Question 1

How Much Does Home Care Cost?

Accepted Answer

Home care in Massachusetts typically starts at $40/hour, with most families paying out of pocket using savings, retirement accounts, or long-term care insurance. While more affordable than nursing homes or assisted living in many cases, costs can still add up quickly—especially for 24/7 care. To compare local rates and explore ways to pay for care, use tools like Genworth’s Cost of Care calculator or speak with one of our care coordinators for guidance.

Question 2

Does Long-Term Care Insurance Pay for Home Care?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most long-term care insurance policies do pay for non-medical home care services, but reimbursement depends on the policy's terms. After a typical 90-day elimination period, families can begin submitting for reimbursement, as long as the client meets eligibility (usually needing help with at least two daily tasks). Some insurers allow direct billing to the agency, but most families pay upfront and get reimbursed. Be sure to notify your home care provider at the start to ensure all paperwork is handled correctly.

Question 3

Does Medical Insurance Pay For Home Care?

Accepted Answer

No, most medical insurance plans—including Medicare—do not cover private home care because it is considered non-medical support. Home care services focus on daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, not clinical treatment. While some plans may offer limited coverage in specific cases, most families pay out-of-pocket or use long-term care insurance.

Question 4

Why Does Home Care Cost So Much?

Accepted Answer

Home care costs reflect much more than just hourly wages. Rising caregiver demand, insurance liabilities, complex client needs, and 24/7 scheduling and support all contribute to the price. Agencies must invest in recruiting, supervision, and emergency response systems to ensure clients receive reliable, compassionate care every day.

Question 5

Do You Have A Low Cost Solution?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a fall and emergency detection system powered by WellAware Care for families seeking a lower-cost safety solution. It uses non-invasive sensors—no wearables or buttons—to alert loved ones within seconds of a fall or medical event. This allows seniors to live independently while keeping their support network informed and responsive.

Question 6

How Does the Private Home Care Industry Work?

Accepted Answer

Private home care operates like a staffing agency. Caregivers are W-2 employees but classified as per diem—meaning they’re not guaranteed full-time hours. Most work for multiple agencies and accept shifts based on availability. This flexible system allows agencies to respond quickly to changing client needs, but it also means caregiver consistency is strongly influenced by how many hours your family can offer.

Question 7

What Types of Services Do You Offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer flexible home care services including hourly care, live-in support, hospice assistance, post-hospital recovery, and companion care. Whether you need a few hours of help or full-time caregiving, we’ll work with you to find a care plan that meets your loved one’s needs and fits your family’s goals.

Question 8

What Are Your Minimum Hours?

Accepted Answer

Most home care agencies have a minimum weekly hour requirement—often around 15 hours—to ensure reliable staffing and caregiver consistency. Shorter schedules are harder to fill and may result in higher hourly rates or frequent turnover. At Minute Women, we’ll talk through your care goals and help design a schedule that gives you both flexibility and peace of mind.

Question 9

Do You Provide Transportation?

Accepted Answer

Minute Women provides local transportation for seniors who need help getting to medical appointments, errands, or social outings. Our caregivers don’t just drop off and leave—they stay with your loved one to ensure a safe, supported trip from start to finish.

Question 10

What Is Your Service Area?

Accepted Answer

We provide expert home care services throughout Boston MetroWest and Greater Boston, including Lexington, Waltham, Belmont, and Cambridge. Our flexible, non-franchise model means we can often help families in surrounding towns as well—especially for higher-hour or live-in care. Contact us to see if we can staff your area.

Question 11

How Do You Recruit and Hire Caregivers?

Accepted Answer

We recruit caregivers through trusted referrals, online job boards, and community outreach—and we work just as hard to retain them. The best way to keep a great caregiver is to provide consistent hours and open communication. Learn how our approach builds long-lasting care relationships.

Question 12

How Do You Vet Your Caregivers?

Accepted Answer

We carefully screen and personally interview every caregiver—prioritizing both certification and real-world experience. From CORI background checks to scenario-based interviews, our vetting process ensures your loved one is in safe, capable, and compassionate hands.

Question 13

How Do You Train Caregivers?

Accepted Answer

Most of our caregivers are certified professionals—and we take their training a step further. With hands-on coaching, real-world refreshers, and one-on-one support, we make sure every caregiver feels confident in the care they provide.

Question 14

How Do You Supervise Caregivers?

Accepted Answer

We supervise caregivers through GPS check-ins, real-time care notes, and in-person visits by our leadership team. This helps ensure every shift meets the high standard of care your loved one deserves.

Question 15

Where Does Minute Women’s Name Come From?

Accepted Answer

The name “Minute Women” honors our Lexington roots and the legacy of a woman-owned business. Founded in 1969, we proudly care for clients of all genders and ages across Greater Boston.

Question 16

How Do I Hire Minute Women?

Accepted Answer

We make getting started easy. After an initial assessment and signing a flexible agreement, we’ll match you with the right caregiver, confirm your schedule, and begin weekly services with full support from our care team.

Question 17

What is In The Service Agreement?

Accepted Answer

Our two-page service agreement covers legal basics, protects caregivers from being hired privately, and outlines flexible billing. You can cancel anytime, and we only charge for rare edge cases like mid-shift hospice cancellations or caregiver entry denials.

Question 18

How Quickly Can You Start Services?

Accepted Answer

We can start services the same day in emergency situations—including weekends and holidays. While we prefer time to plan, we’re built to respond quickly, helping families in crisis get care without delay.

Question 19

What Happens After Hours with Emergency Issues or Concerns?

Accepted Answer

Minute Women offers 24/7 support with real on-call staff—not an answering service. Emergencies don’t follow office hours, and neither do we. If it’s urgent, just call—we’re always here to help.

Question 20

How Are You Involved In The Community?

Accepted Answer

Minute Women is more than a care provider—we’re an active part of the community. From donating to local aging services to helping lower-income families access care technology, we believe in giving back, educating others, and supporting seniors however we can.

Have Questions About Home Care? We’re Here to Help.

FAQs About Home Care Costs