How Much Does 24-Hour Home Care Cost in La Jolla? Costs, Medicare and Ways to Pay
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When a parent needs someone with them day and night, the first question most families ask is: how much will this cost, and who pays for it? Around-the-clock care is the biggest home care commitment a family can make, so it helps to understand the numbers before you decide.
This guide explains how 24-hour home care is priced, how it compares with overnight care, what Medicare covers, and how La Jolla families pay for care. To learn what 24-hour care includes day and night, see our 24-hour home care in La Jolla page.
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How 24-hour home care is priced
Most home care agencies charge by the hour. With 24-hour care, Caregivers work in shifts, usually two 12-hour shifts or three 8-hour shifts, so someone is always awake. You pay for all 24 hours of every day care is needed.
According to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey, the median rate for non-medical in-home care was $35 an hour nationally and $40 an hour in California. Here is what those rates mean for different schedules:
| Schedule | Hours | National median ($35/hr) | California median ($40/hr) |
| 24-hour care, 1 day | 24 | About $840 | About $960 |
| 24-hour care, 1 week | 168 | About $5,880 | About $6,720 |
| 24-hour care, 1 month | About 730 | About $25,500 | About $29,200 |
| Overnight care, 1 night | 12 | About $420 | About $480 |
Rates in coastal San Diego communities can be at or above the California median, so treat these numbers as a planning starting point, not a quote. They do not include holiday rates or overtime on long shifts. For local hourly rates and part-time budgets, read How Much Does In-Home Care Cost in San Diego?
24-hour care vs. live-in care vs. overnight care: which costs less?
The right schedule depends on how much help your loved one needs at night. Choosing the right one is also the biggest way to manage cost.
| Type of care | How it works | Cost compared with 24-hour care |
| 24-hour care | Two Caregivers work 12-hour shifts, so someone is always awake | Highest, because every hour is covered |
| Overnight care | A Caregiver stays only during the night | About half of 24-hour care, or less |
If your loved one wakes several times a night, needs help in the bathroom or tends to wander, 24-hour care is the safer choice. If nights are mostly quiet but you want someone there, overnight care may be enough.
Some agencies also offer live-in care, where one Caregiver sleeps in the home. Griswold Home Care for La Jolla does not offer live-in care: every Caregiver stays awake and alert for the whole shift.
What affects the cost of 24-hour care
- Level of care: dementia care, help with transfers or heavy personal care can cost more
- Number of days: 7 days a week, or a few days while family covers the rest
- Holidays: at Griswold Home Care for La Jolla, holiday hours are billed at 1.5 times the regular rate. For example, a $40 hourly rate becomes $60 on a holiday. Day, night and weekend hours all cost the same
- Overtime on long shifts: our Caregivers earn overtime (1.5 times) after 9 hours in a shift. In a 12-hour shift, the first 9 hours are regular and the last 3 are overtime. We include this in your written estimate, so there are no surprises
- How long care is needed: short-term care after a hospital stay, or ongoing care
Want a price for your loved one’s schedule?
We’ll suggest the right mix of 24-hour, live-in or overnight care and explain the cost. The consultation is free.
Call (858) 346-0543 →Does Medicare pay for 24-hour home care?
No. Medicare’s home health benefit covers part-time skilled care, such as nursing or therapy, when a doctor orders it. According to the Medicare Rights Center, it does not cover 24-hour care at home or custodial care, such as help with bathing, dressing and meals.
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited in-home support. Call the plan and ask exactly what is covered and for how many hours.
How La Jolla families pay for 24-hour care
- Private pay: savings, retirement income or help from adult children
- Long-term care insurance: many policies cover in-home care. Griswold Home Care for La Jolla accepts long-term care insurance, coordinates with your insurance provider and helps your family with the paperwork
- Veterans benefits: some veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA Aid and Attendance. Read Veteran Home Care Benefits in San Diego: What You May Qualify For
- Home equity or life insurance options: talk with a financial advisor before you decide
- A mix: many families combine insurance, savings and family help
5 ways to keep 24-hour care affordable
- 1. Start with what is needed. Many families begin with overnight care or long day shifts, then add hours as needs grow.
- 2. Let the family cover set hours. If a relative can cover weekend days, the agency covers the rest.
- 3. Check every benefit. Long-term care insurance and VA benefits are often missed.
- 4. Review the plan regularly. After recovery, the level of care can often be reduced.
- 5. Ask for a written estimate. A clear weekly schedule shows exactly what you will pay.
Get a clear price for your family
Every family’s needs are different, so the best way to know the cost is a free consultation. Call Griswold Home Care for La Jolla at (858) 346-0543. We answer 24/7.
We will talk through your loved one’s needs, suggest a schedule and explain the cost, with no surprises.
For example, one family we work with needed overnight care while their loved one was receiving hospice care at home. Our Caregiver stayed awake through the night so the family could rest, while the hospice team continued the medical care.
“Caregivers are great. The schedulers are responsive and their pricing is fair.” — Mary H., Griswold Home Care for La Jolla client
Learn more about our 24-hour home care in La Jolla, or read In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living: Which Is Right for Your Parent in San Diego?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 24-hour home care cost per month?
At the 2025 California median of $40 an hour, 24-hour care costs about $29,200 a month. The national median of $35 an hour works out to about $25,500. Holiday hours and overtime on long shifts can add to this, so call us for a written estimate based on your loved one’s schedule.
Do you offer live-in care?
No. Griswold Home Care for La Jolla offers 24-hour care, with Caregivers working in shifts, and overnight care. Every Caregiver stays awake and alert for the whole shift.
Do you charge more for nights, weekends or holidays?
Day, night and weekend hours cost the same. Holiday hours are billed at 1.5 times the regular rate.
Does Medicare pay for 24-hour home care?
No. Medicare does not pay for 24-hour care at home or for help with daily activities alone. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited in-home support, so check with your plan.
Does long-term care insurance cover 24-hour care?
Many policies cover in-home care, including around-the-clock care, up to a daily limit. Ask your insurer about the daily benefit and waiting period.
Can veterans get help paying for home care?
Some veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA Aid and Attendance, a monthly benefit that can help pay for care at home.
Can we start with fewer hours and add more later?
Yes. Many families start with overnight care or day shifts and move to 24-hour care when needs grow. We adjust the schedule with you.
How do we get a price for our family?
Call (858) 346-0543 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7.
Get a clear price for round-the-clock care
Griswold Home Care for La Jolla serves La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Clairemont, University City and Point Loma. Free in-home consultation, answered 24/7.
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Date: November 15, 2026
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