In-home care services
Alzheimer's care at home: what to look for in a caregiver and an agency
Alzheimer's care at home is in-home care from caregivers trained to support someone with Alzheimer's disease. A steady caregiver, familiar surroundings and a predictable routine can ease confusion and help the person stay at home longer. This page is general guidance and does not replace advice from the person's doctor.
What good Alzheimer's care at home includes
- The same caregivers week to week, so the person recognizes them
- A daily routine for meals, activity, rest and bedtime
- Calm responses to repeated questions, agitation or refusal of care
- Home safety: door alarms, locked hazards, clear walkways, wandering plans
- Help with bathing, dressing and meals, done at the person's pace
- Respite and updates for the family caregiver
Training to ask about
Ask how many hours of dementia-specific training caregivers complete, whether it is ongoing, and who supervises them. Ask how the agency handles wandering, sundowning (late-day confusion) and refusing care. Ask whether it can provide overnight or awake care as needs grow.
Planning for change
Needs rise over time. Choose an agency that can increase hours, add overnight help or move to 24-hour care without starting over with new caregivers. Write the care plan together and review it every few months.
What alzheimer's care at home costs
The national median for in-home care is about $35 an hour (CareScout 2025), roughly $3,033 a month for 20 hours a week and $6,067 for 40 hours. Dementia-trained caregivers and overnight care can cost more, so ask for the rate for each type of shift. Rates by state are on our cost of care page, and the paying for care guide covers private pay, long-term care insurance, VA benefits and Medicaid waivers.
Find in-home care agencies near you
Enter a city or ZIP code, or browse every state. Each listing shows its public rating and, where the state publishes a roster, the license number and the date we checked it.
Questions about alzheimer's care at home
Is Alzheimer's care the same as memory care?
'Memory care' often means a secured unit in a residential community. At home, it means in-home care from caregivers trained in dementia.
When should a family add overnight help?
Common triggers are wandering at night, falls, or a family caregiver who is not sleeping. Ask the agency about overnight options.
Can my parent stay at home through all stages?
Many families keep someone at home with enough hours and the right team, but it depends on safety and the family's resources. Talk with the doctor and your family.