THE SHORT ANSWER
Most people want to stay home as long as it's safe. In New York, home care can be paid for by Medicaid (including CDPAP, which lets family members be paid caregivers), EISEP for people over 60 who don't qualify for Medicaid, long-term care insurance, VA benefits, and private funds. Medicare pays only for short-term skilled home health. Private-pay home care averages $35 per hour nationally.

Staying home is what most older adults want, and with the right help, many can do it safely for years. The challenge is paying for that help and knowing when it's no longer enough.
Start here
- How to pay for home care in New York
- CDPAP: getting paid to care for a parent
- Medicaid personal care services
- EISEP in Erie and Niagara counties
- Home care vs. assisted living: the cost comparison
The two big programs families miss
- CDPAP lets an adult child or other relative (not a spouse) be paid through Medicaid to provide care. All caregiver payroll now runs through Public Partnerships LLC (PPL).
- EISEP helps people 60 and older who don't qualify for Medicaid, through the county Office for Aging.
More To Explore
CDPAP in New York: Getting Paid to Care for a Parent
CDPAP (the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program) is a New York Medicaid program that lets a person who needs help at home choose their own…
Explore the guideHow to Pay for Home Care in New York
Most families pay for home care with a mix of sources. Medicare pays only for short-term skilled home health, not ongoing help with bathing or…
Explore the guidePACE Program in Buffalo & Erie County: Who Qualifies & Costs
PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a Medicare and Medicaid program that pays for and coordinates nearly all of an older adult's…
Explore the guideEISEP in NY (2026): Who Qualifies, Cost Share & How to Apply
EISEP (the Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program) is a New York State program, run by each county's Office for the Aging, that pays for…
Explore the guideKeep exploring
- PACE Program in Buffalo & Erie County: Who Qualifies & Costs
- EISEP in NY (2026): Who Qualifies, Cost Share & How to Apply
- How to Pay for Home Care in New York
- CDPAP in New York: Getting Paid to Care for a Parent
- Home Care vs. Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home: Cost in New York
More support. More life at home.
Explore Homeward by Cardinal for help coordinating everyday support and the next steps for aging at home.
Explore HomewardHomeward is a separate paid service. Scope, availability, and pricing are confirmed before enrollment. It does not replace medical care. How Cardinal is paid.
Sources & dates
- NYS DOH press release, Apr 1 2025 · in effect since April 1, 2025 · registry verification: 2026-09-23
- CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey · figures as of 2025 survey · registry verification: 2026-09-23
