In-Home Care in Arkansas
The low cost of living in Arkansas is likely one of the reasons an above-average 17.4% of its residents are aged 65 and older. Houses and transportation are generally more affordable, and health care is less expensive on average. It’s a tax-friendly state too because it only partially taxes pension incomes and withdrawals from retirement accounts and doesn’t tax Social Security income at all. Health care services may also factor in its appeal, as Arkansas boasts several high-performing hospitals, such as the Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville.
Some people use in-home care and home health care interchangeably, but the two services address quite different needs. In-home care agencies tailor non-medical services for their clients, which may include assisting with personal care, shopping for essentials and light housekeeping. Home health care agencies offer basic medical support from professionals, such as skilled nurses and qualified therapists. Despite the differences, average costs in Arkansas are almost identical, with in-home care fees at around $4,185 per month and home health care at $4,195.
This guide discusses costs in more detail, including support afforded by Medicaid and Medicare. It also lists some useful resources for homebound seniors.
The Cost of In-Home Care in Arkansas
The results of the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey show Arkansas to be $772 per month cheaper for in-home care compared to the $4,957 national median, which makes it one of the most affordable states in the region. Only Louisiana, where costs average $3,623, and Mississippi, where the norm is $3,813, are more competitive. Other neighboring states are considerably costlier, such as Texas, where the average is $4,576 (an annual increase of $4,692 when compared to Arkansas), and Missouri, at $4,767. The region’s most expensive state for in-home care is Oklahoma, which, at $4,862 per month, costs its seniors $8,124 more per year than they might pay in Arkansas.
At $3,909 per month, Jonesboro is the most affordable city in Arkansas for in-home care. The difference with Pine Bluff, where costs average $4,004, is slightly less than $100, but that could make a difference to some over the course of the year. The median cost in Fort Smith is $4,176, which is around the state’s average, and Little Rock’s typical fee of $4,290 is on the more expensive end of the spectrum. At $4,957 per month, the average fee for in-home care in Fayetteville is, by far, the costliest in the state.
Adult day health care centers offer the most affordable care in Arkansas, with fees in the region of $1,733 per month. Assisted living facilities levy about $2,027 more for their services, which include care and accommodation. At $6,083 per month, nursing homes are the costliest option because their care is administered by highly qualified professionals, including physicians, and the staff-to-senior ratio is narrower. Costs for in-home care ($4,185) and home health care ($4,195) are also at the higher end of the scale, but they reflect the one-on-one care that each provider delivers.
Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Arkansas?
Arkansas’ Medicaid pays medical and non-medical costs for home care via programs and waivers. The ARChoices in Homecare program mostly covers non-medical services, but it can pay for skilled nursing in certain circumstances. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is a medical and non-medical option that combines services available via Medicare and Medicaid, and the Self-Direction/Independent Choices Program is a non-medical choice for seniors able to manage their care services.
Home Care Waiver Programs in Arkansas
The following waiver programs can help seniors with varying qualifying criteria. Some, such as the PACE program can help adults younger than 65 years, while the Self-Direction/Independent Choices Program may be better for seniors who prefer to personally manage their care.
(866) 801-3435
ARChoices in Homecare is a waiver program available to adults aged 65 and older who need nursing home levels of care but can be tended to at home. It's a Medicaid program that can pay for limited medical care within an adult day health care center, a facility or at home while the primary caregiver is elsewhere. It also pays for non-medical services, such as home-delivered meals and an attendant to assist with personal care, such as bathing. If you think this program is suitable for you or your loved one, you can apply through your nearest Choices in Living Resource Center or visit your local Department of Human Services county office.
(866) 801-3435
As the program's name implies, its purpose is to give seniors more say over their care services. The senior can recruit and effectively employ their caregiver, arrange training and be their supervisor. In some cases, a senior may also be given the authority to manage their Medicaid budget, but they will need to work with an assigned Financial Management Services vendor. The vendor's responsibilities include helping the senior understand some aspects of being an employer, such as managing payroll and purchasing only approved goods and services. This program is popular with seniors because it can allow them to employ approved family members as their caregivers. You can apply for this program by contacting your nearest Choices in Living Resource Center.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, commonly referred to as PACE, is a Medicare program that also delivers support reimbursed by Medicaid. PACE organizations coordinate an interdisciplinary team of health professionals to provide tailored services for frail seniors residing at home. The program enables providers to deliver all the care required rather than be restricted to only those that can be covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Applicants must be aged 55+, reside in an area served by a PACE organization and require care a nursing facility provides but be able to live in the community with support. To apply, you should contact the PACE organization in your area or call the National PACE Association at (703) 535-1565 to find your nearest PACE provider.
