Griswold Home Care is a private home health agency with locations across the United States
Griswold Home Care is a for-profit home health company that employs nurses, aides, and therapists to provide care in clients' homes. The company operates in multiple states through franchised and company-owned locations. Unlike some home health agencies that are part of hospital systems or nonprofits, Griswold is a standalone private business, which affects how you pay for services and what insurance they accept.
The company offers services ranging from skilled nursing (wound care, medication management, catheter care) to personal care information (bathing, dressing, meal preparation) and therapy services (physical, occupational, and speech therapy). Griswold also provides specialized care for conditions like dementia, Parkinson's disease, and post-surgical recovery. Services are delivered on schedules you arrange — hourly visits, overnight care, or live-in arrangements.
Because Griswold is a private agency rather than a Medicare-certified home health provider, the way you pay and what your insurance covers differs from traditional home health. Understanding this distinction matters before you contact them.
Key Takeaways
- Griswold Home Care is a private, for-profit agency that you hire and pay directly or through private insurance, not a Medicare-certified home health provider.
- The company offers skilled nursing, personal care, and therapy services on flexible schedules, from hourly visits to live-in care.
- Cost varies by location, caregiver type, and hours needed; you will need to contact your local Griswold office for pricing.
- Medicare and Medicaid do not typically cover Griswold services, though some private insurance plans and long-term care policies may reimburse part of the cost.
- Griswold operates through franchised locations, so the quality, staff, and services available depend on which local office serves your area.
How Griswold differs from Medicare-certified home health agencies
Medicare-certified home health agencies must meet federal standards and are covered by Medicare Part A when a doctor orders skilled care and you meet specific medical conditions. Griswold, as a private agency, does not hold Medicare certification and does not bill Medicare directly. This means Medicare will not cover Griswold services, even if you have Medicare.
The practical difference: with a Medicare-certified agency, Medicare pays the provider after your doctor writes an order. With Griswold, you or your insurance pays the agency directly. Some people use Griswold when they need care that Medicare does not cover — such as ongoing personal care without a skilled nursing need, or care on a schedule Medicare does not approve. Others use Griswold when they have exhausted Medicare home health benefits but still need help.
Griswold's flexibility is an advantage in some situations. You can hire them for as few hours as you need, on any schedule, without waiting for a doctor's order or meeting Medicare's medical necessity rules. The trade-off is that you bear the full cost unless your private insurance or long-term care policy covers it.
What services Griswold provides and what they cost
Griswold's service menu includes skilled nursing (IV therapy, wound care, medication management, catheter care, post-operative care), personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, meal preparation, light housekeeping), and therapy services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy). The company also offers specialized programs for Alzheimer's and dementia care, Parkinson's disease, and post-hospitalization recovery.
Pricing depends on the type of caregiver, your location, and the hours you need. A personal care aide costs less per hour than a registered nurse or therapist. Live-in care, overnight care, and weekend or holiday hours may have different rates. Because Griswold operates through franchised locations, pricing varies significantly by region — what you pay in one state may differ from another.
You must contact your local Griswold office directly to receive a cost estimate. The company does not publish rates online. When you call, be ready to describe the type of care needed, how many hours per week, and what days and times work for you. The office will then provide pricing and discuss payment options.
Insurance coverage and payment options for Griswold services
Medicare does not cover Griswold services because the company is not Medicare-certified. Medicaid coverage varies by state and by individual Medicaid plan; most state Medicaid programs do not cover private home care agencies like Griswold, though some may cover specific services under certain circumstances. You should contact your state Medicaid office or your Medicaid plan directly to ask whether Griswold is a covered provider.
Some private health insurance plans, particularly those offered through employers, may reimburse Griswold services if the care is medically necessary and ordered by a doctor. Long-term care insurance policies sometimes cover home care, including private agencies like Griswold, depending on the policy's terms. If you have either of these, check your policy documents or call your insurer to ask whether Griswold is in-network and what portion of the cost they cover.
Most people pay Griswold out of pocket. The company accepts cash, check, credit card, and electronic bank transfers. Some local offices may offer payment plans or discounts for longer-term arrangements. Ask about these options when you contact them for pricing.
How to find and contact your local Griswold Home Care office
Griswold Home Care operates in multiple states, but not all areas are served. The company's website includes a location finder where you enter your zip code to see whether Griswold serves your area and to get contact information for the nearest office. If your area is not served, the website may suggest other home care options.
When you contact a local Griswold office, be prepared to describe the person needing care (age, medical conditions, current medications), the type of care needed (skilled nursing, personal care, therapy, or a combination), and your preferred schedule (hours per week, days, times). The office will discuss availability, pricing, and next steps. Some offices may schedule an in-home assessment before finalizing an agreement.
Griswold typically requires a contract that outlines the services, schedule, cost, and cancellation terms. Read this carefully before signing, as cancellation policies and notice requirements vary by location.
What to expect when you hire Griswold for home care
Once you have agreed on services and pricing, Griswold will assign a caregiver or team of caregivers to your case. The company aims to provide consistency by using the same caregiver when possible, though this depends on availability and scheduling. Your first visit usually includes an assessment where the caregiver learns about your medical history, current medications, daily routine, and any special needs or preferences.
Griswold caregivers are employees of the company, not independent contractors, which means the company handles payroll, taxes, and workers' compensation. This differs from hiring a caregiver privately. Griswold also handles background checks and training, though the depth of training varies by caregiver type and location.
You can adjust your care plan as needs change — increasing or decreasing hours, adding services, or changing the schedule. Contact your local office to discuss changes. If you are unhappy with a caregiver, you can request a replacement.
Comparing Griswold to other home care options
If you are considering Griswold, you may also want to explore Medicare-certified home health agencies (if you have Medicare and meet medical necessity requirements), Medicaid home care programs (if you may have access to financially), or hiring a caregiver privately. Each option has different costs, coverage, and flexibility.
Medicare-certified agencies are covered by Medicare if a doctor orders care, making them free or low-cost for may be able to access people. However, they have strict rules about what services they cover and how long you can receive them. Griswold offers more flexibility and does not require a doctor's order, but you pay the full cost unless private insurance covers it.
Hiring a caregiver privately (through an agency or independently) gives you the most control over scheduling and cost, but you become the employer and are responsible for payroll, taxes, and background checks. Griswold handles these administrative tasks, which adds to the cost but removes that burden from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Griswold accept Medicare or Medicaid?
Griswold does not accept Medicare because it is not a Medicare-certified home health agency. Medicaid coverage varies by state and plan; most state Medicaid programs do not cover Griswold, but you should contact your state Medicaid office or your plan to confirm. Some private insurance and long-term care policies may cover Griswold services.
Can I hire Griswold for just a few hours a week?
Yes. Griswold offers flexible scheduling and can provide care for as few hours as you need, on any schedule that works for you. Pricing is based on the number of hours and the type of caregiver. Contact your local office for rates and availability.
What happens if I am unhappy with my Griswold caregiver?
You can request a different caregiver. Contact your local Griswold office and explain your concerns. The company will work to assign someone else to your case. If problems persist, you can end your agreement according to the terms in your contract.
Is Griswold available in my area?
Griswold operates in multiple states but not nationwide. Use the location finder on the Griswold website to enter your zip code and see whether the company serves your area. If not, the site may suggest alternatives.
How much does Griswold Home Care cost?
Cost varies by location, caregiver type (aide, nurse, therapist), and hours needed. Griswold does not publish rates online. Contact your local office directly for a pricing estimate based on your specific care needs.