Navigating Senior Home Care in Broward County: A Family Guide

Quick answer: Non-medical home care covers help with bathing, dressing, meals, medication reminders and companionship; home health care covers skilled medical services ordered by a physician. Medicare pays for the second and not the first, which is the single most common surprise families hit. Every home care agency in Florida, including Broward County, must be licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) — verifying that license is the first step in vetting any agency.

What Is Home Care — and What It Isn't

One of the first things Broward County families need to understand is the difference between two kinds of in-home support. Non-medical home care provides personal care assistance with bathing, grooming, meal preparation, medication reminders, housekeeping, transportation, and companionship. Home health care provides skilled medical services, such as nursing and therapy, that are ordered by a physician.

This distinction matters for one important reason: Medicare covers home health care (skilled nursing) but does not cover non-medical home care services like bathing help, meal prep, or companionship. Knowing which type of care your loved one needs helps you plan realistically for how it will be paid for. You can learn more about the difference between our personal care and companion care services.

Why Broward County Families Choose Home Care

Research shows that seniors who receive care in their own homes experience meaningful benefits compared to those placed in residential facilities:

• Lower infection risk from shared facilities
• One-on-one attention rather than staff-to-resident ratios
• Preservation of daily routines, which reduces disorientation
• Easier family involvement in care decisions
• Cost efficiency compared to residential placement
• Better mental health outcomes in familiar environments

With roughly 1.9 million residents and a growing senior population, Broward County families increasingly look to home care as a way to help loved ones age in place.

How to Choose the Right Agency: An Evaluation Checklist

Before hiring any agency, verify the following:

• AHCA licensure through Florida's official database
• Level II FBI background screening completion
• Employee versus independent contractor status
• Caregiver training and dementia care certification
• Backup coverage protocols
• A written care plan development process
• Third-party review ratings
• Communication responsiveness

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of any agency that shows these warning signs:

• Operating without an AHCA license
• Requiring cash-only payment
• Being unable to provide background check documentation
• Using high-pressure sales tactics
• Starting care without an in-home assessment
• Caregivers recommending financial changes
• Missing written service agreements

What Home Care Costs in Broward County (2026 Estimates)

Pricing depends on the level of care, the time of day, and how many hours per week are needed. Typical 2026 estimates include:

• Hourly care (companionship, personal care): $26–$35/hour, 4-hour minimum per visit
• Dementia care: upper end of that range, to $35/hour
• Live-in care: $300–$400/day
• Overnight care: $210–$350/night
• Part-time (4 hrs/day, 5 days/week): $2,250–$3,050/month
• Full-time (8 hrs/day, 7 days/week): $6,300–$8,500/month

Families fund care through a range of sources, including private pay, long-term care insurance, veterans benefits (Aid & Attendance), Florida Medicaid HCBS Waiver programs, life insurance conversion, and home equity or reverse mortgages.

Specialized Home Care Services

Some situations call for caregivers with specialized training:

• Alzheimer's and dementia care — behavior management, safety protocols, and communication strategies. Learn more about our dementia care.
• Post-surgery and hospital recovery — mobility assistance, complication monitoring, and medication compliance.
• Respite care — essential relief for family caregivers. See our respite care options.
• Parkinson's disease care — specialized mobility support, fall prevention, and knowledge of medication timing.

Service Coverage Areas

DavidStar Home Care serves communities throughout Broward County, including Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Coral Springs, Sunrise, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Miramar, Tamarac, Coconut Creek, Margate, Lauderhill, North Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, and Dania Beach. View all of the areas we serve.

How to Get Started

Getting care in place is a straightforward, five-step process:

1. Identify the specific daily tasks your loved one needs help with, along with any safety concerns.
2. Research licensed agencies locally and check AHCA records.
3. Schedule free, no-obligation in-home assessments.
4. Evaluate agency-to-client personality compatibility.
5. Review service agreements carefully before starting care.

Quality home care allows seniors to age in place safely while maintaining independence, dignity, and connection to their community. Choosing the right agency and staying involved as a family are essential to a successful outcome. Learn more about DavidStar Home Care or call (954) 248-3538 to schedule a free assessment.