In-Home Care Providers in the Greater Puget Sound Area

Understanding Your Options for Home Care

Stay safe, supported, and independent — right at home.

For most people, staying home as long as possible is Plan A. If this is your goal, it helps to start building your support system early. Talk with your adult children, close friends, or other trusted helpers, and learn about your options for home care services in the Puget Sound region.

In-Home Care Agencies vs. Employment Registries

There are two primary options for arranging in-home care services:

1. Home care agencies

2. Home care employment registries

Both can provide hourly care or 24-hour live-in care, depending on your needs. Caregivers are typically background-checked, certified as Home Care Aides (HCAs) or Nursing Assistants (NACs), and matched based on compatibility and skill.

Professional In-Home Care Agencies in the Seattle Region

Agencies employ caregivers directly, provide oversight, and manage scheduling to ensure consistent, reliable care for seniors at home. Key advantages include paid caregiver training, supervisor oversight, and replacement coverage if a caregiver is unavailable.

Key advantages:

• Agencies often provide paid training and benefits for their caregivers

• Supervisors and care coordinators monitor service quality and step in when needed

• Replacement coverage is typically available if a caregiver is sick or unavailable

Costs:

• Hourly rates typically range from $36 to $48 per hour (with a 4-hour minimum)

• Shorter visits (1–3 hours) cost about $50–$60 per hour, depending on tasks

• Live-in care costs range from $400 to $600 per day in King County and surrounding areas

For a full listing of licensed agencies, visit the Washington State Department of Health’s Home Care Agency Directory. You can also explore the National Association for Home Care & Hospice Locator.

In-Home Care Registries

An employment registry or in-home care registry is another trusted route for finding qualified caregivers. These registries screen, interview, and refer caregivers who meet specific experience and training requirements.

With this model:

• You pay a one-time placement fee

• You hire and pay your caregiver directly

• Most registries allow you to interview multiple caregivers before choosing

Typical costs:

• Caregiver wages range from $28 to $35 per hour

• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs) often charge $50+ per hour

This model can provide more flexibility and may reduce ongoing costs while keeping quality high.

In-Home Care for Medicaid Recipients

If you’re on Medicaid and need in-home care, there are two excellent public resources available in Washington State:

• The Referral Registry of Washington

• Carina, an online platform connecting residents with pre-screened Individual Providers

Through Medicaid, eligible individuals may receive up to 20 hours of in-home care per week, typically excluding weekends.