Home Care in Idaho
With beautiful parklands, including a portion of Yellowstone National Park, Idaho has many natural places to explore. The mountains, prairies and lakes scattered throughout the state lend to the natural beauty that's causing it to grow in popularity with retirees. Idaho also has a relatively low cost of living compared to the rest of the nation, so retirees may find that their savings stretch further. Of Idaho’s nearly 1.6 million people, 16.3% are 65 and older.
Idaho has a SeniorScore of 68. This score measures the state’s benefits for seniors based on four distinct areas: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life. Idaho's score is lower than the national average of 72. It ranks highest in General Quality of Life because of its mild climate and low population density. Health & Safety was the second-highest category. A high life expectancy of 79.5 and a large number of home health and assisted living facilities contributed to this score.
This guide outlines home care options in Idaho, including the cost of home care. It also provides lists of resources to help seniors live at home with more independence.
Top Home Care Agencies in Idaho
Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 2470 Jafer Court, Teton Home Health is a senior home healthcare provider that offers home care services in addition to home health services. Since 1993, they have been providing care to clients throughout the ...
Located at 1514 Shoshone St in Boise, ID, Progressive Nursing Services is a senior home care service provider offering personal care and also home healthcare. For almost 27 years, they have been serving seniors in the Boise area. They offer ...
Aspen Home Health Services is a home care provider located in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 3470 Washington Pkwy. They offer in-home nursing care as well as personal home care services to senior clients. For nearly 23 years, they have ...
Located at 3470 Washington Pkwy in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Integricare of Eastern Idaho is a home health care company that offers in-home personal care as well as in-home nursing care. Since 1991, they have been helping clients in the Idaho ...
Located at 680 S Progress Avenue, Suite 2a in Meridian, ID, Legacy Home Health is a senior home health care service provider that offers home care in addition to in-home health care. Since 2003, they have been serving clients throughout ...
Located in Sandpoint, Idaho at 520 N 3rd Ave, Bonner General Hospital Home Health is an in-home care company offering in-home medical care along with home care. For almost 34 years, they have been serving customers throughout the Sandpoint area. ...
Located at 12400 West Overland Road, Suite 100 in Boise, Idaho, First Choice Home Health Care and Hospice is a senior home care company offering in-home health care in addition to in-home care. They have been in business in Boise ...
Located in Preston, ID at 126 East 1st North, Franklin County Medical Center Home Care is a home care company offering personal home care as well as in-home health services. For almost 26 years, they have been providing care ...
St Alphonsus HHA and Hospice, An Amedisys Partner is a senior home healthcare company located in Boise, Idaho at 9199 West Black Eagle Dr. They provide personal home care and also in-home medical care to senior clients. For almost ...
Located at 700 Ironwood Dr, 255 in Coeur d'Alene, ID, Crest Home Health is a home care provider offering personal care and in-home nursing services. Since 1994, they have been providing care to seniors throughout the Coeur d'Alene area. ...
Located at 465 Washington St in Montpelier, ID, Bear Lake Memorial Hospital is a senior home care provider offering in-home health services along with personal home care services. For almost 25 years, they have been serving seniors in the ...
Horizon Home Health and Hospice is a senior home health care company located in Meridian, Idaho at 63 West Willowbrook Dr. They offer in-home personal care as well as in-home health care to senior clients. They have been serving ...
Minidoka Home Health Agency is a home healthcare company based in Rupert, ID at 1218 9th Street, Suite 4. They offer home health services along with home care for senior clients. Since 1993, they have been helping seniors in ...
Located in Twin Falls, ID at 826 Eastland Dr, Idaho Home Health and Hospice is a senior in-home care company offering in-home nursing along with personal care. For nearly 41 years, they have been providing care to clients in the ...
North Idaho Home Health is a home health care provider based in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho at 2426 North Merritt Creek Loop. They provide home healthcare as well as in-home personal care services for seniors. They have been operating in ...
