How Seniors Are Getting In Home Care for Cheap

Many seniors want to stay in their own home instead of moving to a senior living facility. The good news is that in-home care is available.

When you consider how expensive a retirement home can be, getting in-home care begins to seem like a more attractive option. Rather than moving all of your belongings to a retirement community, the support workers come to you so that you can remain comfortable in your home. You can continue to enjoy the home you are used without having to spend a fortune on accommodation.

Senior Living Facilities Are An Expensive Option

Many seniors stress as they get older about how much a senior living facility will cost. The National Center for Assisted Living reports that the median cost of a one bedroom unit in an assisted living facility is $4,000 per month in the United States. Not only is this too expensive for most seniors, but the costs continue to increase every single year as the American population ages.

If you want a more luxurious senior living facility you can expect to pay upwards of $6,780 per month for high-end amenities in an upscale senior living community. These prices are out of reach for most seniors, especially those who are living on a fixed income or who have minimal retirement savings.

The high costs of traditional senior living facilities have forced many seniors to seek out less expensive options. Some seniors have realized they can save a lot of money by staying in their homes rather than moving. When they compare the numbers they realize that it is often cheaper to get in-home care instead

In-Home Care Might be the Smarter Option

Most seniors want to continue living in the home they have grown accustomed to instead of moving to a new senior living facility. In fact, over 90% of seniors say that they would rather continue living in their own home over moving to a senior living facility.

This is because remaining in your own home allows you to stay independent and do things on your own schedule. Using an in-home care service allows you to accomplish these goals with ease.

An in-home care service provides both health and personal care services directly within your home. In-home care professionals can help with tasks like getting dressed, bathing, grocery shopping, yard maintenance, medical checkups and cleaning. The list of services offered is nearly endless, so if there are any other services you want to receive you can rest assured that an in-home care company will be able to meet your needs.

With in-home care services the help comes to your home at regularly scheduled intervals. This assistance is available for as little or as much time as you require. Another great benefit is that in-home care results in one-on-one attention from the care provider.

In-Home Care Might Be Safer

Given some of the recent news about senior living facilities, many seniors are weary about spending their golden years in a substandard living situation. The risk of a disease outbreak or virus spreading is much higher in a senior living facility than in your own home. This can make getting in-home care a safer option for many seniors.

There is some evidence to suggest that seniors who receive in-home care live longer and healthier lives. For example, the American Geriatrics Society reports that seniors who receive in-home care have a lower risk of hospitalization. They also found that receiving in-home care can result in lower medical bills over the long-term since caregivers are able to help identify health issues sooner and help you take preventative actions.

How Much Does In-Home Care Cost?

The cost of in-home care will vary city by city. However, the average cost of senior home care in the United States is $21 per hour for licensed professionals. Many of the services offered can be 20-30% cheaper if you decide to hire private individuals instead.

When you compare paying $21 per hour for in-home care to paying $4,000 per month for a senior living facility it is obvious why in-home care is a growing trend. Not only is it more affordable, but it allows seniors to continue living in their home for longer.

What Free Services are Available?

There are several free or low-cost services available to help seniors with cleaning, laundry, and cooking. The availability of these services may vary depending on your location. Here are a few options to consider.

Senior Corps – Senior Corps is a national volunteer program in the United States that connects older adults with volunteer opportunities in their communities. They have programs like the Senior Companion Program and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) that can provide assistance with light housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation.

Department of Aging or Senior Services – Many states or counties have departments or agencies specifically dedicated to serving seniors. These departments often offer a range of services, including home care assistance and meal programs that can help with cooking and even provide delivered meals.

National Council on Aging (NCOA) – The NCOA is a nonprofit organization that offers a variety of resources for seniors. They have a BenefitsCheckUp tool on their website that can help seniors identify programs and services they may be eligible for, including assistance with household chores and meal preparation.