Quick answer
In 2025 the median rate for in-home care (non-medical help such as bathing, meals and companionship) was $34 an hour in Kansas, $33 in Missouri and $35 nationally. At 44 hours a week that's a median of $6,435 a month in Kansas and $6,292 in Missouri. Source: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025. (800) 614-8388 for real quotes near you.
Hourly and monthly medians
| Area | Hourly median | Monthly, 44 hours a week | Yearly, 44 hours a week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | $34 | $6,435 | $77,220 |
| Missouri | $33 | $6,292 | $75,504 |
| United States | $35 | $6,673 | $80,080 |
Source: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025.
What a month costs at different schedules
Multiply the hourly rate by hours a week, then by 52 weeks, then divide by 12 months. At the Kansas median of $34 an hour, 10 hours a week works out to about $1,473 a month and 20 hours a week to about $2,947. Many agencies set a minimum visit length, so very short visits may cost more per hour. Our cost comparison tool does the math for you.
What changes the rate
- Agency vs. independent caregiver. Agencies handle screening, payroll, taxes and backup staff. Hiring directly can cost less per hour, but you become the employer.
- Nights, weekends and holidays often cost more.
- Dementia or heavy care may cost more.
- Live-in or 24-hour care is priced differently. See 24-hour home care.
Home care vs. home health
Home care is non-medical help and is usually paid privately. Home health is skilled nursing or therapy ordered by a doctor; Medicare pays for covered home health services in full when the rules are met. See does Medicare pay for home health care.
Who helps pay
- Long-term care insurance, if the policy covers home care.
- VA benefits: Aid and Attendance for eligible veterans and surviving spouses, and VA home care programs for enrolled veterans.
- Medicaid home and community-based services waivers for people who qualify (KanCare in Kansas, MO HealthNet in Missouri).
- Your Area Agency on Aging may know of local programs.
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Questions families ask
How much does a caregiver cost per hour?
The 2025 median was $34 an hour in Kansas, $33 in Missouri and $35 nationally (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025).
Does Medicare pay for in-home care?
Medicare doesn't pay for non-medical home care when that's the only care needed. It pays for part-time skilled home health care when the rules are met.
Is in-home care cheaper than assisted living?
For a few hours a week, yes. For full-time help, often not: 44 hours a week had a median of $6,435 a month in Kansas against $5,975 for assisted living.
Can family members be paid to provide care?
Sometimes, through Medicaid self-direction programs or VA programs. See paying for care.