How much does a caretaker cost for elderly parents in India?
A home caretaker for elderly parents in India typically costs ₹12,000–₹25,000 per month for 12-hour day care, and ₹18,000–₹35,000 for 24-hour live-in care. Trained nurses cost more than attendants. Rates vary by city, skill level and the medical needs involved.
Key takeaways
- Attendants (GDA) cost less than nurses; nurses handle clinical tasks such as injections and wound care.
- Live-in care costs more than day care, and specialised care (dementia, post-stroke, palliative) costs more again.
- Metro cities are typically 20–40% more expensive than smaller cities.
- On Slesea, each provider lists their own rate, so families can compare before contacting anyone.
Typical monthly cost of eldercare in India (2026)
| Type of care | Day care (12h) | Live-in (24h) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attendant / GDA | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹25,000 | Bathing, feeding, mobility, companionship |
| Home nurse | ₹18,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 | Injections, wound care, post-operative recovery |
| Specialised care | ₹22,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 – ₹45,000 | Dementia, post-stroke, palliative, bedridden |
What changes the price
Three things move the price of eldercare in India. First, skill: a general duty attendant handles bathing, feeding, mobility and companionship, while a nurse can manage catheters, injections, wound dressing and post-operative recovery. Second, hours: 12-hour day care is substantially cheaper than 24-hour live-in care, which requires the caretaker to stay overnight. Third, medical complexity: dementia, post-stroke rehabilitation, bedridden care and palliative care all require more skill and patience, and are priced accordingly.
How to keep the cost sensible
Families often over-buy care. A parent who is largely independent but unsteady on their feet may need a few hours of daily support, not a live-in nurse. Slesea recommends being precise about what help is actually needed — bathing, medication reminders, cooking, mobility, night supervision — and hiring to that, rather than defaulting to round-the-clock care.
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Last updated: 13 July 2026 · Answered by Slesea Senior Care