Low-income seniors who have been assessed as being homebound and in need of a nursing home level of care may be eligible for help with the cost of home health care. Veterans and their surviving spouses may be able to claim additional support from the Veterans Administration.

Home health care services are often more affordable than nursing homes and can offer certain benefits to seniors as well. Many seniors feel that living in their family homes, close to loved ones, helps their mental well-being and reduces feelings of isolation. By remaining at home and having home health care providers visit them regularly, seniors retain their dignity and independence and may have a higher quality of life in their retirement years.

Self-Directed Care Programs Offer Help With Home Health Care Costs

The Home Care Independence program is a consumer-directed program that gives seniors the option of choosing their home care providers and managing their own care. As part of the program, seniors are assigned care advisors who assist them with administrative tasks and selecting providers. In addition, a payroll company manages the payments made to the seniors’ chosen care providers.

Veterans May Be Eligible for Additional Benefits

Veterans and their immediate relatives may be eligible for help with home care costs. This can be in the form of Aid & Attendance benefits that can be spent any way the senior chooses. Alternatively, the Veteran Directed Home and Community Based Care program allows seniors to appoint a caregiver of their choosing. Seniors can contact their local Veterans Administration for advice about qualifying for benefits.