Aging in place—staying in the comfort of your own home as you grow older—is a goal shared by millions of seniors. But as the years go by, everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, shopping, or getting dressed can become more challenging. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get the help you need without draining your retirement savings.
Whether you’re looking for a little housekeeping assistance, someone to run errands, or help with bathing and dressing, affordable in-home help is more accessible than you might think.
In this blog post, we’ll explore practical, low-cost options for seniors who want to remain independent in their own homes, along with tips on where to find help, what it typically costs, and how to get started.
Why In-Home Help Matters
Staying in your home gives you more than just comfort—it gives you control. You stay close to your community, routines, and memories. But no one can do it all, all the time.
A little help with housekeeping or personal care can:
- Reduce the risk of falls or injuries
- Lighten the burden of daily chores
- Improve your quality of life
- Give family caregivers a much-needed break
And you don’t have to hire a full-time caregiver to see the benefits. Even just a few hours a week can make a big difference.
Types of Affordable In-Home Help
Let’s look at some common areas where seniors may need assistance—and the most affordable ways to get that help.
1. Housekeeping and Meal Prep
Many seniors need help with light housekeeping, such as:
- Dusting and vacuuming
- Laundry
- Changing bed linens
- Washing dishes
- Light meal preparation
Affordable options include:
- Local housekeepers or homemakers – You can often find trustworthy helpers through community bulletin boards, neighborhood apps, or referrals. Many charge $15 to $25 per hour, depending on your area.
- Senior companions or homemaker services – These are available through local aging agencies and nonprofits. Rates are often sliding scale based on income.
- Meals on Wheels – If meal preparation is difficult, Meals on Wheels delivers hot, nutritious meals for low or no cost, depending on your income level.
2. Errands and Transportation
From grocery shopping to picking up prescriptions, running errands can become physically or mentally exhausting.
Affordable solutions:
- Senior transportation services – Many communities offer low-cost or even free rides for seniors through city transit programs or local nonprofits.
- Volunteer driver programs – Local churches or senior centers often coordinate volunteers to take seniors to appointments or stores.
- Task apps like TaskRabbit or Nextdoor – You can hire helpers for a few dollars per errand to pick up groceries or drop off packages.
3. Personal Care Assistance
This includes help with:
- Bathing and grooming
- Dressing
- Using the bathroom
- Medication reminders
Affordable approaches:
- Home care aides (non-medical) – Agencies often provide caregivers starting at $20 to $30 per hour, but some offer reduced rates for part-time or live-in arrangements.
- Medicaid programs – If you qualify for Medicaid, you may be eligible for home-based care services at no cost.
- Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit – Veterans and their spouses may qualify for in-home care assistance through the VA.
- Self-directed care programs – In many states, seniors can choose and hire their own caregivers, including friends or relatives, using Medicaid or government assistance dollars.
Where to Find Reliable Help
Looking for help you can trust? Here are the best places to start:
- Area Agency on Aging (AAA) – Every state has local AAAs that connect seniors with affordable home services and government aid. Visit Eldercare.acl.gov to find yours.
- Faith-based organizations – Many churches and synagogues offer volunteer-based services to help seniors remain at home.
- Local senior centers – These are often hubs of information for support services and can refer you to affordable resources.
- Home care agencies – Choose agencies that are licensed and insured, and always ask for background checks and references.
- Word of mouth – Ask friends, neighbors, or community groups if they know someone who’s reliable and affordable.
How to Keep Costs Low
Even small savings add up. Here’s how to make in-home help more affordable:
- Start small – Try one or two hours a week and increase as needed.
- Combine services – Some caregivers can help with multiple tasks—like cleaning, errands, and cooking—so you get more value per visit.
- Share services – If a neighbor also needs help, ask the caregiver to split time between homes.
- Use sliding scale services – Many nonprofits adjust their prices based on your income.
- Take advantage of tax deductions – Some in-home care may be tax-deductible, especially if prescribed by a doctor.
- Use local community colleges – Nursing or social work students may offer services at reduced rates for experience or internship credit.
Real-Life Example: How One Senior Made It Work
Gloria, a 79-year-old widow, wanted to stay in her home but struggled with laundry, meal prep, and getting to the store. She couldn’t afford a full-time caregiver, so she contacted her local Area Agency on Aging.
They connected her with a homemaker service that visits twice a week, a volunteer driver who takes her to her doctor once a month, and a Meals on Wheels program that delivers lunch daily. Her total out-of-pocket cost? Less than $50 per month.
By using community-based help and part-time services, Gloria is living independently and safely on a tight budget—without feeling overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Spend a Fortune
Getting a little help around the house doesn’t mean giving up your independence. In fact, it helps you keep it longer.
Whether it’s a trusted neighbor helping with laundry or a part-time caregiver assisting with daily routines, in-home help allows you to age in place comfortably—and affordably. By tapping into local resources and community programs, you can create a support system that fits your needs and your budget.
Want to Learn More?
For a deeper look at how to age in place affordably and confidently, check out my book:
Aging in Place (On a Budget): Your Home, Your Future – Affordable Paths to Age in Place, available now at Amazon.com in paperback or eBook format.
It’s filled with real-life strategies, inspiring stories, and cost-saving tips to help you live where you love—without breaking the bank.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, medical, or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding your individual needs and circumstances.