How to Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Arkansas
In Arkansas, as of 2022, a single person applying for Medicaid cannot have an annual income that exceeds $10,092 or assets valued at more than $2,000. In a two-person household where both spouses apply, the limits are $15,132 for combined income and $3,000 for assets.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Arkansas
Single Person
$10,092
$2,000
Two-Person Household
$15,132
$3,000
*Per year
To be eligible for Medicaid in Arkansas, the applicant must satisfy several other conditions, as well as having qualifying income and assets. The applicant must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or hold legal residency status
- Reside in Arkansas
- Have one or more qualifying health issues that justify nursing home care
How to Apply for Medicaid in Arkansas
Although Arkansans can apply for several programs online, the state’s only method of applying for Medicaid is through downloading an LTSS Medicaid Application Packet and sending a completed copy with supporting documents to the nearest Department of Human Services county office.
What Information You Will Need
All applicants need to provide documentary evidence to support the information in their applications. These typically include:
- Social Security card
- INS card, if not a U.S. citizen
- Medicare card
- Health insurance card
- Birth certificate
- Marriage license or divorce decree
- Proof of income, such as a retirement benefits letter
- Proof of resources, such as property deeds and life insurance policies
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
In addition to speaking to a representative of Arkansas’ Medicaid program, seniors may also benefit from alternative resources. The three listed here can provide detailed information about the program and support seniors who may encounter legal issues relating to paying for home care services.
(870) 972-9224
Statewide
Legal Aid of Arkansas is a nonprofit law firm that helps seniors on low incomes faced with matters involving civil law, which includes Medicaid issues. Examples of how the firm can help include challenging Medicaid-denied decisions and using legal means to convert countable assets into non-countable assets.
Online Only
Statewide
Medicaid.gov is a federal website with extensive and current information about Medicaid in Arkansas. In addition to being a rich source of information, it also lets visitors check if they're eligible for the program or, if already enrolled, apply for a new Medicaid card.
Statewide
Seniors who prefer to conduct their own research may find the American Council of Aging's website useful. Its content is written by experienced Medicaid planning and eligibility experts with particular knowledge of the program in Arkansas. Although it's an online-only resource, there may be some scope for additional support via email requests.
Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Arkansas?
In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.
Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.
- Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
- Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
- Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
- Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.
As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)
Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Arkansas
While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Arkansas
There are many government resources available to Arkansans for free or at a low cost. Those listed here can help make homes safer and reduce their reliance on energy sources. There’s also help for seniors who may be struggling to access regular healthy meals and affordable transportation services.
Statewide
The Weatherization Assistance Program pays for conservation services that can reduce energy consumption, and therefore costs, for seniors on low incomes. Applicants can request a home energy audit at any time of the year. Depending on the audit's findings, the program can cover all costs for sealing air leaks, insulating attics and sidewalls, weatherstripping joints and making minor repairs. To be eligible, the applicant must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Statewide
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program can contribute to the costs of heating and cooling the homes of eligible seniors. The household's total income is the primary factor determining eligibility. As of 2022, a one-person household qualifies if the senior's income doesn't exceed $1,859 per month, and a two-person household cannot be more than $2,430. The program is administered at a local level, so seniors should contact their nearest Community-Based Organization if they want more information or wish to apply.
Multiple Contacts
Statewide
Homeowners can claim one property tax credit of up to $375 per year on their primary address in Arkansas, even if the property is owned by a revocable or irrevocable trust. Residents aged 65+ and those with disabilities who qualify for the credit can also request the taxable assessed value of their properties be frozen from their 65th birthday or the date of their disability. If the applicant's primary property is purchased after these dates, its taxable value can be frozen from the purchase date. To apply, seniors should contact their local county assessor's office.
