---
title: "Finding a Caregiver for an Elderly Parent: Your Options"
description: "How to find a caregiver for an elderly parent: agency vs. private hire vs. family, what each costs, how to interview, and how to keep care steady."
url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/finding-a-caregiver/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: Senior Transition Assistance
---

Care at home

# Finding a caregiver for an elderly parent

Finding the right caregiver can change everything for a parent who needs help at home. Here are your options and how to choose well.

Talk it through with a person[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)

Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide.

Quick answer

You can find a caregiver through a home care agency (they screen, employ and back up caregivers), by hiring privately (often lower cost, but you handle screening, payroll and backup), or through family, sometimes paid by a Medicaid or VA program. The 2025 median rate for home care was $34 an hour in Kansas and $33 in Missouri. [(800) 614-8388](tel:+18006148388) and we'll help you find agencies near you.

**Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently.

**On this page**

1. [ Your options](#g-your-options)
2. [Start with a care list](#g-start-with-a-care-list)
3. [Interviewing a caregiver](#g-interviewing-a-caregiver)
4. [If you hire privately](#g-if-you-hire-privately)
5. [Keeping care steady](#g-keeping-care-steady)
6. [Questions](#g-faq)

## Your options

| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Home care agency | Screening, training, supervision, backup, payroll handled | Usually higher cost |
| Private hire | Often lower hourly cost; you choose directly | You handle background checks, taxes, backup |
| Family caregiver | Familiar, trusted | Burnout; may need pay through a program |
| Mix | Flexible | Takes coordination |

## Start with a care list

Write down what's needed: bathing, dressing, meals, medications, driving, company, overnight help. Note days and times. This makes interviews much easier.

## Interviewing a caregiver

1. Ask about experience with similar needs, including dementia.
2. Ask how they'd handle a fall or an emergency.
3. Check references and a background check.
4. Have them meet your parent; watch how they connect.
5. Agree on duties, schedule and pay in writing.

## If you hire privately

- Run a background check and call references.
- Ask a tax professional about household employer rules.
- Have a backup plan for sick days.
- Protect your parent's money: don't give caregivers access to accounts or cards. The CFPB has guides for families managing a parent's money.

## Keeping care steady

- Check in often with your parent and the caregiver.
- Drop by at different times.
- Watch for changes in mood, weight, money or the home.

### Need a caregiver?

We'll introduce you to home care agencies near Kansas City. Free.

[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form)

## Questions families ask

### How do I find a caregiver for my elderly parent?

Use a home care agency, hire privately, or arrange family care. Start with a list of needs.

### How much does a caregiver cost?

The 2025 median for home care was $34 an hour in Kansas and $33 in Missouri.

### Is it cheaper to hire a private caregiver?

Often, but you take on screening, payroll and backup.

### Can I get paid to care for my parent?

Sometimes, through Medicaid or VA programs. See [paid family caregivers](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/paid-family-caregiver/).

## Sources

- [CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, Median Cost Data Tables (survey July to November 2025; median cost data tables, published March 2026)](https://pro.genworth.com/riiproweb/productinfo/pdf/282102.pdf)
- [CFPB: Managing someone else's money](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/managing-someone-elses-money/)

## Related guides

- [Care at home](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/)
- [Choosing an agency](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/how-to-choose-a-home-care-agency/)
- [In-home care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/in-home-care/)
- [In-home care costs](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/costs/in-home-care/)
- [Paid family caregivers](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/paid-family-caregiver/)
- [PACE](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/pace-program/)
- [Aging in place](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/aging-in-place/)
- [Home care vs. home health](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/home-care-vs-home-health/)
- [Dementia home care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/care-at-home/dementia-home-care/)

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