Quick answer: Private home care is usually paid out of pocket, through long-term care insurance, or through specific Medicaid waiver programmes — original Medicare does not cover custodial home care. Knowing which bucket you fall into before you start is what avoids the nasty surprise. Book online, or call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
How Much Does Private Home Care Cost? [Best Ways to PAY in M relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
How Much Does Private Home Care Cost? [Best Ways to PAY in Michigan]
👉How Much Does Private Home Care Cost in the Metro Detroit & Surrounding Michigan Regions? We review the BEST ways to pay for Home Care!👈
We review the covered and not covered benefits of home health care. We also review the worthwhile in home elder care services & the senior in home services.
We also provide a link to all the coverage options in Michigan that can help you pay for Private home care for your loved ones in Michigan, Ann Arbor, Metro Detroit & Lansing Areas!
Get Home Care Assistance in Michigan with Assisting Hands Home Care:
https://michiganpersonalcare.com/
In Home Elder care services [Senior In Home Services]
0:00 Title
0:46 What are in Home services that are covered
1:45 In home elder care services
2:36 How much does private home care cost?
2:54 What services do private home health care agencies provide?
3:35 Best home care services in Michigan, Ann Arbor, Metro Detroit, Lansing Michigan
3:50 Services provided by in home elder care agencies
4:46 What services do in home senior agencies provide in Michigan?
5:38 Do in Home health care agencies provide rides?
6:10 Is private home care cheaper than a nursing home?
6:50 The true cost of private home health care
👉– Shoes –👈
Our Recommended Shoes:
https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/podiatrist-recommended-shoes/
Our Recommended Products: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/recommended-foot-doctor-products///
📢See a Physician!📢
See a Physician if you have a health issue. This information is NOT specific to your medical problem.
If in Michigan, consider seeing us:
https://michiganpersonalcare.com/
Directions:
https://g.page/r/Ca4Dg-JS_3XPEAE
👉– LINKS –👈
(With some links, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission. Check with your doctor before using any product!)
📢Disclaimer:📢 This video and description contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click on one of the product links. Thank you for your support of this channel!
This is opinion only:
Do not consider this video as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for the viewer or reader. We strongly urge you to contact your own physician with any questions regarding your medical condition. If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately or see your physician. Do not allow this information to let you disregard your professional’s medical advice or delay seeking information from this content. Do not rely on information provided by this general education video.
Healthcare practitioners: The content here is for education purposes only. The authors have done their best to provide the most up-to-date evidence-based information, but this content should definitely not be considered any type of medical standard. It does not reflect individual practices in other geographic areas.
This is strictly for medical education purposes only, and it is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. The information in these videos is the author’s opinion and is not an official opinion of any organizations that the authors may be a part of. The authors or speakers are not associated with any of the above products.
Michigan Home Care Patients: Podiatric Services Covered by Medicare
Michigan home care patients receiving Medicare benefits should be aware that routine and therapeutic foot care services provided by a podiatrist are covered when medically indicated — including for diabetic foot examinations, treatment of systemic conditions affecting the foot, nail debridement for patients who cannot safely trim their own nails due to systemic disease, and wound care for foot ulcers and non-healing wounds. Patients receiving home health services for a skilled nursing need who also have foot care needs can ask their home health agency to coordinate a podiatric consultation. Alternatively, patients or family members can arrange outpatient podiatric care directly. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we see Medicare patients at both our Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208) locations and verify coverage before scheduling. Family members coordinating care for a Michigan home care patient with foot or nail care needs can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to discuss appropriate services and insurance coverage.
Foot and Nail Care for Home Care Patients in Michigan: Professional Services Available
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Bunion Treatment
Michigan home care patients and the caregivers who support them often face challenges with nail care, skin care, and foot monitoring that are difficult to manage without professional assistance. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we provide podiatric services for patients who have difficulty with self-care due to mobility limitations, visual impairment, diabetes, or other conditions — including toenail trimming and debridement, callus and corn treatment, diabetic foot examinations, and wound care for patients with chronic or non-healing foot wounds. For caregivers managing a patient with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or other conditions that increase foot complication risk, regular professional foot care visits are an important component of the patient’s overall health maintenance. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Medicare and most major Michigan insurance plans for covered foot care services. Michigan caregivers seeking professional foot care for their patients can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to discuss services and schedule an appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Get Expert Help at Balance Foot & Ankle
If this condition is affecting your daily activities or hasn’t improved with home treatment, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Tom Biernacki. We offer same-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township locations and accept most insurance including Medicare. Most patients are walking comfortably within 4-6 weeks of starting our protocol — conservative care first, surgery only when needed.
Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Our team responds within 1 business hour during clinic days.
🩺 Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These are products I personally use and recommend to patients.
The OTC orthotic I recommend most in our clinic. Sub-$50 before custom orthotics.
View on Amazon →
Natural menthol + arnica topical. FSA-eligible — what I switched my family to from Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel.
View on Amazon →
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan offices.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
How much does private home care cost in Michigan?
Private home care costs in Michigan vary by provider, location, and services: home health aides — approximately $25–$35/hour; companion or homemaker services — $22–$30/hour; live-in care — $250–$350/day; overnight (sleeping) care — $150–$250/night; 24-hour awake care — $400–$550/day. Southeast Michigan (Detroit metro, Bloomfield Township area) tends to be higher than rural areas like Howell. Minimum hours per visit (typically 2–4 hours) apply with most agencies. Costs rise with specialized skills (dementia care, wound care, post-surgical care). Maintaining good foot health helps seniors avoid hospitalizations and surgeries that trigger extensive home care needs. Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208) — call (810) 206-1402.
What are the best ways to pay for private home care in Michigan?
Payment strategies for private home care: long-term care insurance (the most comprehensive private option — covers ongoing personal care costs); Veterans' Aid & Attendance benefit (qualifying veterans and surviving spouses receive monthly payments for care costs); Michigan Medicaid MI Choice Waiver (for those who qualify financially — pays for significant home care services); reverse mortgage on home equity; life insurance accelerated death benefit riders; annuities with care benefits; personal savings and investments; family contributions (cost-sharing agreements); and community programs (Area Agency on Aging — coordinates local resources). Elder law attorneys and geriatric care managers can help navigate payment options. Preventing the need for home care through proactive health management including foot care matters. Balance Foot & Ankle serves Howell and Bloomfield Township, MI — call (810) 206-1402.
Does long-term care insurance cover private home care?
Yes — most long-term care insurance policies cover private home care when the policyholder meets the benefit triggers (typically needing assistance with 2+ ADLs or having cognitive impairment certified by a healthcare professional). Coverage typically includes: personal care aides, home health aides, homemakers, and adult day care. Some policies require using licensed agencies; others allow hiring independent caregivers. The daily or monthly benefit limit applies to home care as it does to facility care. Policies with inflation protection are more valuable for home care, as costs rise 3–5%/year. Using the home care benefit rather than facility care is generally preferred and often costs less. Balance Foot & Ankle helps seniors maintain the mobility and health that can delay LTC needs — call (810) 206-1402.
At what point do home care costs exceed nursing home costs in Michigan?
The financial crossover point where home care exceeds nursing home costs: 24-hour awake private duty home care typically costs $400–$550/day ($146,000–$200,000/year), while nursing home care in Michigan averages $250–$325/day ($91,000–$119,000/year). Therefore, when care needs reach approximately 12–16 hours of paid care per day, nursing home placement becomes financially comparable or cheaper. However, many families supplement paid home care with family caregiver support, keeping costs manageable until very high acuity needs develop. Assisted living ($4,000–$6,000/month) is often the intermediate option between home care and nursing home. Preventing high-acuity needs through proactive health management is the best approach. Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township — call (810) 206-1402.
What should I look for when hiring a private home care agency in Michigan?
Key criteria for selecting a Michigan home care agency: state licensing (Michigan requires licensure for home health agencies), bonding and liability insurance, background checks on all caregivers (required by reputable agencies), employee status for caregivers (W-2 employees, not independent contractors — ensures tax coverage and employment law compliance), training and supervision programs, references from current clients and healthcare providers, clear billing and contract terms, backup caregiver availability when regular caregiver is unavailable, and specialized training relevant to your needs (dementia, diabetic care, post-surgical). Request a care assessment before commitment. For foot-health-related home care needs after podiatric procedures, Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208) provides recommendations — call (810) 206-1402.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.