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The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Birmingham, AL for 2024

Caring’s Senior Living Report ranks Birmingham as one of the best cities in the state for health care, senior living and quality of life. Senior residents have their medical needs met at one of several hospitals, including the highly rated University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham. Overall, the city is very affordable and its housing costs are less than a third of the national average.

Home care in Birmingham costs $4,242 on average, per month, while the corresponding price for home health care is $4,338. Home health care providers also include light medical services as opposed to the nonmedical care in-home care offers. Both types of care in Birmingham are priced significantly below the national average.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the Birmingham 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.

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Home Care Agencies in Birmingham, AL

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Paying for Home Care in Birmingham, AL

The Cost of Home Care in Birmingham, Alabama

Compared to the Alabama average of $3,813, the median monthly home care rate in Birmingham of $4,242 is $429 higher. However, prices for in-home care in the city are well below the national median of $4,957. Seniors in Birmingham pay more for their in-home care than in the surrounding regions of Tuscaloosa, Gadsden and Decatur. The rate of $2,955 found in Anniston is the lowest in the state.

Birmingham

$4,242

Alabama

$3,813

The United States

$4,957

Tuscaloosa

$3,838

Anniston

$2,955

Gadsen

$3,811

Decatur

$3,956

The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Birmingham, Alabama

Home health care in Houston costs $96 more each month than home care. Both types of care offer personal care services such as help with bathing and dressing, but home health aides are licensed to also offer light medical services. Birmingham assisted living facilities charge, on average, $4,338, each month, while the median cost for a semiprivate room in a nursing home is $6,768. Adult day health care is the least expensive option for older adults in Birmingham, at $867.

Home Care

$4,242

Home Health Care

$4,338

Adult Day Health

$867

Assisted Living

$4,028

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$6,768

Financial Assistance for Home Care in Birmingham, AL

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.

Free & Low-Cost Home Care Resources in Birmingham, AL

Several nonprofit and government programs in Birmingham are committed to helping older residents safely and independently age in the comfort of their homes. Seniors can use these resources for financial assistance, home repairs and legal aid. 

ResourceContactService
United Way’s Area Agency on Aging(800) 243-5463The United Way's Area Agency on Aging offers programs and supportive services to help older adults remain independent at home for as long as possible. Seniors can benefit from options such as counseling, home care services and legal aid. Additionally, the agency can also assist with locating and claiming financial assistance programs.
United Way Meals on Wheels(205) 592-0413Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver hot lunches to homebound seniors who are unable to prepare their own food. Meals are nutritionally balanced and delivered around lunchtime on weekdays.
The Alabama Weatherization Assistance Program(334) 242-4909The Weatherization Assistance Program is federally funded and can help low-income seniors spend less on their utilities. This free service includes an in-home assessment followed by needed repairs that may include wall insulation, window repairs and light bulb replacement.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)(800) 392-8098Low-income older adults in Birmingham might be eligible for a grant to partly cover the price of their energy bills with LIHEAP. This program can help older adults with a household income of 150% or below the federal poverty level.
Birmingham Office - Legal Services Alabama(205) 328-3540Legal Services Alabama can give seniors advice and help them resolve legal issues. The nonprofit’s Birmingham office can assist on civil matters such as consumer laws, public benefits and housing.

Determining Your Loved One’s Need for In-Home Care

Aging can be a difficult process, and loved ones may not always ask for help – often times 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.

Download
Checklist for determining the need for in-home care
Checklist for determining the need for in-home care

Guidelines for Talking About In-Home Care

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.

Download
Talking with Family and Others about a loved one's needs
Talking with Family and Others about a loved one's needs

Frequently Asked Questions

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The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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