Navigating Personal Care Expenses in Suffolk, Virginia
9/6/20262 min read
When an older adult or person with a disability begins needing help at home, families often ask the same question: “How much will personal care cost?”
There is no single price that applies to every household. The cost depends on the amount of assistance needed, the schedule, and the type of support included in the care plan. Understanding these factors can help Suffolk families prepare a realistic care budget.
What Is the Typical Cost of Home Care in Virginia?
According to CareScout’s 2025 Cost of Care Survey, the median cost of a non-medical caregiver in Virginia was approximately $35 per hour. This figure represents a statewide median and is not a price quote from GBW Homecare Solutions.
Using that statewide figure only as an example, estimated costs could look like this:
Weekly Schedule Approximate Monthly Cost
12 hours per week $1,820
20 hours per week $3,030
40 hours per week $6,060
Actual agency rates and monthly expenses may be higher or lower. Families should request a personalized assessment and written rate information before beginning services.
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors can affect the cost of personal care:
Number of hours scheduled
Frequency of caregiver visits
Daytime, overnight, weekend, or holiday care
Level of personal assistance required
Mobility and transfer needs
Dementia or memory-support needs
Short-term or ongoing care
Transportation or errand assistance
Minimum visit requirements
A person who needs help with bathing and dressing three mornings per week will have a different schedule from someone who requires daily, overnight, or continuous support.
What Can Personal Care Include?
Non-medical personal care may include:
Bathing and grooming assistance
Dressing
Toileting assistance
Mobility and transfer support
Meal preparation
Medication reminders
Light housekeeping
Companionship
Safety supervision
Respite for family caregivers
Services are selected according to the individual’s needs and documented care plan.
How Do Families Pay for Personal Care?
Families may use one or more of the following resources:
Private Pay
Private-pay care is paid for directly by the client or family. It can offer flexibility in selecting the schedule, services, and amount of support.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Some long-term care insurance policies reimburse eligible personal-care expenses. Coverage depends on the individual policy, benefit triggers, elimination period, and documentation requirements.
Medicaid
Virginia Medicaid may cover certain home and community-based services for people who meet financial, functional, and program requirements. Authorization and participation requirements apply.
Veterans’ Benefits
Eligible veterans may have access to VA home and community-based services or certain pension-related benefits. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs and may depend on clinical need, service availability, military service, income, or other program requirements.
Medicare
Medicare may cover qualifying skilled home-health services under specific conditions. However, Medicare generally does not pay for ongoing custodial or personal care when assistance with daily activities is the only care needed.
Start With the Care You Need Now
Not every family needs full-time care. Some begin with several scheduled visits each week for bathing, meal preparation, companionship, or respite. The schedule can be reviewed as the person’s needs change.
GBW Homecare Solutions provides non-medical home-care services for individuals and families in Suffolk and surrounding Hampton Roads communities.
Published cost figures are general estimates for educational purposes and do not represent a GBW Homecare Solutions rate quote, guarantee of coverage, or financial advice. Contact the appropriate insurer, Medicaid plan, or government agency to verify eligibility and benefits.
Information sources: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey, Medicare.gov, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
