Cost guide · Reviewed 25 September 2026
Personal care at home costs
Personal care is help with bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, exercising or other personal care. CareScout’s 2025 survey reports a median of $35 an hour for a non-medical caregiver in the US and $40 in California. A signed rate card shows one agency’s personal care rate and its minimums.4 2
What personal care covers
Hands-on help with daily activities at home: bathing, dressing, toileting, eating and moving around. It is non-medical, which is why Medicare does not pay for it when it is the only care needed.4
Agencies with a signed rate for this care
No agency in Los Angeles County has signed a rate for this level of care yet. The first ones appear here as agencies sign.
Questions
Does Medicare pay for home care?
Not for non-medical home care on its own. Medicare lists “Custodial or personal care that helps you with daily living activities (like bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom), when this is the only care you need” among the things it does not pay for. Most families pay privately, sometimes helped by long-term care insurance, VA benefits or a state Medicaid waiver.3 12 13
Is home care the same as home health care?
No. Home care is non-medical help at home, such as company, meals, and help with bathing and dressing. Home health care is medical care from a licensed professional, such as a nurse or physical therapist. Rate cards cover non-medical home care only.4