The Two Main Categories of Home Care

Home care in Texas falls into two broad categories: non-medical personal care and skilled medical home health. They serve different needs, involve different caregivers, and are paid for differently. Understanding the distinction before you start searching saves time and prevents costly mismatches.

Non-medical personal care includes assistance with activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, and mobility. It also covers meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders, grocery shopping, and companionship. 

No physician order is required, and Medicare generally does not cover this type of care. Skilled home health services involve licensed medical professionals visiting the home to provide clinical care. This includes registered nurses providing wound care, IV therapy, or medication management. 

Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists also provide skilled home health services. A physician's order is required.

What to Look for in a Collin County Home Care Agency

Verify Texas licensure before engaging any agency. All home care agencies in Texas must be licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. 

Search licensed providers and check for complaints or violations at hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers. Never engage an unlicensed agency regardless of the recommendation source.

• Background-screened, trained, and bonded caregivers — ask specifically about the background check process

• Consistent caregiver assignment — frequent rotation is disruptive and signals high staff turnover

• Backup caregiver protocols — what happens when your regular caregiver is unavailable?

• Supervision and care plan review — how often does a supervisor visit or contact the client?

• Clear written contracts with itemized service descriptions and no hidden fees

• Strong client references and verifiable online reviews on Google or A Place for Mom

• Regular family communication and a clear emergency contact protocol

• Care coordination with the senior's primary care physician and specialist team

Paying for Home Care in Collin County

Medicare covers skilled home health services when specific criteria are met. The patient must be homebound, services must be medically necessary and ordered by a physician, and care must be provided by a Medicare-certified agency. 

Medicare does NOT cover ongoing personal care or custodial services. This surprises many families who assume Medicare is a comprehensive home care payer.

Medicaid covers both skilled and personal care services for qualifying low-income individuals through the STAR+PLUS program in Texas. Eligibility requires meeting financial and functional criteria, and wait times for services can be significant. Apply through yourtexasbenefits.com.

Private pay is the most common funding source for personal home care in Collin County. As of 2026, expect to pay approximately $22 to $35 per hour for non-medical personal care. Higher rates apply for specialized memory care or medically complex cases. Live-in care arrangements are typically negotiated at a flat daily rate.

Veterans Benefits for Home Care

VA benefits can cover significant home care costs for eligible veterans and surviving spouses. The Aid and Attendance benefit provides monthly payments specifically designated for home care, assisted living, or nursing home costs.

Contact the Collin County Veterans Service Office at (972) 548-4614 for eligibility information. You can also visit va.gov/geriatrics. Many eligible veterans and surviving spouses never apply for this benefit and leave significant funds on the table.

Home Care Resources in Collin County

● Texas HHSC Home Care Provider License Lookup — hhs.texas.gov

● Medicare Home Health Compare — medicare.gov/care-compare

● Collin County Area Agency on Aging — (972) 548-4938

● Collin County Veterans Service Office — (972) 548-4614

● Texas STAR+PLUS Medicaid Waiver — yourtexasbenefits.com

Starting the Home Care Process

The best starting point for most families is a conversation with the senior's primary care physician. The physician can assess current medical needs and provide referrals to skilled care providers if needed. For personal care needs, the Collin County Area Agency on Aging can conduct a free needs assessment.

Most reputable home care agencies offer a free in-home consultation before any service agreement is signed. This assessment helps the agency build an appropriate care plan and allows your family to evaluate the agency's professionalism and cultural fit.

Find a Trusted Home Care Provider in Collin County

The right home care agency makes aging in place not just possible but comfortable. Use the resources below to find licensed providers and connect with a free senior care advisor.

● A Place for Mom — https://www.aplaceformom.com

● VA Aid and Attendance — https://www.va.gov/geriatrics

Call the Collin County Area Agency on Aging at (972) 548-4938 to schedule a free in-home needs assessment. All services are confidential and available regardless of ability to pay.