How to Manage Caregiving Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

Caregiving can be expensive, and you may find yourself looking for ways to save money while taking care for your loved one. Looking for ways to save doesn’t mean you’re inconsiderate or selfish; you're thinking about long-term financial stability as a caregiver.

There are definitely ways to give your loved one quality care without breaking the bank. Let’s explore practical ways to reduce costs and get support for caregivers.

Naturally you want to give your loved one the best care possible. So you might be wary of making it “cost-effective”. But, rest assured, we’re not talking about cutting corners – none of us want that. Rather, we mean planning your finances and being smart about what you buy. Doing that can save you time and money, which will help to counter your increased caregiving costs.

Smart Ways to Save on Caregiving Costs and Still Provide Great Care

Here are some suggestions to help you be financially savvy with your caregiving:

• Always make a list for your shopping. Stick to it so that you buy only what you really need and avoid those little impulse buys. To make it easy, use our free shopping list template 
• Protect bedding. For example, use TENA underpads as mattress or chair protectors. You’ll save on cleaning costs and the expense of replacing furniture.
• Look for what you need online. Prices are often lower than at brick-and-mortar stores (buy incontinence products directly or local online shops). Also, look for sales and promo codes on shopping websites. 
• Take advantage of loyalty programs, money-off coupons and sale prices, they’ll all help you to cut your costs.

As a family caregiver, it might be tempting to feel like you don't need financial aid or community resources, but it's the opposite. Support from friends or programs like Medicaid could help soften the financial load and even avoid burnout.

Look into Government Programs and Benefits

Depending on the program, your loved one could receive affordable health services, support, and more; making caregiving affordable.¹

Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance that could offer your loved one hospital services like:¹

• Physician care
• Diagnostic tests
• Preventive services

There are different types, each with a different coverage. They include:¹

• Part A: health insurance
• Part B: medical insurance
• Part C: Medicare Advantage
• Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

To get Medicare benefits, your loved one must tick boxes, like:²

• Being a U.S. resident.
• 65 years or older, working, unemployed, or retired.
• Under 65 with a qualifying disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
• Paid Medicare payroll taxes during working years.

Medicaid

It may help your loved one receive care if they are in the low-income bracket or with a disability.¹ Benefits may include:¹

• Physician care
• Prescription drugs
• Long-term care

Also, with Medicaid, you're eligible for the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, New York (CDPAP, NY).³ It allows your loved one to choose their own caregiver; even if it's a family member.³

To qualify for Medicaid, your loved one must:⁴

• Meet their state's income requirements, except for those who are blind, disabled, or 65 and older.
• Be a U.S. resident or lawful permanent citizen.

Veterans Affairs Benefits

If your loved one served in the military, they may receive benefits like:¹

• Primary care
• Mental health
• Rehabilitation
• Long-term care

To qualify, your loved one could have:⁵

• Served in active military, naval, or air force without dishonorable discharge.
• Served in the Vietnam War era.
• Been exposed to hazards while serving the country and met basic service and discharge requirements.
• Been a former prisoner of war.
• Received a Purple Heart or Medal of Honor.

State-Specific Assistance Programs

Many states have programs like the family caregiver support program to help with:⁶

• Financial aid
• Healthcare
• Food security
• Housing support

While each state has its own eligibility criteria, they all will consider your loved one's:⁶

• Income level
• Household size
• Employment status

Ask about Nonprofit and Local Support Services

When caring for a loved one, non-profits and local support programs could help fill gaps affordably, whether it's food, utility bills, transportation, or giving you a much-needed break.

Here are some resources to consider:

Food banks

There are non-profit organizations that collect food items from grocery stores to give to your loved one through charities.⁷

Respite care

These services allow you to take a break for a few hours to several weeks to take care of yourself.8 With respite care, you can be at ease knowing your loved one is with professionals either at home or in an adult care facility.⁸

Transportation services

Services like Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) or American Volunteer Driver Centre both offer rides to medical appointments.9 The difference is that NEMT is a Medicaid service, while the latter is often free.⁹

Utility relief programs

Programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) could help with your loved one's heating, cooling, or electric bills based on the state they live in.10 To qualify for LIHEAP, they review your loved one’s income upon applying against the state requirement.¹⁰

Find out more about support for caregivers.

Don’t Go It Alone; Use Local Caregiver Support Services

Being part of a local caregiver network or support group could offer both emotional relief and practical help. These groups could give valuable advice on reducing costs for caregiving products and share resources to make your caregiving journey lighter and emotionally supported.

Home modifications are sometimes necessary for your loved ones to stay safe. Even the smallest upgrade could go a long way in preventing injuries or expensive medical emergencies.

