In-Home Care in Idaho

With more than 309,000 seniors aged 65 and older living in Idaho, safe, reliable long-term care options are crucial in the state. Thankfully, the state is incredibly safe when compared with much of the continental U.S. On a scale of one to 100, Idaho’s violent crime rate is just 15.2, and the property crime rate is 26. In contrast, the national medians are 22.7 for violent crime and 35.4 for property crime. Health costs here are 5.9% below the national average, and several top hospitals, including St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, are located within the state.

Seniors who need help while living at home can access in-home care or home health care services from one of the state’s home care agencies. While home care provides personal care and chore assistance, home health care provides similar services with the addition of light medical care provided by a licensed professional. In Idaho, the average cost of in-home care is $5,434 per month.

This guide compares the cost of home care services in Idaho to rates in nearby states. It also includes options for paying for care and a list of free and low-cost resources that serve Idaho seniors.

According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Idaho pay an average of $5,434 per month for home care, which is $191 above the U.S. average. This cost is also the lowest among states in the immediate area. In Oregon, seniors pay an average of $6,006 per month for home care, while those in Washington pay an even higher rate of $6,547 per month. In Montana, costs are slightly closer to Idaho’s rates at $5,339 monthly. Average rates in Wyoming are a little higher at $5,529 per month.

Throughout the state, the cost of home care varies depending on the location, as well as the services provided by home care agencies. In Boise and Idaho Falls, seniors pay an average of $5,720 for home care services. Pocatello is less expensive at $5,339 per month, while seniors in Twin Falls pay the lowest rates in the state at $4,767 per month.

In-home care and home health care cost an average of $5,434 per month in Idaho. While these costs are less than nursing home care, which is $9,125 monthly, it’s important for seniors to factor in the additional expenses that come with living at home, including rent or mortgage payments, utilities and general upkeep. Assisted living provides a more affordable option at $3,838 per month and offers residential care along with 24-hour assistance. Adult day health care is the most affordable senior care option in Idaho at $2,167 per month.

Idaho’s Medicaid program doesn’t cover home care services for seniors as part of its standard coverage; however, those who qualify can apply for one of two waiver programs that expand coverage to provide in-home care. These programs are called the Aged and Disabled Waiver and the Medicare Medicaid Coordinated Plan.

Seniors wishing to apply for Medicaid in Idaho can apply online at idalink or call (800) 926-2588 to start the application process.

What Information You Will Need

Before applying for Medicaid in Idaho, you should gather the following documents and information:

• Proof of citizenship or immigration status
• Federal tax returns or other proof of income for all household members
• Documents detailing any countable assets
• Social Security number, if applicable

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

• Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
• Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
• Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
• Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.