Avalon Home Health Services is a home care provider located in Idaho Falls, ID at 403 1st St. They offer in-home care along with in-home health services for senior clients. They have been serving seniors in Idaho Falls for ...
Located at 8500 N Atlas Rd in Hayden, ID, Panhandle Health District is a in-home care company that offers home care in addition to home healthcare. For nearly 52 years, they have been helping clients throughout the Hayden area. They ...
Located at 1031 E Main St in Burley, Idaho, Intermountain Home Care of Cassia is a home healthcare service provider that offers in-home medical care as well as in-home personal care. Since 1978, they have been providing care to seniors ...
St Lukes Magic Valley Home Health is a senior home health care service provider located in Twin Falls, ID at 601 Poleline Rd. They provide personal care and in-home nursing care to senior clients. For nearly 34 years, they ...
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID at 109 W Kathleen Ave, Home Helpers is a home care service provider that offers in-home nursing care and also in-home care. They offer different medical services such as wound care, memory care, diabetes management, ...
The Cost of Home Care in Idaho
The Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey indicates Idaho is one of the more affordable states for home care. Home care services cost an average of $4,195 per month, while home health care, which includes basic medical care and medication administration, costs an average of $4,290. These are both about $100 less than the national average, with rates of $4,290 for home care and $4,385 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care in Idaho Compared to Nearby States
The average cost for in-home care in Idaho is $4,195, with home health care averaging $4,290. This price is affordable compared to nearby states. Nevada has a similar cost of $4,290 for both, while Oregon has higher costs at $5,148 for home care and $5,339 for home health care. Montana has an average of $4,576 for both types of care, while Washington has an average of $5,720 for home care and $5,815 for home health care.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Idaho | $4,195 | $4,290 |
The United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
Oregon | $5,148 | $5,339 |
Nevada | $4,290 | $4,290 |
Washington | $5,720 | $5,815 |
Montana | $4,576 | $4,576 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Idaho
Idaho seniors who need care have other options outside of home care. The most affordable is adult day care, which averages $2,275 a month. In this setting, seniors live at home but go to a senior care facility for care and help during the day. Assisted living costs an average of $3,728. In this type of facility, seniors receive round-the-clock care while living in an apartment. The average cost for nursing home care in a semiprivate room is $7,924.
- In-Home Care: $4,195
- Home Health Care: $4,290
- Adult Day Care: $2,275
- Assisted Living Facility: $3,728
- Nursing Home Care: $7,924
The Cost of Home Care in Idaho's Top Cities
The cost of home care varies throughout the state of Idaho. Boise City and Lewiston have some of the highest average costs; $4,481 is the average for both home care types in both cities. Idaho Falls is one of the most affordable, with $4,004 as the average for home care. Twin Falls averages $4,052 for both types of home care, while Coeur d’Alene averages $4,290.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Idaho | $4,195 | $4,290 |
Idaho Falls | $4,004 | $4,290 |
Twin Falls | $4,052 | $4,052 |
Boise City | $4,481 | $4,481 |
Lewiston | $4,481 | $4,481 |
Coeur d’Alene | $4,290 | $4,290 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Idaho
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services
Medicaid for Elderly or Disabled Adults offers Home and Community-Based Services that allow beneficiaries to use Medicaid funds to pay for home-based care. This includes access to case management, personal care services, home health aides and homemaker services. The program can approve other help based on case evaluations.
Contact Information
Seniors can apply for Medicaid for Elderly or Disabled Adults through the Department of Health and Welfare website.
Idaho Home Choice
Idaho Home Choice is a Medicaid program that helps seniors transition from institutional settings to home care settings. It provides waiver benefits, home modification help and cash support to buy household supplies. The program also assists seniors in applying for Medicaid State Plan benefits to pay for ongoing home care.
Contact Information
Seniors who have questions or concerns about Idaho Home Choice can call (877) 200-5441 or email [email protected].
Homemaker Services Program
The homemaker services program, offered through the local Area Agency on Aging, pairs seniors with home care help to assist with housekeeping, shopping, banking and medication management. These services may be provided without cost to the senior.
