The 5 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Brunswick, GA for 2024

Located on Georgia’s southeast coast, Brunswick offers stunning ocean views and plenty of historic charm. The city is home to about 15,000 people, with seniors ages 65 and up representing 16.9% of the population. Brunswick’s senior residents may benefit from the city’s low cost of living and comfortable fall, winter and spring climate. The Southeast Georgia Health System’s Brunswick Campus offers access to medical services including emergency care, a cancer care center, orthopedics and rehabilitation. Seniors who need extra help with daily tasks yet wish to remain in their own homes may choose in-home care for approximately $4,481 per month. For residents who require light medical services, home health care is an option that can assist with physical therapy, medication management and more.

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

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Brunswick’s home care costs stand toward the middle of the cost spectrum at $4,481 per month. This is lower than the national average of $4,957 but above Georgia’s average of $4,290. In comparison to other Georgia cities, Brunswick’s prices are higher than those of Albany and Atlanta by $954 and $191, respectively. Athens, however, shows higher costs than Brunswick at $4,528. Savannah’s in-home care companies also charge more by nearly $300 per month.

At $4,481 per month, Brunswick’s home care services are among the city’s least expensive care options. Home health care, which offers light medical assistance from licensed nurses and/or therapists, costs the same. Adult day care is less expensive at $542, but it does not include the same level of care. Seniors who would like to live in community may choose assisted living for $819 more than in-home care. Nursing home care is most expensive at $7,026, but includes a wider range of services.

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.