When someone you love begins needing extra help at home, the goal is often the same: helping them stay safe, comfortable, and independent for as long as possible. Whether you are caring for an aging parent, spouse, or other family member, understanding your home care options can make the decision much easier.
This guide explains the average cost of home care in Phoenix, the types of in-home care available, Arizona programs that may help pay for care, when it is time to hire a caregiver, and how to choose the right home care agency.
If you are looking for home care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Tempe, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, or anywhere in Maricopa County, here is what you should know.
In This Article
Why More Phoenix Families Are Choosing Home Care
Most older adults want to remain in the comfort of their own homes instead of moving into an assisted living community or nursing home. Professional home care makes that possible by providing personalized support while allowing seniors to maintain their routines, independence, and quality of life.
Families often choose home care because it offers:
- One-on-one personalized care
- Flexible schedules
- Help with everyday activities
- Peace of mind for family members
Care can be scheduled for just a few hours each week or around the clock, depending on your loved one's needs.
Arizona's Growing Senior Population
Arizona continues to be one of the fastest-growing states for older adults. More than one million Arizona residents are age 65 or older, and that number is expected to continue increasing over the coming years.
The Phoenix metropolitan area, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, and surrounding communities, has become one of the country's most popular places to retire because of its warm climate and active lifestyle. As the senior population grows, more families are turning to professional in-home care to help loved ones remain safely at home.
What Is Home Care?
Home care, also called non-medical home care or in-home care, provides assistance with daily activities that help older adults remain independent. Unlike home health care, which provides skilled nursing or therapy ordered by a physician, home care focuses on everyday support.
Professional caregivers may help with:
- Personal care, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
- Medication reminders
- Meal planning and preparation
- Mobility assistance and fall prevention
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Grocery shopping and errands
- Transportation to appointments
- Companionship and social engagement
Services are personalized based on each client's needs and can change over time.
Types of Home Care Services in Phoenix
Home care is not one-size-fits-all. Understanding the different types of care available can help you choose the right level of support for your family.
Hourly Home Care
Ideal for seniors who need help with specific daily routines, such as getting dressed in the morning, preparing meals, or attending appointments. Visits may be scheduled for a few hours a week or several hours each day.
Companion Care
Focuses on social interaction and everyday assistance. Caregivers provide conversation, accompany clients on walks or errands, prepare light meals, and help reduce loneliness and isolation.
Personal Care
Hands-on assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, and other activities of daily living. This level of support helps seniors remain safe while maintaining dignity and independence.
Dementia and Alzheimer's Care
Specially trained caregivers provide structured routines, safety supervision, memory support, and compassionate care for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
Live-In and 24-Hour Care
For seniors who should not be left alone, live-in or around-the-clock care provides continuous support and supervision. Often recommended following a hospitalization, for advanced dementia, or when safety has become a significant concern.
How Much Does Home Care Cost in Phoenix?
Home care costs vary depending on several factors, including:
- The number of hours needed
- The level of care required
- Evenings, weekends, or overnight scheduling
- Whether services are provided by a licensed home care agency
According to CareScout's Cost of Care Survey, agency home care rates in Arizona average around the mid-$30s per hour. Actual rates in the Phoenix area vary by provider and services offered.
Families often spend anywhere from a few thousand dollars per month for part-time assistance to substantially more for full-time or around-the-clock care. The best way to understand your costs is to schedule a professional in-home assessment and receive a personalized care plan.
Ask about minimum hours. Some agencies require a minimum number of care hours per visit or each week. If your loved one only needs occasional assistance, ask about hourly minimums before choosing a provider. Towne Home Care offers flexible scheduling with no hourly minimums in Arizona.
For a more detailed breakdown of home care costs and payment options, read our full guide to how to pay for home care in Arizona.
How to Pay for Home Care in Arizona
Many families pay privately for home care, but several programs may help offset costs.
Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS)
ALTCS is Arizona's Medicaid long-term care program. For individuals who qualify medically and financially, ALTCS may cover in-home caregiving services, adult day health programs, assisted living, or nursing facility care. The number of approved care hours depends on each person's medical needs and care plan.
Self-Directed Care Options
Some ALTCS members may qualify for self-directed care programs that allow them to choose and manage their own caregiver, including certain family members when program requirements are met.
Area Agency on Aging
The Area Agency on Aging, Region One serves Maricopa County by providing:
- Caregiver support
- Respite services
- Case management
- Community resources
- Benefits counseling
Many services are available regardless of income, while others have eligibility requirements.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Many long-term care insurance policies help pay for in-home care. Some home care agencies can assist with claims and billing, making the process easier for families.
When Is It Time to Consider Home Care?
Many families wait until after a crisis to seek help. A better approach is to consider home care earlier, before a fall, hospitalization, or safety event forces a rushed decision.
Signs It May Be Time for Home Care
- Frequent falls or balance problems
- Missed medications
- Difficulty bathing or dressing
- Weight loss or poor nutrition
- Memory changes
- Trouble keeping up with housekeeping
- Increased caregiver stress
- A recent hospitalization
- Your loved one spending most of the day alone
Starting care early often helps seniors remain independent longer while reducing stress for family caregivers.
How to Choose the Right Home Care Agency in Phoenix
Choosing a home care provider is one of the most important decisions your family will make. The right agency should feel like a partner in your loved one's care, not just a service provider.
What to Look For in a Home Care Agency
- Thorough caregiver background checks
- Professional training and supervision
- Personalized care plans
- Caregiver matching based on personality and needs
- Backup caregivers when needed
- Transparent pricing
- Licensed and insured services
- Availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Ask questions before making a decision, and do not hesitate to request an in-home consultation. A good agency will welcome the opportunity to meet you, understand your loved one's needs, and answer every question you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Medicaid pay for home care in Arizona?
Yes. Eligible individuals may receive home care services through the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS), Arizona's Medicaid long-term care program.
Can family members get paid to provide care?
Some ALTCS participants may qualify for self-directed care programs that allow eligible family members to serve as paid caregivers, depending on program rules.
What is the difference between home care and home health care?
Home care provides assistance with daily activities such as bathing, meal preparation, transportation, companionship, and housekeeping. Home health care provides skilled medical services, such as nursing or physical therapy, that are ordered by a physician.
How quickly can home care begin?
Many home care agencies can begin services within a few days after an assessment. In urgent situations, care may be available sooner, depending on caregiver availability.
Does Medicare cover home care in Arizona?
Medicare covers short-term skilled home health services (nursing, physical therapy) when ordered by a doctor and the patient is homebound. It does not typically cover non-medical home care such as bathing assistance or companionship. Most families use ALTCS, VA benefits, long-term care insurance, or private pay for ongoing home care.
Exploring home care in Phoenix?
Towne Home Care serves seniors throughout Phoenix and Maricopa County with carefully screened caregivers, personalized matching, flexible scheduling, and no hourly minimums. Free in-home consultations, no obligation.
Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Tempe, Gilbert, Peoria & Surprise
Sources
- Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). "Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS)." azahcccs.gov/altcs
- CareScout (formerly Genworth). "Cost of Care Survey, Arizona." carescout.com
- Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services. "Programs and Services." des.az.gov/daas
- Area Agency on Aging, Region One. "Maricopa County Aging Services." aaaphx.org
- U.S. Census Bureau. "Arizona Population Estimates: Age and Sex." census.gov
