Short answer: If your loved one needs non-medical home care in Chester County, PA, you can pay privately or apply for Medicaid’s Community HealthChoices waiver. Family members can also get paid to provide care. Here is how to find local help and get started.

Home care services available in Chester County

Home care agencies provide non-medical help so older adults and people with disabilities can live safely at home. These are not skilled nursing services. Aides help with the daily activities that become difficult due to age, illness, or mobility issues.

Services include basic senior care, such as personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting) and companionship. Caregivers also help with homemaker tasks like meal preparation and light housekeeping. If your loved one has a specific condition, agencies offer specialized support for dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke recovery.

Medicaid home care in Chester County: step by step

Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver pays for home care for adults 21 and older who need long-term services and supports. You must meet functional and financial eligibility rules. Here are the steps to apply for Medicaid’s CHC waiver in Chester County.

1. Call the Independent Enrollment Broker: Contact the IEB at 1-877-550-4227 to start the application.
2. Get the doctor’s certification: The IEB sends a form to your loved one’s doctor. The doctor marks the level of care needed and should return it within 5 business days.
3. Complete the financial application: The IEB visits your home within 7 business days to help you apply for Medicaid.
4. Complete the functional assessment: Within 10 business days, an assessor from the Chester County Department of Aging Services visits to complete the Functional Eligibility Determination (FED). They assess your loved one’s ability to do daily activities.
5. Wait for financial review: The Chester County Assistance Office, located at 100 James Buchanan Drive in Thorndale, reviews the applicant’s income and resources.
6. Choose a health plan: Once approved, you select one of the three CHC plans available in Chester County: Keystone First CHC (AmeriHealth Caritas), Pennsylvania Health & Wellness or UPMC Community HealthChoices. New Century works with Keystone First CHC.

Getting paid to care for a relative in Chester County

Many families provide unpaid care for their relatives. Under the CHC waiver, you can get paid to care for a family member. You can work as an employee of a licensed home care agency like New Century Home Care, earning weekly pay and benefits.

The state sets strict rules about who can be paid. The CHC waiver will not pay for services provided by the participant’s spouse, legal guardian, representative payee or POA. Legal guardians, representative payees, and power of attorney (POA) agents are also excluded from being paid caregivers.

Local help for caregivers in Chester County

Caring for an aging relative requires a support system. The Chester County Department of Aging Services (610-344-6350) runs the PA Caregiver Support Program. This state program provides education, planning help, and reimbursement for caregiving expenses up to $600 per month.

If your loved one has dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter serves Chester County. You can call their 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 for local support groups and guidance.

Ready to start services? Call New Century Home Care at 215-974-0000 or fill out our contact form. Choose “I am a client” and then “I need services.” Our office staff speaks English, Russian, and Ukrainian.

Private pay costs

If your loved one does not qualify for Medicaid, you will need to pay out of pocket. Agency rates vary based on the level of care and the number of hours needed.

According to the 2025 CareScout Cost of Care Survey, the median cost for a non-medical caregiver in Pennsylvania is $34 per hour. This equals approximately $6,483 per month for 44 hours of care per week. You can learn more about managing these expenses in our guide to the cost of home care.

How New Century serves Chester County from Philadelphia

New Century Home Care has one office located in Philadelphia. However, our service area includes all of Chester County. Our caregivers travel to and work directly in the homes of their clients.

If you want to work as a caregiver, you do not always have to drive to our Philadelphia office. Under Act 96 of 2024, we can conduct your required pre-employment interview using two-way video.

Need a caregiver or a caregiving job? Call us at 215-974-0000 or submit our contact form. Choose the option that fits your situation best to connect with our team.

Frequently asked questions

Do you provide home care in Chester County?

Yes. While our office is located in Philadelphia, New Century Home Care serves clients throughout Chester County. Our caregivers work directly in your home.

Who does the Medicaid assessment in Chester County?

An assessor from the Chester County Department of Aging Services visits your home to perform the Functional Eligibility Determination (FED). This assessment checks your ability to do daily activities.

Where is the County Assistance Office for Chester County?

The Chester County Assistance Office is located at 100 James Buchanan Drive in Thorndale, PA 19372. They review the financial part of your Medicaid application.

How much does home care cost per hour in PA?

According to the 2025 CareScout Cost of Care Survey, the median cost for a non-medical caregiver in Pennsylvania is $34 per hour.

Can I get paid to care for my parent in Chester County?

Yes. Under the Medicaid Community HealthChoices waiver, family members can get paid to provide care for a relative. The waiver won’t pay the participant’s spouse, legal guardian, representative payee or POA.