Short answer: at Errand Runners Unlimited, in-home care in Walnut Creek costs $50 an hour for visits of 4 or more hours, $55 an hour for 2 to 3 hours, and $60 for a single hour. There are no long-term contracts, no sign-up fees and no hidden charges. Every client pays the same rates, whatever level of care is needed.
This guide walks through what drives the cost of home care, a few example schedules, and the ways East Bay families pay for it.
What you pay for
- The hourly rate. Longer visits cost less per hour. That is why most families who need regular help book visits of 4 hours or more.
- Mileage. If a caregiver drives your loved one to appointments or runs errands, mileage is billed at the federal mileage rate.
- Purchases. Groceries, prescriptions and anything else we buy for you are passed through at cost, with receipts. No markup.
That is the whole bill. There is no separate charge for personal care, dementia support or medication reminders.
Example schedules
| Schedule | Hours per week | Rate | Weekly cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 4-hour visit a week (a break for a family caregiver) | 4 | $50/hr | $200 |
| Three 4-hour visits a week | 12 | $50/hr | $600 |
| Weekday mornings, 4 hours each | 20 | $50/hr | $1,000 |
| Two 2-hour check-ins a week | 4 | $55/hr | $220 |
Mileage and purchases are extra and depend on what you need. Veterans get 15% off.
What about 24/7 care?
Around-the-clock care is scheduled in shifts: three 8-hour shifts a day, which is usually the most cost-effective, or two 12-hour shifts, which means fewer caregivers coming through the home. Because the right setup depends on your loved one, we quote 24/7 care after a conversation about their needs. Learn about 24/7 care or call (925) 515-6824 for a quote.
How families pay for in-home care
- Private pay. Most families pay directly by credit or debit card. We also offer a pay-in-advance option at our lowest rate.
- Long-term care insurance. We accept long-term care insurance and help with the paperwork. Check your policy for the daily benefit and the waiting period before benefits start.
- Veterans benefits. We partner with VetAssist, which helps veterans and surviving spouses access funding for home care, and we offer veterans a 15% discount.
- Medicare. Medicare generally does not pay for non-medical home care such as help with bathing, meals or companionship when that is the only care someone needs.
- Medi-Cal. Californians who qualify for Medi-Cal may be eligible for the state’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, run through the county.
Questions families ask about cost
Is there a minimum number of hours?
No. You can book a single hour. Longer visits get a lower hourly rate.
Do I have to sign a contract?
No. There are no long-term contracts and you can cancel any time.
Does the rate change for dementia care or personal care?
No. All clients pay the same rates, whatever level of care is needed.
Get a care plan and a clear price
Errand Runners Unlimited is a locally owned home care company in Walnut Creek. Home care services are provided through ERU Home Care LLC, a California-licensed Home Care Organization (HCO #074700183). We serve Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Danville, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Alamo, Orinda, Moraga, San Ramon and nearby East Bay communities.
See our full pricing, request a personal care plan, or call (925) 515-6824.