Statewide
Meals on Wheels is a free service offered locally by Arkansas' Area Agencies on Aging. They deliver fresh and nutritious meals to homebound adults aged 60+ who are unable to prepare their own. Although menus regularly change to provide as much variety as possible, every meal is approved by a registered dietician and contains at least one-third of the nutrients recommended for older adults. The program's additional benefit is the volunteer driver's well-being check at the time of delivery. As an alternative, those eligible for the service can visit their local center and enjoy a congregate meal with other seniors.
(866) 245-5498
Statewide
The Arkansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging administers non-emergency transportation services throughout the state. The services can be used for many purposes, such as going to church, visiting friends, shopping and attending medical and dental appointments. Availability and the scope of services depend on location, so seniors looking for local information should contact their Area Agency on Aging.
COVID-19 Rules for In-Home Care Providers in Arkansas
To comply with the CMS Health Care Staff Vaccinations Standards mandate, all home health care workers in Arkansas delivering services paid in part or in full by Medicaid or Medicare must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by March 28, 2022. The Arkansas Department of Health has issued clear guidance to all home care agencies and workers, including how to deal with potential COVID-19 infections among the seniors in their care. It’s good practice for seniors and their families to keep up with the policies and procedures implemented by their agencies, as regulations change often. Some care providers apply additional safety measures to minimize their clients’ risk of infection.
In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Arkansas
In Arkansas, in-home care is provided by private care agencies and is licensed and regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health. The department enforces guidelines regarding home caregiver training requirements, licensing applications and renewals and clients’ rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does in-home care cost in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, in-home care costs $3,623 per month, which is considerably lower than the average national monthly rate of $4,290.
Does Arkansas Medicaid pay for in-home care?
Arkansas Medicaid covers in-home care via two waiver programs, including the ARChoices in Homecare waiver and the Independent Choices waiver. To be eligible for services under these waivers, applicants must meet residency, income, asset and functional ability guidelines.
Does Arkansas Pay For In-Home Care?
Arkansas’ Medicaid program can pay for medical and nonmedical in-home care services. Its programs and waivers are designed to support seniors with specific needs living under particular circumstances. Therefore, a senior may find they don’t qualify for one of the programs or waivers but may be eligible for another. Each of the three programs or waivers is unique; some pay for medical and nonmedical care, while others only pay for nonmedical care. In order to be eligible for these programs, seniors must be eligible for Medicaid (as a minimum) and in need of nursing home care that can be delivered in the community. Read More
Are there programs to cover home modifications in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, home modifications for seniors receiving in-home care may be covered under the ARChoices waiver program. These modifications help individuals navigate their homes more easily and include items such as wheelchair ramps and grab bars.
Does Medicare pay for in-home care?
Original Medicare doesn’t cover in-home care for those who only require personal care and don’t need skilled care. However, some Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered by private health insurance companies, may provide coverage for personal care services.
What types of services does a home care aide provide?
In Arkansas, home care aides provide companionship, assistance with daily living activities, meal preparation, mobility assistance and basic housekeeping and laundry.
Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Arkansas?
Family members can get paid for caregiving in Arkansas via Medicaid waivers and veteran’s programs. However, several eligibility requirements must be met, including medical assessments and asset checks. Under Medicaid waivers, a senior’s spouse can’t be hired as a caregiver. Read More
How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Arkansas
Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.
Find Home Care Agencies Near You
To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.
