planning with a detailed analysis of their financial situation. They took the time to list all their income and expenses to get a clear overview. This included regular income from salaries, pensions, any supplementary care insurance and social benefits on the one hand, and monthly obligations such as rent, utilities and ongoing expenses for food and insurance on the other.

 

 

They used a budget book and modern financial planning tools to accurately document their spending. This helped them understand not only how much they were already spending on their daily needs, but also what funds were available for their mother's care. The inventory showed them where they could potentially cut back and how they could budget additional funds for care.

 

2. Cost-benefit analysis

With a clear picture of their financial situation, Melanie and Armin set about comparing the actual prices of 24-hour care with alternatives such as care homes. They drew up a list of the expected costs of home care and put these in relation to the expenses that would be incurred for inpatient care in a nursing home.

However, they not only considered the financial aspects, but also the emotional and qualitative dimension of care. For their mother, the familiar surroundings of her home were important, which justified the higher cost of home care. This comprehensive cost-benefit analysis helped them to make an informed decision and plan their financial resources effectively.

 

3. Tax advantages and subsidies:

 

While Melanie was working hard on financial planning, she came across tax benefits that the siblings hadn't initially considered. She learned that care costs are tax-deductible as extraordinary expenses under certain conditions. This could significantly reduce their tax burden and free up additional funds for care. They also found out about possible state subsidies and grants for care. These subsidies could help to reduce the burden of care costs. They consulted a tax advisor to ensure that they were making the most of all possible tax relief. This helped the Müller family to correctly deduct the care costs and claim all available benefits.

By carefully analyzing and planning financial resources and utilizing available support options, Anna and her brother were able to better manage the financial burden of providing 24-hour care for Mrs. Müller. This ensured that her mother received the best possible care and was able to remain in her familiar surroundings.

 

 

Organizing 24-hour care is a complex task that brings with it both emotional and financial challenges. However, through thorough budgeting and comprehensive planning, Melanie and Armin were able to successfully manage the financial aspects of this important task. And you can do it too! Take a look at the financial resources available to you and your family and draw up a realistic budget for care. Make use of subsidies and tax relief and try to hire the carer privately if possible. With noracares you will find the right caregiver to suit your family's needs and your budget. This saves you the agency fee and you are much freer in many ways.

If you feel unsure, seek professional help, be it from financial advisors, tax experts or care advisors. They can help you make the best decisions for your specific situation and make the best use of all available resources. Only through thorough planning can you ensure that your loved ones receive the best possible care and that your financial resources are used efficiently and not overstretched.

With a clear idea of the cost of 24-hour care and the appropriate pricing structures, you can make an informed decision for your family.

Your Nora