Companion Care for Seniors in Carthage, MO
Conversation, outings, meals together and a steady, friendly presence for an older adult who lives alone or spends long days by themselves. Post what you need in Carthage for free and hire a caregiver directly, with no agency mark-up.
Companion Care in Carthage, MO: the local picture
About 718 residents of Carthage aged 65 or older live alone, 39% of older residents in households (32% in Jasper County). They are the people companion care is usually for: mostly independent, but on their own for long stretches of the day.
8.6% of Carthage households have no vehicle (7.0% in Jasper County). A companion who drives can turn a week at home into appointments, shopping and visits.
About 26% of Carthage residents aged 5 and over speak a language other than English at home. The most common are Spanish (3,721), German or West Germanic languages (13), Vietnamese (13). If the person you care for is more at ease in one of these languages, say so in your posting; many caregivers list the languages they speak.
Carthage compared with Jasper County and Missouri
| Census figure | Carthage | Jasper County | Missouri |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residents 65+ in households who live alone | 39% | 32% | 30% |
| Residents 65 or older | 13% | 16% | 18% |
| Residents 5+ who speak a language other than English at home | 26% | 6.6% | 6.7% |
| Households with no vehicle | 8.6% | 7.0% | 6.6% |
| Residents 65+ below the poverty line (approx.) | 25% | 12% | 10% |
| Residents 65+ with a disability | 49% | 41% | 34% |
| Median income, households headed by someone 65+ | $35,739 | $44,883 | — |
Older residents in towns around Carthage
| Town | Distance | Residents 65+ | Live alone (65+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webb City, MO | 7.7 mi | 1,788 | 29% |
| Oronogo, MO | 8.0 mi | 272 | 8.5% |
| Joplin, MO | 11 mi | 10,195 | 38% |
| Carl Junction, MO | 12 mi | 1,201 | 32% |
| Granby, MO | 16 mi | 353 | 25% |
| Galena, KS | 18 mi | 480 | 22% |
What a companion caregiver can help with
- Conversation, cards, puzzles and shared hobbies
- Walks and outings to the park, library or senior center
- Company at meals, and help preparing them
- Rides or escort to appointments, church and visits
What companion care costs in Carthage
At the Missouri median aide wage of $15.90 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,378 a month in wages, which is 46% of the $2,978 monthly median income of Carthage households headed by someone 65 or older. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Missouri's minimum wage is $15.00 an hour (U.S. Department of Labor table, updated July 1, 2026).
Hiring directly, you agree the rate with the caregiver and usually become the household employer (U.S. Department of Labor rules). Some families qualify for programs that pay for care at home; see Consumer Directed Services in Missouri: how a relative becomes a paid caregiver.
What to know before hiring a companion caregiver
Isolation is a health risk, not only a mood. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that nearly one in four Americans aged 65 and older living in the community is socially isolated, and linked isolation to higher risks of dementia, heart disease and early death (2020 report).
Questions worth asking: What do you enjoy doing with the people you care for? Are you comfortable driving, and is your car insured for passengers? How do you handle a client who does not want company at first? More in our companion care guide.
CaregiverConnect does not run background checks. Check identity, references and any certification yourself before anyone starts. The Safety Center explains how.
Companion Care in Carthage: common questions
How many seniors live alone in Carthage?
About 718 residents aged 65 or older, 39% of older residents in households (Census ACS 2020–2024) (32% in Jasper County).
How much does companion care cost in Carthage?
At the Missouri median aide wage of $15.90 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,378 a month in wages, which is 46% of the $2,978 monthly median income of Carthage households headed by someone 65 or older. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Missouri's minimum wage is $15.00 an hour (U.S. Department of Labor table, updated July 1, 2026).
What does a companion caregiver do in Carthage?
A companion keeps an older adult company and helps around the visit: conversation, activities, walks, meals, errands, rides and reminders. It suits someone who is mostly independent but lonely, or a family that wants someone to check in on weekdays.
More senior care near Carthage
Companion Care in nearby cities
- Companion Care in Webb City, MO
- Companion Care in Oronogo, MO
- Companion Care in Joplin, MO
- Companion Care in Carl Junction, MO
- Companion Care in Granby, MO
- Companion Care in Galena, KS
- Companion Care in Neosho, MO
- Companion Care in Lamar, MO
- Companion Care in Baxter Springs, KS
- Companion Care in Monett, MO
- Companion Care in Pittsburg, KS
- Companion Care in Mount Vernon, MO
- Companion Care in Columbus, KS
- Companion Care in Frontenac, KS
- Companion Care in Anderson, MO
- Companion Care in Miami, OK
Other care in Carthage
Sources
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year; CMS provider data (October 25, 2026); U.S. DOL state minimum wages (July 1, 2026); BLS OEWS May 2025 aide wages, which cover employed aides rather than private rates.
Find companion care in Carthage
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