When you're exploring in-home care options for a loved one, knowing how much it will cost is one of the most critical steps. Carina, a nonprofit care matching platform in Washington, helps connect individuals with unionized home care aides—but how does its pricing compare with other options in the Seattle area?

This 2025 pricing guide breaks down Carina's home care costs, how it compares to regional and national averages, and introduces a flexible, affordable alternative in Caringene that serves families across King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties.

Services Offered by Carina

Carina is not a home care agency—it’s a nonprofit online platform that matches clients with individual home care aides who are part of the SEIU 775 union. These caregivers typically provide:

• Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)

• Medication reminders

• Light housekeeping

• Meal prep

• Mobility assistance

• Companionship

Carina focuses on connecting Medicaid-eligible individuals with caregivers, which means many users are receiving publicly funded services.

2025 Pricing Overview for Carina

Because Carina is a matching service for union caregivers, pricing is set by state Medicaid contracts and individual private-pay arrangements. Here's a general breakdown:

Note: Carina does not manage payroll, scheduling, or ongoing oversight. You hire and coordinate directly with the caregiver.

Seattle vs. National Home Care Costs (2025)

Carina's pricing appears competitive—but only if you are comfortable with managing the caregiver directly without agency-level support or supervision.

Factors Affecting Home Care Pricing in Seattle

Seattle-area home care pricing can vary widely based on:

• Care level (medical vs. non-medical)

• Scheduling frequency (occasional vs. daily)

• Caregiver qualifications (special training, dementia care)

• Minimum shift hours (many require 4+ hours)

• Direct-hire vs. agency support

Carina’s model places most of the scheduling and administrative responsibility on the family.

Payment & Assistance Options

A More Hands-Off, Affordable Alternative: Caringene

For families looking for in-home care without the hassle of managing a caregiver themselves, Caringene is a top-tier alternative:

With Caringene, everything is handled: hiring, payroll, caregiver replacement, and oversight.

What Families Are Saying

"I tried to manage a caregiver myself through Carina and it became overwhelming. Caringene took over and we finally got peace of mind." — Leah P., Shoreline

"Caringene gave us vetted help right away. We didn’t have to do any interviews or navigate contracts. They made it simple." — Mike B., Tacoma

Carina vs Caringene: Side-by-Side Comparison

Related Reading:

• How Much Does EvergreenHealth Home Care Cost in Seattle? [2025 Pricing Guide]

• How Much Does Visiting Angels Cost in Seattle? [2025 Pricing Guide]

• How Much Does A & B Homecare & Staffing Cost in Seattle? [2025 Pricing Guide]

Carina offers a lower-cost, do-it-yourself approach to finding caregivers in Seattle. But for families who want expert-matched care, around-the-clock support, and none of the stress, Caringene provides all that—starting at just $35/hour.

When your peace of mind matters just as much as your loved one's care, choose a trusted local agency that handles everything. That’s the Caringene difference.

Learn more here or get started today at www.caringene.com/contact.