The 5 Best Home Care Services for Seniors in Hammond, LA for 2023

Hammond offers seniors access to outdoor attractions such as trails and parks but has the feel of a small city. With a lower-than-average cost of living and comfortable winters that rarely drop below 38 degrees, the city offers perks that may attract those looking for somewhere to retire. Moreover, Hammond has over 21,000 people,12.4% of whom are seniors. It's also home to PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Hammond, which provides long-term care for complex medical management. In this region, seniors can expect to pay $3,623 per month, less than the national norm, for in-home care. However, this doesn't cover medical services, such as skilled nursing, wound care or IV management, which are provided by home health care agencies.

Below we've compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the Hammond 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, seniors in Hammond can expect to pay the statewide average of $3,623 per month for home care. This is significantly less than the national average of $4,957 per month. Care in Hammond is also estimated to be cheaper than in most surrounding areas. In Lafayette, Houma and Baton Rouge, the average cost for home care is $3,813 per month. Prices increase in New Orleans, where seniors can expect to spend around $570 more per month for home care than in Hammond.

While home care averages $3,623 per month for full-time assistance, this cost does not include skilled medical services. Home health care adds those services for around $400 per month more, allowing seniors with medical needs to remain at home. An alternative to home care is assisted living, a residential option providing access to caregivers around the clock plus various amenities for an average of $3,450. For seniors who need more medical care than home health care can provide, a nursing home may be the best option, costing an average of $6,083 per month for a semiprivate room.

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 to pay 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 nonmedical 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 services 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 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 tax-free portion of your home's equity in cash. 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 have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.