Caregiving Guides

Read free general caregiving guides by the National Institute on Aging.

Read dementia-related care guides (many free) by the Alzheimer’s Association 1-800-272-3900.

Call or email Iona Information & Referral (202-895-9448; info@Iona.org) for answers to aging-related resource questions.

Subsidized Home Care

Home care (or personal care) aides can help seniors with personal care (bathing, dressing, etc.), cooking, and medication reminders.  Some aides also help with light housekeeping, driving, grocery shopping, and errands.  In 2009, the fee for a home care aide in the DC metro region ranged from around $15 to $30 per hour, depending on the agency and the services required.   Medicare rarely pays for these services.   In DC and MD, Medicaid* will pay for personal care under limited circumstances.  The non-profits below also offer subsidized home care.  Income/asset limits may apply.

• (DC) Home Care Partners provides subsidized assistance with personal care and light housekeeping for DC seniors.  For more information, call 202-638-2382.
• (MD) Maryland seniors younger than age 65 may be eligible for financial assistance for home care through the Maryland Attendant Care Program.
• (DC, MD, VA) Senior Corps Senior Companion program provides subsidized homemaking, cooking, light housekeeping, grocery shoppint, and errands; they do NOT help with personal care.  To find a local agency, visit the Senior Corps website.

*Medicaid is a federally-funded, state-run program.  Benefits and eligibility may vary from state to state.

Call or email Iona Information & Referral (202-895-9448; info@Iona.org) for answers to aging-related resource questions.

Selecting a Home Care Aide/Agency

Home care (or personal care) aides can help seniors with personal care (bathing, dressing, etc.), cooking, and medication reminders.  Some aides also help with light housekeeping, driving, grocery shopping, and errands.  In 2009, the fee for a home care aide in the DC metro region ranged from around $15 to $30 per hour, depending on the agency and the services required.   Medicare rarely pays for these services.  The following resources may help in selecting a home care aide or agency.

• 2006 Met Life guide describes types of home care agencies and levels of care.
• 2006 Met Life publication, “Hiring an Independent Caregiver.”
• Mayo Clinics web article on questions to ask home care agencies.
• Iona’s Resource Guide contains listings of private and pay and subsidized home care in the DC metro area.   Request a free copy at 202-895-9448 or info@Iona.org.
• Or request a consult with one of Iona’s care managers.  For more information, call 202-895-9448 or email at info@Iona.org.

Call or email Iona Information & Referral (202-895-9448; info@Iona.org) for help identifying private pay and subsidized home care agencies in the DC metro area; or learn how our social workers can help you select the agency that best meets your needs.