Petal, MS is home to just over 11,000 residents, 14.3% of whom are aged 65 and older. The national average for seniors is slightly higher at 16.5%. The cost of living in the city is 15.5% below the national average, with much of that savings found in the affordable housing on the market. The crime rate is also very low, helping to make Petal a hidden gem for retirees. The 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that seniors in Petal can expect affordable home care rates that average $3,718 per month, which is well below rates nationwide.
Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the Petal area – complete with services offered and reviews from families who’ve actually used the service. In addition to our in-depth provider listings, we’ve compiled resources to help seniors and their families to access all the tools they need to age in place safely and gracefully.
1989 Bush Dairy Rd., Laurel, MS, 39443
4.6
(57 reviews)
"Right at Home was very good help and very supportive. When they sent me a caregiver that wasn’t helpful, they made it up by sending me one that was super helpful. They are conscientious and will work around your needs. I cannot complain about them at..."
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2122 Oak Grove Rd, Hattiesburg, MS, 39402
5.0
(6 reviews)
"We have full-time, twenty-four-hour care from Home Instead Senior Care and so far, I've been very pleased with them. They have good caregivers, they try not to change them too often, and they've been responsive to any questions. I've been using them ..."
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11289 Kline Rd St J, Gulfport, MS, 39503
1.0
(1 reviews)
"This company could not be worse if they tried to be. They come to your house and make a good presentation to gain their confidence. They sent their employee out the next day to care for our 91 yo grandmother. The "caregiver" was wearing an ankle brac..."
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12337 Ashley Drive, Suite C, Gulfport, MS, 39503
5.0
(1 reviews)
"Addus Healthcare Services is very easy to work with. They're flexible on the hours. The hours during the day differ, but it's Monday through Friday. They came out to evaluate to decide what type of help my mom needs and also the right person for her,..."
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111 South 40th Avenue Suite 20, Hattiesburg, MS, 39402
"Senior Helpers was founded in 2002 and soon became a trusted leader in senior care. At Senior Helpers our focus is dependability of service,..."
READ MORECaring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.
Petal seniors save an average of $763 per month compared to the national median, according to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. Within the region, Petal is on the higher side for home care at $3,718 or $286 more than the state median. The Gulfport area is the most comparable, at $86 below the monthly cost in Petal. Jackson and Mobile both sit right at the state median for home care costs.
Petal
$3,718
Mississippi
$3,432
United States
$4,481
Jackson
$3,432
Gulfport Area
$3,632
Mobile
$3,432
Various senior care options are available to seniors who need a helping hand. Home care is available at a median price point of $3,718 per month and includes a variety of personal care services. For seniors who need intermittent services offered by nurses or therapists, home health care is an option that typically costs $3,766 per month. When seniors need help with multiple daily tasks, assisted living is an option that also includes room and board with a median cost of $4,500 per month. Skilled nursing homes are the most expensive, nearly twice the cost of home care at $7,376.
Home Care
$3,718
Home Health Care
$3,766
Assisted Living
$4,500
Nursing Home Care (semi-private room)
$7,376
Note:Â Data for Petal was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Hattiesburg, was used instead.
Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.
Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-Term Care Insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living.Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.
Low-cost and free programs can help Petal, MS seniors age in the comfort of home for as long as possible. Below is a list of organizations that provide financial resources, help lower property tax bills or assist with referral services and case management.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Weatherization Assistance Program | (601) 359-4500 | The U.S. Department of Energy funds state weatherization programs that help low-income households save money on heating and cooling costs. This program may include various home modifications designed to prevent conditioned air from escaping the home thermal pocket. To qualify, Mississippi seniors must earn a maximum annual income of $25,760 for an individual and $34,840 for a married couple. Seniors receiving SSI benefits automatically qualify, and those aged 60 and older may receive priority service. |
| Homestead Exemption Program | (601) 545-1261 | While the Mississippi property tax rate is already quite low at an effective rate of less than 0.8% of the assessed property value, seniors may be eligible for even lower rates. The Homestead Exemption Program can offer tax relief of up to $300 annually. Seniors must fill out a new application each year to qualify. |
| Christian Services Inc. | (601) 582-5683 | Christian Services Inc. operates several local assistance programs for seniors. The Loving Hands Program provides direct financial assistance with utility bills or other approved household expenses. This nonprofit organization also partners with Meals on Wheels to deliver hot food to the elderly in Petal, Hattiesburg and surrounding areas. |
| Adult Day Care | (601) 466-0780 | The Area Agency on Aging responsible for Petal, MS operates an adult day care service available to local residents aged 60 and older who meet the screening requirements for the program. Petal residents can arrange for adult day health services through the local provider, HOL Family Life and Resources Center. Services are available on a referral basis and include hot meals, social activities, recreation, personal care and limited health care. |
| Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | (617) 573-1140 | LIHEAP is an energy assistance program that provides low-income households with funding that can be applied directly to utility costs. This program is available to those who need emergency funds or regular assistance with their bill, provided applicants meet the income guidelines for the program. |
Aging can be a difficult process, and loved ones may not always ask for help – oftentimes it’s up to their family to evaluate their need for help around the house. While no two situations are exactly alike, this checklist can help you and your loved ones determine when it’s time to start the search for a home care provider.
If you’ve determined that your loved one needs the assistance of a care provider in their home, it may be time for a difficult conversation. Handled correctly, however, this process can bring a family together and ensure that everyone’s concerns are addressed. Use this PDF as a starting point to help the conversation stay as positive and productive as possible.
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