A Complete Guide to Paying for Private-Duty Home Care in Delray Beach, FL

Planning for private-duty home care can feel overwhelming, especially when you're balancing quality, cost, and your peace of mind. 

In Delray Beach, families have access to compassionate, professional care through providers like our BrightStar Care team, but understanding how to pay for that care is just as important as choosing the right caregiver.

Whether you're planning ahead or facing an urgent care need, various financial options are available to ensure your loved one receives the support they deserve without unnecessary stress.

What you will learn:

• The different types of private-duty home care services available in Delray Beach, FL.
• The six main payment options for private-duty home care and how each can help families manage care costs.
• How to navigate eligibility, application processes, and documentation requirements for various funding sources.

Private-Duty Home Care Costs

Private-duty home care is a flexible, personalized service designed to help individuals remain safe and independent in their own homes. Unlike home health care, which is typically prescribed by a doctor and covered by insurance, private-duty care is often paid out of pocket or through other non-traditional funding sources.

In Delray Beach, families typically pay hourly rates for private-duty care, depending on the type and complexity of services. These services may include:

• Personal care assistance (bathing, grooming, toileting).
• Medication reminders.
• Companion care and supervision.
• Light housekeeping and meal prep.
• Transportation to appointments.
• Respite care for family caregivers.

6 Payment Options for Private-Duty Home Care

You’re not limited to one path. Families in Delray Beach have a range of payment options to explore, from personal savings to insurance benefits and government programs.

At BrightStar Care of Delray Beach, we help you evaluate what’s available to you and build a care plan that fits both your loved one’s needs and your budget.

1.Private Pay: Using Personal Savings and Assets

Private pay is the most straightforward option, and the most common starting point. It means covering care costs out of pocket, using income, savings, or proceeds from selling or renting property.

Families often choose private pay as it provides immediate access to services without eligibility requirements.

In many cases, private pay is used to fill gaps while families explore longer-term funding options like insurance or government aid.

2. Long-Term Care Insurance: What It Covers and How to Use It

Long-term care insurance (LTCI) can be a game-changer when it comes to funding home care, but understanding the fine print is key.

LTCI typically covers:

• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.
• In-home personal care services.
• Care coordination services, in some cases.

Policies often require that the individual need assistance with at least two ADLs to trigger benefits. There may be an “elimination period,” meaning the policyholder must pay out of pocket for a set number of days before coverage begins

Claims often require documentation from a physician or care agency. BrightStar Care can assist with this process. 

3. Medicare Advantage: Limited Support for Home Care Needs

While traditional Medicare doesn’t cover private-duty home care, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer limited home-based services. This coverage varies by plan and may include:

• Short-term transitional care for individuals recovering from a hospital stay.
• Limited in-home support for chronic conditions.
• Coordination with home health services or respite care.

However, coverage is typically temporary and medically necessary, not intended for long-term custodial care.

You’ll need to verify your plan’s benefits directly with your insurer, and services may require a physician’s order. BrightStar Care can collaborate with your Medicare Advantage provider to see if short-term care aligns with your plan’s criteria. 

4. Medicaid Programs in Florida: Who Qualifies and What’s Covered

Florida Medicaid offers limited support for private-duty home care, but for qualifying individuals, it can be a lifeline. Seniors with low income and limited assets may be eligible for the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) Program, which helps cover in-home services designed to prevent or delay nursing home placement.

What’s typically covered:

• Personal care assistance.
• Homemaker and chore services.
• Respite care for family caregivers.
• Medication management and transportation.

Who qualifies:

• Florida residents aged 65+ (or 18+ with a qualifying disability).
• Must meet medical and financial eligibility criteria.
• Must be enrolled in a Medicaid Managed Care plan that offers LTC services.

Getting approved can take time, so it’s wise to begin the application process as early as possible. BrightStar Care of Delray Beach can guide families through the steps and provide documentation if care services are already being delivered.

5. Veterans Benefits: Aid & Attendance and Homemaker Services

If your loved one is a U.S. military veteran or the surviving spouse of one, they may be entitled to home care assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Two major benefit programs support in-home care:

Aid & Attendance Benefit
This supplemental monthly benefit is added to a VA pension to help cover the cost of care for those who need help with daily activities, are housebound due to age or disability, and meet income and service eligibility requirements. 

Homemaker and Home Health Aide Program
This VA program offers practical support through approved home care agencies. It includes personal care services, meal preparation, and assistance with bathing, dressing, and mobility

BrightStar Care of Delray Beach is experienced in working with veteran clients and can help families navigate the necessary paperwork and coordination.

3. Reverse Mortgages: Unlocking Home Equity to Fund Care

A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 62 and older to convert a portion of their home’s equity into usable funds, without having to sell the home or make monthly mortgage payments.

The loan is repaid when the homeowner moves out, sells the home, or passes away. Funds can be used for any purpose, including paying for in-home care

Why consider it:

• Provides cash flow to fund long-term care without tapping retirement savings.
• Enables seniors to age in place comfortably.
• Can be structured as a lump sum, line of credit, or monthly payments.

It’s essential to consult a financial advisor to understand the long-term implications. For some families, this option offers the freedom to access high-quality care while remaining in the comfort of their own home.

Speaking with a BrightStar Care Care Coordinator

At BrightStar Care of Delray Beach, our experienced care coordinators are here to help you navigate your options, step by step. We understand that every family’s situation is different, and we take the time to listen, answer questions, and guide you toward a care plan that fits both your needs and your budget.

Whether you're unsure which payment method applies to your loved one or need help filing for long-term care insurance or VA benefits, our team is just a phone call away. We’ll even help gather necessary documentation and liaise with insurers or benefit providers when needed.

Contact BrightStar Care of Delray Beach!

Our Delray Beach team is here to help you find the right caregiver for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about caregiving services! Our office is at 5300 W Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33484. You may also call us at (561) 921-0550. 

We look forward to hearing from you!