In-Home Care in Nevada

The 2010 Census found almost 394,500 Nevadans were in the 65 and over age group. Leap forward a decade and the 2020 Census reveals seniors comprise 16.1% of the population, an increase of over 105,300. The weather is a factor, as Nevada offers plenty of warmth without the same levels of heat found more often in neighboring Arizona. However, the most appealing aspect is the probable financial incentives for living in Nevada, which doesn’t tax its residents’ incomes. Nevada doesn’t collect taxes from estates, inheritances, withdrawals from retirement accounts, or public and private pensions.

Nevada has many in-home care agencies providing non-medical services for seniors needing help with everyday activities, such as getting dressed, bathing and housekeeping. There are also home health care agencies dispatching skilled nurses and therapists to homes across the state, delivering basic medical care, such as pain management and speech therapy. Despite the differences in the two home care services, the state’s average fee is the same for both, at $5,148 per month.

This guide discusses Nevada senior care costs in relation to neighboring states. It also describes how Medicaid and Medicare help pay for home care services. Finally, we list some useful senior-friendly resources.

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the typical Nevadan pays another $191 per month for in-home care when compared to the average American, who pays $4,957. Despite this, the median fee in Nevada is more affordable than in all the states that share its borders. In Arizona, in-home care typically costs $5,339 per month, while in Idaho, $5,434 is the norm. Utah’s costs are higher still, at $5,625, although not as high as Oregon, where seniors can expect to pay around $6,006, which is still $95 per month below California’s average fees.

Nevada’s most affordable city for in-home care services is Las Vegas, which has a median fee of $4,767. In St. George, Utah, the average is $5,148, which roughly reflects the average cost difference between the two states. Nevada’s next most affordable city is Reno, where seniors typically pay $5,720, while in Carson City, they pay around $6,101.

Although in-home care and home health care agencies specialize in different services, they share an average fee of $5,148. This isn’t as affordable as either assisted living ($3,750) or adult day health care ($1,788), but seniors receiving care at home can benefit from one-on-one support from caregivers they often come to know personally. Despite its high costs when compared to other senior care services, home care fees aren’t as expensive as those of nursing homes, where Nevada’s average fee for a semiprivate room is $9,216 per month.

Medicaid doesn’t directly pay for home care in Nevada but the state’s Long Term Support Services and Home and Community Based Services divisions can help. The Waiver for the Frail Elderly can pay for medical and non-medical services, as can the Waiver for Persons with Physical Disabilities, while Personal Care Services concentrates solely on non-medical assistance and the Waiver for Persons with Physical Disabilities helps those most in need. Nevada’s waivers, unlike Medicaid, are not entitlement programs, so successful applicants may need to join a waiting list as spaces are limited.

There are three ways to apply for Medicaid in Nevada. They are:

• Online: The fastest method is to visit ACCESS Nevada, which has a pre-screening tool to accelerate the process
• By phone: Call the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services at (800) 992-0900
• In-Person: Make an appointment at the nearest northern or southern Division of Welfare and Supportive Services office 

What Information You Will Need

• Proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a permanent residency ID card
• Social Security card
• Policy number for all health insurance plans
• Proof of income and assets, such as bank statements and documents relating to stocks, bonds, etc.

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.