Sitters

Owen060611

My husband is wandering outside during the day. I would like to find a sitter to stay with him once a week so that I can run errands. Has anyone used Care.com, Visiting Angels, etc? What was your experience with them? Can you tell me the hourly cost? Just looking for someone who can keep him company while I am gone. I live in the suburban Chicago area. Thank you

Michele P

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/75430/sitters

The agencies in our area charge between $25.00 and $35.00 an hour. We used Oasis Senior Services for in home and out of home memory placement. The fee depends on service they provide.

Owen060611

Were you pleased with their service? Where are they located? Thank you

Damiross

I asked Gemini AI:

does medicare pay for sitters

does medicare pay for sitters

Gemini said
The short answer is no, Original Medicare does not pay for "sitters," companions, or any non-medical care if that is the only help you need.

Medicare is strictly designed for medical recovery, not for help with daily living or long-term supervision. However, there are specific circumstances where you might get similar help or coverage through alternative plans.

1. When Medicare WILL NOT Pay
   Medicare generally excludes "custodial care." This means they will not pay for:

Companionship/Sitting: Someone to watch over a loved one or provide company.

Homemaker Services: Light housekeeping, laundry, or meal preparation.

Personal Care (Alone): Assistance with bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom if that is the only service you require.

24/7 Care: Medicare never covers round-the-clock supervision at home.

1. The "Loophole": Home Health Aides
   Medicare will pay for a Home Health Aide (who can perform many "sitter" tasks like bathing or dressing) only if:

You are homebound: Leaving home requires a major effort or assistive device.

You need skilled care: A doctor certifies that you need intermittent skilled nursing, physical therapy, or speech therapy.

It is part-time: Usually defined as less than 8 hours a day and fewer than 28 hours per week.

Note: If the skilled medical care stops, the coverage for the aide stops as well.

1. Alternative Ways to Pay for a Sitter
   If you need a sitter for safety or companionship, you'll likely need to look outside of Original Medicare:

Option Coverage Potential
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Some private plans now offer "Extra Benefits" that include limited hours of non-medical in-home support or "senior transition" help.
Medicaid Unlike Medicare, Medicaid (and state "Waiver" programs) often pays for caregivers and sitters to help seniors stay in their homes.
Long-Term Care Insurance These private policies are specifically designed to cover sitters and custodial care.
Veterans Benefits (VA) The "Aid and Attendance" benefit can provide a monthly stipend to help veterans pay for home care.
4. What is the typical cost?
If you pay out of pocket, a non-medical sitter/companion typically costs between $25 and $40 per hour, depending on your location and whether you use an agency or hire someone privately.

Would you like me to help you look up the specific "in-home support" benefits for Medicare Advantage plans in your zip code?

Qzie

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/75430/sitters

For the northern Chicago suburbs, I had a good experience with SASI Home Care. They're part of Chicago Methodist Senior Services, a non-profit. I think I was paying $33/hour. They train and pay their caregivers well, so tend to retain good people and monitor their performance on a regular basis. I was in a similar situation to yours where I needed someone about 12 hours a week so I could leave the house once DW became bedridden.

SusanB-dil

Have you looked into adult daycare? The ones near us are way cheaper than in-home care and are really decent. You can sign in on as-needed basis, so one or two days a week, or five days…

You would be able to run errands, or even when you just need a break.