24-hour home care keeps a caregiver present at all times, ideal for seniors needing constant supervision or overnight help.
What is 24-hour home care?
24-hour home care means a caregiver is always present and awake, usually via two or three rotating shifts. Unlike live-in care, where a single caregiver sleeps overnight, 24-hour shift care ensures someone is alert around the clock — important for seniors who wander, fall at night, or need frequent repositioning, toileting, or medical monitoring. It suits advanced dementia, recovery after surgery, or end-of-life support. Because no caregiver works the full day, this model avoids overnight gaps in attention.
How much does 24-hour home care cost?
Around-the-clock shift care typically runs $15,000–$25,000+ per month in 2025, based on Genworth's median hourly rates applied to continuous coverage. Live-in care, where the caregiver sleeps and isn't paid for all 24 hours, often costs less. Rates rise in high-cost metro areas and for skilled nursing. Compare both models — and check Medicaid, VA, or long-term care insurance — before committing. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to estimate costs for your area.