The 5 Best In Home Care Service in Billings, MT for 2023
Billings, Montana, is a convenient and affordable city for more active seniors to retire to. It was ranked in the top 100 U.S. cities for both transportation and quality of living by Caring’s 2022 Senior Living Report, which noted the low housing costs and high social involvement index. Seniors in Billings have access to several hospitals. For example, the Billings Clinic provides primary and specialty care and is equipped to deal with seniors’ medical needs.
Both home care and home health care services cost on average $5,720 each month, according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Home care differs from home health care as it does not include medical services performed by medical professionals.
Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in Billings– 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.
Directory of Home Care Services in Billings, MT
Right at Home Billings, MT
1215 24th St W, Suite 105, Billings, MT, 59102
Visiting Angels – Billings
1211 Grand Ave, Billings, MT, 59102
SYNERGY HomeCare of Billings
513 Hilltop, Suite #3, Billings, MT, 59105
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Paying for Home Care in Billings, MT
The Cost of Home Care in Billings, MT
Billings is an expensive city for home care in comparison to neighboring cities in Montana. Monthly costs for home care in Billings are slightly higher than the state average of $5,339, with a difference of $381. In fact, compared to the other cities in Montana surveyed by Genworth, only Billings surpasses the state average. Great Falls has a monthly average of $4,698 and Missoula an average of $5,243. Billings is also more expensive monthly than the national average of $4,957. Nearby city Idaho Falls has a cost of $5,720, reflecting neighboring Idaho’s higher state average of $5,434.
The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Billings, MT
Average home care and home health care costs in Billings are the same at $5,720 per month. The difference between home care and home health care is that home health care includes medical services. This involves wound care or sometimes occupational, physical and speech therapy. Home care is more expensive than both adult day health care and an assisted living facility, which are $3,467 and $4,564, respectively, but it also provides seniors with greater freedom and comfort in their own homes. In contrast, skilled nursing care in a home costs around $1885 more.
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Billings, MT
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.
Billings 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 Billings:
Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County
Address: 1505 Avenue D, Billings, MT 59102
Phone number: (406) 259-2849
The State Office of Aging contracts with the Adult Resource Alliance to bring seniors the assistance and resources needed for aging in place with the highest possible levels of independence, safety and dignity. Its RIDES program takes adults aged 60 and older to and from medical visits, shopping trips and community events. For a nominal contribution, Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver hot, nutritious lunches on weekdays and frozen meals on weekends and holidays.
Medicaid Community First Choice Self-Directed Personal Assistance Program (CFC-SDPAS)
Address: 1201 Grand Avenue, Billings, MT 59102
Phone number: (406) 259-5181
CFC-SDPAS is an initiative that allows seniors and people with disabilities to manage their own in-home care support. Clients can recruit, hire, train and supervise caregivers that work in their residences. Services may include personal assistance with activities of daily living, light housekeeping and laundry, grocery shopping and medical escorts. The nonprofit agency LIFTT acts as a liaison for CFC-SDPAS in Billings.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) & Energy Share
Address: 7 North 31st Street, Billings, MT 59101
Phone number: (406) 247-4778
LIEAP can pay part of a qualifying applicant’s heating bill during the heating season of October through April each year. Most LIEAP recipients can also get a discount on their bills. Energy Share offers a one-time emergency assistance loan available year-round for eligible individuals facing utility disconnections or furnace repairs or replacements. These programs are partially or wholly funded by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Big Sky Senior Services
Address: 935 Lake Elmo Drive, Suite B, Billings, MT 59105
Phone number: (406) 259-3111
Big Sky Senior Services provides comprehensive in-home support services to help older residents and individuals with disabilities maintain their independence. Its Senior Helping Hands initiative offers personal care, nursing services, homemaking support, respite care and safety planning. The Friends Volunteer Program connects volunteers with clients through regular check-up phone calls, visits or shopping trips. Lend-A-Hand Volunteers schedule visits as needed for minor chores, repairs, snow removal or errands. Pet Care Services is available to assist with pet needs as well.
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.
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.
