In a recent blog post, we shared details on the preferred choice for the vast majority of adults when it comes to aging care: in-home care services. And it’s easy to understand why, with the freedom, independence, and continued ability to enjoy the comfort and familiarity of the homes we love and the memories they evoke.
Yet one of the top questions we at SYNERGY HomeCare receive from families seeking an elder care solution is, “How can I afford to pay for home care?” With its individualized, one-on-one attention to care needs, it’s not uncommon for people to assume that professional home care services are cost-prohibitive.
It’s why we’re always pleased to share the surprising fact that home care is, very often, more affordable than institutional care. Genworth shares, for instance, that the average cost for a private room in a nursing home facility in 2019 was more than twice the cost of non-medical care services provided at home, as well as nearly twice the cost of skilled in-home health care services.
And, while most of our home care clients pay for care out-of-pocket, there are a variety of additional funding methods to explore, including:
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- Veterans’ benefits for those who qualify
- Long-term care insurance
- Reverse mortgages
- Respite care vouchers from certain disease-specific organizations, such as the ALS Association
- Community assistance from religious organizations, the United Way, senior centers, the Area Agency on Aging, etc.
A good first step is to sit down with your senior loved one’s tax advisor, financial planner, or elder law attorney, who can help investigate options such as pensions, annuities, and other financial resources. Some life insurance policies allow the policyholder to sell the policy for more than its cash value.
Holding a meeting with family members, such as siblings, can also help with determining who might want to help with hands-on care for the senior, reducing the time needed for professional in-home care, as well as who might prefer to contribute financially.
At SYNERGY HomeCare, providers of the best home care services in Chicago and the surrounding area, we’re always here to help you explore options and costs for elder care, and to customize creative solutions that empower seniors to remain living in the homes they’ve established for a lifetime.
Whether the need is for transportation and errand-running, help with meals and housework, personal care such as safe bathing/showering, or simply friendly companionship to alleviate loneliness, isolation, and boredom, SYNERGY HomeCare can create a customized plan of care that is suitable for your loved one’s budget and preferred schedule and routine.
Contact SYNERGY HomeCare at (773) 868-3183 today to request a free in-home consultation and to learn more about how our cost-effective home care services in Chicago and the surrounding areas can improve quality of life for a senior you love.
