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The 5 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Columbus, IN for 2024

Columbus, Indiana, is a lively city known for its stunning architecture and rich culture. Home to 50,569 people, the city provides a small-town feel with big-city amenities. Around 15.1% of the population are seniors aged 65 and older, which is slightly below the national average of 16.5%. Despite this, seniors here have access to useful senior services. Thanks to a lower than average cost of living and affordable health care costs, Columbus makes an excellent retirement choice for cost-conscious older adults. Seniors have access to several high quality centers for medical care. For instance, Columbus Regional Hospital is rated as high-performing in four major areas of treatment, including stroke and heart failure.

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, seniors pay around $4,553 per month on average for home care — less than both the state and national averages. Home care and home health care differ in that home care typically involves services such as grooming and dressing, whereas home health care involves light medical services such as medication administration.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in Columbus– 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 Columbus, IN

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Paying for Home Care in Columbus, IN

The Cost of Home Care in Columbus, IN

Columbus has some of the most affordable home care costs in the state, at around $200 less than the state average and $400 less than the national average. Seniors in both Indianapolis and Lafayette typically pay around $5,053 per month for home care — $500 more than in Columbus. In nearby Bloomington, costs are slightly higher at around $600 more than Columbus. To the north of the state, Fort Wayne is one of the least affordable cities for home care as it costs around $800 more than in Columbus.

Columbus

$4,553

Indiana

$4,767

The United States

$4,957

Indianapolis

$5,053

Bloomington

$5,173

Lafayette

$5,053

Fort Wayne

$5,339

The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Columbus, IN

Home care and assisted living carry a similar cost in Columbus, with assisted living costing around $100 more per month on average. Home health care, which includes medical services such as medication administration, is slightly more expensive than home care, at $4,767 per month. The most affordable long term care option is adult day care, which costs around $1,100 less than home care. For seniors who require the most comprehensive care, a semiprivate room in a nursing home costs around $7,574 per month. 

Home Care

$4,553

Home Health Care

$4,767

Adult Day Health Care

$3,467

Assisted Living

$4,661

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$7,574

Financial Assistance for Home Care in Columbus, IN

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.

Columbus Home Care Resources

Home care services are only one of the pieces needed for seniors to gracefully age in place. There are many services and programs that are low-cost or free, that enable seniors to enjoy an independent lifestyle in the comfort of their own home, such as help with home modifications, meal delivery services, and more. Below, we’ve compiled a few of the most helpful resources in Columbus:

ResourceContactAddressService
Weatherization Assistance Program(317) 232-777730 S. Meridian St, Suite 1000, Indianapolis, IN 46204The Weatherization Assistance Program is funded by the federal government and aims to reduce the energy bills of low-income households. Priority is given to seniors, disabled residents and families with young children. Services are carried out by PWC contractors in Columbus, including weather stripping, attic insulation, door and window repairs or replacements and water heater repair and replacements. There is no charge for any of the services offered. 
Meals on Wheels(812) 376-9241900 Lindsey Street, Columbus, IN 47201The Mill Race Senior Center runs the Meals on Wheels program in Columbus. The program is funded by payment from recipients of the meals and donations from the local community. There is a charge for each meal, but financial assistance is available on request for those who cannot afford the payment. Meals are delivered on a daily basis from Monday to Friday around lunchtime. The lunch is a hot meal consisting of a hot meat dish, two sides, salad, dessert and a drink. Supper is a sandwich, fruit, dessert and a drink. All the meals are delivered by volunteers.
Mill Race Center(812) 376-9241900 Lindsey Street, Columbus, IN 47201The Mill Race Center is owned by the City of Columbus and run as a nonprofit organization. The center offers a range of activities for seniors, including fitness classes, nutritional education, social events, outings and arts and crafts workshops. There is a charge for belonging to the center, but financial assistance and payment options are available. Additionally, the center has a professionally supervised fitness center that members can enjoy. Seniors are encouraged to take part in activities at the center for their physical and mental wellbeing. Transport can be arranged to the center for seniors who are homebound. 

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 home care
Checklist for determining the need for 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
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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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