Here are some tips to help you keep your loved one safe while on a budget:

• Choose DIY changes like grab bars, raised toilet seats, and non-slip mats.
• Check and apply for home modification grants through the Home Modification Information Network.
• Don‘t be afraid to buy used equipment. Many people sell slightly used care equipment, such as wheelchairs, for much less than you’d pay at a store – check the classified ads or marketplaces.

Get tips on preparing the home for caring in home safety.

Cutting costs on absorbent products might feel like a big win for your budget, but it actually could be a loss. High-quality absorbent products provide you with benefits that save you time and money in the long run.

Here are some of those benefits:

Fewer Changes

They use advanced absorbent technology to help your loved one stay dry longer, leading to fewer product changes.11 The fewer products your loved one uses, the more time and money you save for what matters most.

Less Laundry

Along with advanced absorbent technology, they also have special designs to help contain leaks.11 Fewer accidents mean fewer laundry loads, helping you save detergent and energy.

Healthier Skin

High-quality products help protect your loved one’s skin from irritations.11 Fewer skin issues mean less money spent on medical visits. TENA skin-friendly formula pads are premium, easy to use, affordable, and allow your loved one to go through their day comfortably with little disruptions.

Being savvy about the products you buy could save you a tidy sum, and time. Be sure to choose the right product type, size and absorbency for your loved one. You’ll find they make financial sense in the long run.

Skincare is an important part of caregiving. Learn more about how to protect your loved ones skin.

You’re better off with good-quality incontinence products

 Explore TENA’s Caregiver Incontinence Products to find the right fit for your loved one. Then, try our Product Finder Quiz to match their specific needs.

While daily essentials can’t be cut from the budget, you can still lower the cost of supplies without sacrificing your loved one’s care.

Here are some practical tips to help:

• Set monthly budgets: Tracking your spending each month helps you predict costs and avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Use price comparison tools: Platforms like Google Shopping or Amazon let you compare prices across stores so that you can find the best deals on quality products.
• Sign up for brand offers and email alerts: Brands like TENA offer services such as Subscribe & Save and TENA Rewards. These services give you money-saving bundles and discounts on trusted products.

Planning not only helps you avoid financial surprises, it also allows for better resource management.

Monthly Care Budget

Creating a monthly care budget doesn’t have to be complicated. You could use a simple Excel spreadsheet with clear headings to help you plan. Include headings like Cost, Quantity or even Usage per day or month to help you keep track.

Excel also allows you to use the SUM function, to easily add up your expenses.

Here are some tips to help you build an effective budget:

• Calculate your total income and any lost wages from time off work.
• Subtract lost wages from your income to see how much money you have available.
• List all your monthly expenses, including smaller costs.
• For transportation, estimate the cost per trip and multiply by the number of trips you take each month.
• Review your budget weekly to stay on track and adjust as needed.

Whether you’re starting out as a caregiver, or you just need a bit of extra support, we've got some tips and advice on how to plan your caregiving.

Shared Calendars

Shared calendars make it easier to coordinate your loved one’s care among family and friends while keeping everyone in the loop. They also help avoid duplicate purchases, like buying the same supplies twice, saving money and reducing stress.

Also, these calendars ensure appointments and tasks are scheduled efficiently, so nothing important gets missed.

Ask for Support

It can feel scary to ask family and friends for time, money, or resources, and that fear of rejection is completely normal. Yet don’t let it stop you from getting the support your loved one needs.

When you need help, try these tips to approach the conversation:

• Be clear and honest about what you need and explain why it matters.
• Choose a calm, relaxed moment when they can give you their full attention.
• Be flexible with your requests and avoid sounding entitled.
• Show appreciation, even a simple thank you, means a lot.
• Keep them involved by updating them on how their help made a difference.

Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, and it’s okay to reach out more than once if you need it.

What’s the Average Monthly Cost of Caregiving in the US?

The national average for in-home help is about $4,500 per month.12 While family caregiving could lower this cost since you’re not paying professional caregivers for every task; but it doesn’t remove expenses entirely.

Are There Programs that Pay Family Caregivers?

Yes they are. Medicaid, VA programs, and some state-funded support options like (CDPAP, NY) do pay family caregivers.^3,13,14

Where Can I Find Affordable Caregiving Supplies?

Here are some places to find budget-friendly caregiving supplies:

• Online retailers
• Bulk buying options
• Loyalty schemes
• Brands like TENA that offer caregiver-focused deals

Can I Deduct Caregiving Expenses from My Taxes?

You may be able to deduct certain expenses, like medical costs, or claim tax credits such as the Child and Dependent Care Credit.15,16 This credit is based on your income and a percentage of the care costs that allow you to work. Consider speaking with a tax advisor to guide through the process.¹⁶