Choosing a personal care assistant in Gastonia, NC comes with many questions. What do they do? How much do they cost? What training do they have? And most importantly, how do you find someone trustworthy?
At Blue Star Home Care Services LLC, we help families in Gastonia find the right answers. Whether you’re arranging care for a parent, spouse, or yourself, here’s a complete guide to understanding the cost, services, and value of hiring a qualified personal care assistant in your area.
What Does a Personal Care Assistant Do?
A personal care assistant (PCA) supports people with daily tasks they can no longer manage on their own. These tasks may seem simple, but they are essential for maintaining independence and dignity.
Common services include:
- Bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Toileting and incontinence support
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Meal preparation and feeding
- Fall prevention and mobility help
- Companionship and emotional care
To explore how we help in these areas, visit our Personal Care services page.
If your loved one also needs conversation and emotional engagement, our Companionship Care services provide warmth and meaningful connection.
What Is the Average Personal Care Assistant Salary Per Hour in NC?
Hourly rates vary across North Carolina, especially in areas like Gastonia. On average:
- Independent personal care assistants: $15 – $20/hour
- Agency-based assistants (like Blue Star): $20 – $28/hour
- Overnight or 24-hour care: Often $150 – $250 per day
Agency-based care comes with background checks, training, supervision, and backup staff. These added protections make the slightly higher rate well worth it for families prioritizing safety and continuity.
What Impacts the Cost of Personal Care Assistance?
Several factors influence what you’ll pay for personal care assistance services in Gastonia.
Level of Care Needed
A senior needing help with dressing will cost less to support than someone who also needs dementia care.
How Often Care Is Needed
Daily assistance adds up, but some agencies offer better rates for scheduled, consistent care.
Certification and Experience
A caregiver with a personal care assistant certification or years of experience may charge more. However, they often work more efficiently, reducing total care hours required.
Is Online Personal Care Assistant Certification Valid in North Carolina?
Yes, absolutely. Many caregivers complete their personal care assistant certification online, gaining the necessary training without long delays.
These programs often include:
- Hygiene and mobility care
- Emergency procedures and first aid
- Client rights and elder respect
- Hands-on skills for lifting, bathing, and meal support
At Blue Star Home Care Services LLC, we only work with certified assistants. Whether trained locally or online, every caregiver is vetted, trained, and continuously supervised for quality and safety.
How Much Does Private In-Home Care Cost in Gastonia?
Aside from hourly wages, here are typical monthly care cost ranges:
- 3 hours/day, 5 days/week: $1,200–$1,500
- 8 hours/day, 5 days/week: $3,000–$3,800
- Live-in personal care assistant: $4,500–$6,500
If your care plan includes support from nurses or rehabilitation therapy, see our Implementing a Clinical Care Plan for more advanced in-home options.
How to Pay for Personal Care Assistant Services
Don’t let cost stop you from getting the care your loved one deserves. Here are your main options:
- Private Pay: Simple and flexible
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Often reimburses care costs
- Medicaid Waivers & NC State Programs: Some cover part-time home assistance
- Veteran’s Benefits: For those who served in the military
If transportation is a barrier, our Transportation services ensure your loved one gets to appointments, errands, and outings safely.
Why Families in Gastonia Choose Blue Star Personal Care Assistants
We’re not a national chain. We’re a local agency rooted in Gastonia, and we understand what care really means for families here.
Here’s why our clients choose us:
- You work with trained, certified caregivers who meet NC compliance
- You get local staff backed by a community-based care team
- You benefit from care plans tailored to your unique family needs
- You receive dependable, ongoing support with full transparency
- You build trust with the same familiar faces in your home
“Our PCA from Blue Star made a world of difference. She helped my father stay independent and truly became part of our family.” – Linda R., Gastonia
Our care isn’t just about tasks. It’s about relationships. And that’s something you can’t get from just any agency.
Meal Prep, Medication, and More—All Under One Roof
From meal preparation to memory support, we make life easier for families managing multiple challenges. Whether your loved one needs companionship, personal hygiene assistance, or cognitive support, we’re ready.
Ready to Talk About Personal Care Assistance in Gastonia?
Hiring a personal care assistant should feel empowering—not stressful. With our guidance, you get exactly what you need, when you need it.
Ready to start? Contact Blue Star Home Care Services LLC today for a free consultation and home assessment.