Private Duty Nursing Care For Seniors: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Private Home Care Nursing?

Private duty nursing staff typically offer more in-depth and comprehensive medical care to those with chronic or complex medical needs. They’re clinically trained caregivers and are usually licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), or registered nurses (RNs).

Depending on the state where you reside, if your loved one has advanced symptoms and medical conditions, your state may require nurses or nurse practitioners to handle certain medical procedures. You will want only those properly trained to handle the most important medical tasks for your loved one.

Families who need 24/7 continuous skilled nursing care for patients with complex medical conditions can benefit greatly from a private nurse. You can also hire PDNs if you only need their services for a week or two to help your aging mom recover from let’s say, a UTI.

Some people are confused about the difference between skilled nursing and private duty nursing. While both services offer professional medical care, they cater to different patient needs. Skilled nursing typically provides short-term or intermittent care with the goal of recovery. In contrast, private duty nursing focuses on both short-term recovery and long-term continuous care for individuals with complicated medical needs.

What Do PDNs Do?

Private nurses perform a range of medically-related tasks, including:

• Monitoring a patient’s medical status and keeping detailed records for overseeing and partnering with medical providers
• Alerting family, other caregivers, and primary physicians of any changes in the patient's physical and/or emotional symptoms
• Administering medications, including intravenous injections
• Providing traumatic injury and wound care, including tracheostomy and ventilator care as well as tube feedings
• Managing ventilators, tracheostomies, and other respiratory equipment
• G-tube care and management
• IV therapy and medication administration
• Diabetes, seizure, or oxygen management
• Providing hospice and palliative care
• Caring for those with chronic and life-threatening seizures and other disorders
• Educating and training family members on care techniques

You’ll want to find a nurse that your loved one relates to and feels comfortable with. After all, this person will be working closely with your loved one. You want the PDN to be a positive factor in helping your loved one age in place happily and healthily.

Do Hospitals Allow You To Bring In Private Nurses?

Check with your hospital’s supervisor, but many hospitals allow a patient or family member to request private duty nurses.

Common reasons patients employ their own nurses in hospitals include:

• Providing one-on-one attention when hospital staffing is limited
• Ensuring continuity of care for complex medical conditions
• Offering additional comfort and advocacy for the patient
• Managing specialized equipment the patient uses at home
• Providing family peace of mind during critical care periods

Additional Services Private Duty Nurses May Provide

Beyond providing significant medical assistance, PDNs offer companionship and may assist with activities of daily living. It depends on their patient’s capabilities and if these activities are related to the patient’s medical condition or safety.

PDNs, however, are primarily hired for their medical expertise rather than companionship or light housekeeping services. Their focus remains on skilled nursing care and medical management.

The Benefits of Having Private Home Care Nurses

A significant benefit is the in-home care setting. Care provided in the patient's familiar home environment offers comfort and a sense of normalcy.

Private nurses communicate daily with the family, adding a steady stream of support to the family. Other benefits of having PDNs include management of the patient’s medical needs, daily activities, as well as their personal care requirements. Private duty nursing can also be a cost-effective alternative to extended facility stays in many cases.

Medical Benefits of In-Home Private Duty Nurses

Private duty nurses carefully observe and document the progress and condition of patients who require in-home monitoring. These observations can lead to the discovery of necessary changes in treatment regimens, physical therapy, or care plan modifications instrumental to recovery progression or overall daily comfort related to symptom management.

Because PDNs also take care of medication management, they can identify potential drug interactions or side effects early on. Ultimately, a private nurse's medical goal is to prevent any medical complications and handle any that may arise through proper assessment, treatment, and monitoring.

They also coordinate your loved one’s care with physicians and specialists, ensuring continuity of treatment plans.

Personal Benefits of In-Home Private Nursing Care

With personalized one-on-one care, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved one is cared for, even when you aren't there. For those who require full-time care, a private nursing team can offer families a great deal of respite while protecting their loved one’s safety.

This will enable your loved one to feel confident within their own home, as opposed to having to be in a facility setting.

Additionally, private duty nursing allows families to safeguard their loved one's independence and dignity while ensuring their proper care.

Determining If a Private Duty Nurse is Worth It

If you’re wondering if you need a PDN, consider that private duty nursing is often best suited for patients with chronic illnesses or complex medical needs. Its focus on highly customized care plans and skilled nursing services makes it less practical for seniors who require only occasional medical support or general health assistance.

Private duty nursing can be both a short-term solution during recovery from illness or surgery and a long-term care option for individuals with ongoing medical needs.

Who Might Benefit from Private Duty Nurses

PDNs serve individuals across various health conditions and life stages. The personalized, skilled care provided can make a major difference in health outcomes and quality of life.

You might consider private duty nursing if your loved one falls into one of these categories:

• Patients with chronic conditions
• Seniors recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, especially if they have underlying health conditions requiring ongoing medical supervision
• Patients with disabilities or other complex medical needs
• Seniors who require ongoing medical care and monitoring

Private Duty Nursing Education, Skills, and Qualifications

With so many nursing licenses and certifications available, PDN professionals have varied educational backgrounds. Many candidates choose to obtain an associate's degree or attend vocational schools that prepare them for licensure in vocational nursing or as nursing assistants.

These individuals have proven their knowledge in a classroom setting and have shown competence in performing many basic medical tasks. However, the most skilled in-home private caregivers go on to earn a bachelor's degree and pass the national examinations through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to become registered nurses or practical nurses.3

How Much Does Private Duty Nursing Cost?

Due to their flexible schedules and exceptional skills, private duty nurses are in demand, leading to premium pricing for their services. Generally, a private duty nurse's salary depends on the number of hours worked, the level of skill required to care for the particular patient, and geographic location.

According to Salary.com, private duty nursing salaries in 2025 range from $75,800 to $93,393 per year in the United States with the average base salary being $84,529. Those in the District of Columbia, California, Massachusetts, Washington, and New Jersey earn the highest wages.4

Part-time care costs vary significantly based on hours needed, the level of medical complexity, and which region you live in. But let’s say you need a PDN for a month, their monthly salary will range from $6,317 to $7,783.

How Can I Pay for Private Duty Nursing?

Private duty nursing care can be wholly or partially paid for through:

• Private health insurance or supplemental long-term care policies
• Managed care organizations
• Medicare or Medicaid (for qualifying medical needs)
• Veterans assistance through VA benefits
• Supplemental Social Security income for long-term illnesses
• State and federal funding assistance programs
• Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can assess you for other programs, provide information and referrals, and offer support services.

How to Find Private Duty Nursing Near Me

You can find private nurses through online home care directories, home health agencies, or through referrals from your private doctors.

Here at SeniorLiving.org, we strive to provide the most current and up-to-date information concerning all of your needs and questions about at-home care for older adults.

If you are looking for private care nurses or any other type of arrangement to care for an aging loved one, explore the care providers in SeniorLiving.org’s directory today.