Directory of Home Care Services in Little Rock, AR
Right at Home Metro Little Rock, Arkansas
16607 Cantrell Rd, STE 6, Little Rock, AR, 72223
Right at Home – Little Rock, AR
16607 Cantrell Rd, Suite 6, Little Rock, AR, 72223
SYNERGY of Little Rock – Little Rock, AR
300 S. Rodney Parham, Suite 7 , Little Rock, AR, 72205
A Place at Home Little Rock
415 North McKinley St., Suite 447, Little Rock, AR, 72205
Home Instead – Little Rock, AR
909 Cumberland St, Suite 100, Little Rock, AR, 72202
Cornerstone Caregiving – Little Rock, AR
11701 Interstate 30 Suite 324 , Little Rock, AR, 72209
CareCo HomeCare Agency – Little Rock, AR
4700 W Commercial Dr Suite B3 North , Little Rock, AR, 72116
BrightStar Care Little Rock
3800 North Rodney Parham Road, Suite 202, Little Rock, AR, 72212
First Choice Senior Care – Little Rock, AR
10 Corporate Hill Dr, Little Rock, AR, 72211
Superior Senior Care of Little Rock
900 N. University Ave, Little Rock, AR, 72207
CareLink
706 W 4th St, North Little Rock, AR, 72114
Mercy Home Care Services – Little Rock, AR
10515 W Markham,, Little Rock, AR, 72205
Superior Senior Care – Jonesboro & Paragould
701 S. Main St., Jonesboro, AR, 72401
HomeWell Care Services – Conway, AR
813 Oak Street , Conway, AR, 72032
See Pricing for
is a Caring Star Community
Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
Home Care Services in Arkansas (109)
- Alexander, AR (14)
- Alma, AR (7)
- Avoca, AR (4)
- Barling, AR (7)
- Bauxite, AR (11)
- Bella Vista, AR (13)
- Benton, AR (14)
- Bentonville, AR (13)
- Berryville, AR (5)
- Bigelow, AR (9)
- Bryant, AR (15)
- Cabot, AR (10)
- Canehill, AR (7)
- Cave Springs, AR (8)
- Cedarville, AR (6)
- Centerton, AR (9)
- Chester, AR (6)
- Combs, AR (7)
- Conway, AR (15)
- Damascus, AR (8)
- Decatur, AR (9)
- Dyer, AR (6)
- Elkins, AR (11)
- Elm Springs, AR (5)
- England, AR (7)
- Enola, AR (7)
- Eureka Springs, AR (8)
- Evansville, AR (6)
- Farmington, AR (12)
- Fayetteville, AR (13)
- Fort Smith, AR (12)
- Frenchmans Bayou, AR (4)
- Garfield, AR (7)
- Gateway, AR (5)
- Gentry, AR (10)
- Goshen, AR (5)
- Gravette, AR (10)
- Greenbrier, AR (10)
- Greenland, AR (5)
- Greenwood, AR (7)
- Guy, AR (7)
- Hackett, AR (6)
- Harrison, AR (4)
- Hartford, AR (6)
- Hensley, AR (12)
- Hindsville, AR (10)
- Hiwasse, AR (8)
- Holiday Island, AR (8)
- Hot Springs, AR (13)
- Hot Springs National Park, AR (19)
- Hot Springs Village, AR (17)
- Huntington, AR (6)
- Huntsville, AR (10)
- Jacksonville, AR (12)
- Jessieville, AR (9)
- Johnson, AR (6)
- Joiner, AR (4)
- Kingston, AR (5)
- Lavaca, AR (6)
- Lincoln, AR (10)
- Little Rock, AR (24)
- Little Rock Air Force Base, AR (12)
- Lonoke, AR (6)
- Lonsdale, AR (11)
- Lowell, AR (11)
- Mabelvale, AR (15)
- Marion, AR (4)
- Maumelle, AR (14)
- Mayflower, AR (11)
- Maysville, AR (6)
- Midland, AR (6)
- Morrilton, AR (5)
- Morrow, AR (6)
- Mount Vernon, AR (7)
- Mountain Home, AR (4)
- Mountain Pine, AR (8)
- Mountainburg, AR (6)
- Mulberry, AR (6)
- Natural Dam, AR (7)
- North Little Rock, AR (14)
- Ozark, AR (5)
- Paron, AR (8)
- Pea Ridge, AR (8)
- Perryville, AR (7)
- Pettigrew, AR (7)
- Pine Bluff, AR (7)
- Prairie Grove, AR (12)
- Rogers, AR (13)
- Roland, AR (9)
- Rudy, AR (7)
- Russellville, AR (5)
- Saint Paul, AR (5)
- Scott, AR (8)
- Searcy, AR (4)
- Sherwood, AR (13)
- Siloam Springs, AR (10)
- Springdale, AR (15)
- Sulphur Springs, AR (6)
- Summers, AR (6)
- Tontitown, AR (6)
- Traskwood, AR (11)
- Van Buren, AR (7)
- Vilonia, AR (12)
- Wesley, AR (6)
- West Fork, AR (10)
- West Memphis, AR (4)
- Winslow, AR (9)
- Witter, AR (5)
- Wooster, AR (8)