Contact Information
Find the local Area Agency on Aging office to learn more about the homemaker services program.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
Idaho Home Care Rules and Regulations
Home care and home health care agencies in Idaho are accountable to the Department of Health and Welfare. The Idaho Commission on Aging also provides case management services for seniors living at home. In order to receive income from Medicaid, home health agencies must follow the regulations outlined by these groups.
Scope of Care | Home care providers assist with companionship, housekeeping, errands and other personal needs not related to health care for seniors living at home. Home health agencies provide help with minor medical care, such as wound care or medication management, for seniors living at home. |
Care Plan Requirements | The Department of Health and Welfare requires home health agencies to provide a written plan of care for all patients. This includes all diagnoses, mental status, types of services provided, how often they will visit, the patient’s limitations and other details. This plan must be reviewed at least every 60 days. |
Medication Management Requirements | Home health care providers can administer medications as prescribed by a senior’s doctor. This must be recorded as soon as it's administered. Home care providers can only assist people in self-administration of their medications. |
Staff Screening Requirements | The state of Idaho only requires background checks for home health aides. Other home care workers don't have this requirement. |
Staff Training Requirements | For home health agencies that take Medicaid, workers must take a 120-hour course to earn a CNA certificate. They also must pass a state written examination. |
Medicaid Coverage | Seniors who qualify for Medicaid can use the home and community-based services program to pay for home health aid, homemaker services and personal care. |
Reporting Abuse | Families who suspect abuse from a home care worker or agency should report it to the Idaho Adult Protective Services office in their area. |
Free Home Care Resources in Idaho
Seniors in Idaho have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides seniors with healthy foods each month to supplement their diets. The supplement includes canned produce, meats, pasta, rice, dairy and ready-to-eat cereals. This program also offers nutrition education to eligible participants.
Contact Information
Seniors who need nutrition help can contact the Idaho Food Bank at (208) 336-9643.
Chore Program
The Chore Program helps seniors living at home get assistance with home maintenance and repair. These chores might include seasonal yard work, heavy cleaning, household maintenance or installing a grab bar and wheelchair ramp.
Contact Information
To find out about local Chore Program providers, seniors need to visit their local Area Agency on Aging.
Transportation Services
Transportation services are available to seniors who need help getting to medical care, senior centers, shopping centers, adult day care facilities and places of employment.
Contact Information
Transportation services are offered through Area Agency on Aging offices throughout Idaho.
Home-Delivered Meals
For seniors who need help with nutrition but cannot get out of the house, the Home-Delivered Meals program provides meals directly to their homes. Individuals delivering the meals also bring welfare checks and provide companionship. To qualify, seniors must be 60 or older, home-bound, frail and unable to prepare their own meals.
Contact Information
The Home-Delivered Meals program is organized through local Area Agency on Aging offices.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Idaho Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help seniors manage their home energy expenses. The program provides assistance with past-due utility bills, heating system repairs, heating system replacement and non-utility fuel costs.
Contact Information
LIHEAP is available based on income, and applications are available online. Applicants must apply from November 1 through January 31.
Idaho Family Caregiver Support Program
Many seniors living at home rely on the support of family caregivers, and the Idaho Family Caregiver Support Program gives needed assistance to these important people. It provides training, respite care, care planning help and local support groups. The Family Caregiver Support Program also helps caregivers learn about the services their senior loved ones may qualify for.
Contact Information
The Idaho Family Caregiver Support Program is one of the offerings of the Area Agency on Aging offices.
Senior Community Service Employment Program
The Senior Community Service Employment Program connects low-income adults 55 and older with training and employment opportunities should they wish to reenter the workforce. The program connects them to the training they need to gain real-world work skills.
Contact Information
SCSEP is a program of Easter Seals-Goodwill and serves Idaho and Utah. Seniors can apply by calling (208) 454-8555 or (208) 733-9675.