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In-Home Care in Oregon

Oregon has a total population of 4,246,155, with 18.2% aged 65 and over. The state has multiple advantages that may appeal to older adults, including world-class health care facilities such as the top-ranked OSHU Hospital and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. Oregon is somewhat tax-friendly for senior citizens, as there’s no tax on Social Security benefits.

Seniors can expect to pay $6,006 per month for home care. This type of care — also called in-home care — assists with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing and dressing, along with light housekeeping, laundry and shopping services. Home health care, on the other hand, provides medical services for seniors aging in place. These services may include but aren’t limited to physical therapy, wound care and preventative medical care.

This guide contains cost information and comparisons for home care in Oregon, as well as information about applying for Medicaid and COVID-19 regulations for health care providers. A list of free resources for Oregon seniors is also included.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Oregon

The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey reports the cost of home care in Oregon as $6,006 per month. Although this is slightly higher than the national average of $4,957, it’s less expensive than Washington’s monthly average cost of $6,547 for in-home care. California is also costlier at $6,101 per month for home care, while Idaho is a bit lower at $5,434. Nevada is one of the least expensive states in the area with a cost of $5,148 per month for in-home care.

Oregon

$6006

The United States

$4957

Washington

$6547

Idaho

$5434

Nevada

$5148

California

$6101

Oregon’s cities have varying home care costs. Portland is the most expensive locale at $7,146 per month for home care, while Bend is hundreds of dollars less at $6,435. Salem and Corvallis both have a monthly average cost of $6,101 for in-home care. Albany and Eugene have an estimated per-month cost of $5,911 for home care, while Grants Pass is about $500 less at $5,482 for in-home care per month.

Portland

$7146

Salem

$6101

Corvallis

$6101

Albany

$5911

Eugene

$5911

Grants Pass

$5482

Seniors in Oregon have different care types from which to choose. In addition to in-home care ($6,006), there’s home health care ($6,101) for those who need medical services. Assisted living ($5,045) delivers assistance with daily tasks in a homelike setting, often with multiple amenities. For seniors who need care during the day, adult day health care may be an option ($2,654). Nursing home care in a semiprivate room, which is the most expensive care type at $10,342 per month, is for seniors who need 24/7 supervision and skilled nursing care.

In-Home Care

$6006

Home Health Care

$6101

Nursing Home Car

$10342

Assisted Living

$5045

Adult Day Health Care

$2654

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Oregon?

Oregon Medicaid — which is called the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) — covers in-home care through the Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver. This waiver is for senior Medicaid recipients who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and aren’t currently receiving long-term care services, such as nursing home facility care. This program also provides a monthly benefit to seniors aging in place who receive unpaid care from family members.

Home Care Waiver Programs in Oregon

Older adults in Oregon who receive Medicaid may also qualify for the Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver. In addition to regular Oregon Health Plan benefits such as preventative care, prescriptions and emergency services, seniors can receive in-home care that provides help with everyday activities.

Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver

The Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver is for seniors who don’t currently receive long-term services through Medicaid and need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). This waiver may also cover instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). These services include but aren’t limited to:

  • Toileting
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Mobility
  • Housekeeping
  • Meal Preparation
  • Shopping

To apply for this waiver or find out more about eligibility and what’s covered, contact your local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Aging and People with Disabilities Office (APD) or Area Agency on Aging (AAA).

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Oregon

In order to qualify for the Oregon Health Plan, your household income must not exceed certain amounts. Single seniors can’t make more than $10,092 in a year, while couples can’t earn a combined income in excess of $15,132. There are also asset limits — for singles, the asset limit is $2,000. Couples’ assets can’t exceed $3,000 in value.

Oregon seniors must also meet additional requirements in order to receive Medicaid, such as:

  • Must be age 65 or older, or
  • Blind and/or disabled
  • Must be an Oregon resident
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen

How to Apply for Medicaid in Oregon

There are multiple ways to apply for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Apply online through the Oregon Eligibility (ONE) website, which is also where you can report changes and renew coverage.

You can also apply with a paper application. They’re available in many languages, and they can be printed and faxed, mailed or delivered in person to your local Oregon DHS office. Call OHP Customer Service at 800-699-9075 to have a paper application mailed to you or apply by phone.

What Information You Will Need

All Medicaid applicants must provide documentation when applying for coverage. Some of the verifications you’ll be asked to submit when applying for Oregon Medicaid include:

  • Identification
  • Social Security card
  • Citizenship documents if applicable
  • Proof of all income
  • Copies of insurance policies
  • Documentation of all assets

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Oregon seniors who need help with their Medicaid application have multiple options. In addition to the main OHP location, assistance is available through the national Medicaid site. In addition, Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) throughout the state also help with OHP applications and provide other free services for older adults.

ProgramContactAreaServedServices provided
Oregon Health Plan (OHP)(800) 699-9075Entire stateSeniors can apply for Medicaid through the Oregon.gov OHP page and find FAQs that may be helpful with completing their application. Telephone help is also available on weekdays.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)Location-dependentEntire stateContact your local Area Agency on Aging for help with Oregon Health Plan applications. These agencies also provide many other resources for the state’s older adults. The website lists each AAA and its contact information, so it's easy to find the one closest to your home.
Medicaid.gov(877) 267-2323Entire stateThe national Medicaid site has a toll-free number and email address that seniors can contact for help with OHP applications. Information on the site may answer many questions about the Medicaid application process.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Oregon?

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 Oregon

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 Oregon

Oregon seniors who receive in-home care — or those considering it — have ample free resources at their disposal, including free legal aid services, transportation and meal delivery. Low-income seniors can also receive home repair grants and help with rental costs, among other helpful services.

ResourceContactAreaServedService
Legal Assistance Development Program(855) 673-2372Entire StateThe Legal Assistance Development Program helps Oregon’s seniors receive free legal assistance. Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) work with legal organizations throughout the state to provide funding for elderly legal services. Priority services are available to elderly adults determined to be in the greatest need.
Ride Connection(503) 226-0700Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington countiesRide Connection provides door-to-door service for seniors and disabled residents in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. This private nonprofit organization’s transportation services are free, although donations are gladly accepted.
Elderly Rental Assistance (ERA)2-1-1Entire stateSeniors who need help paying their rent may qualify for Elderly Rental Assistance (ERA). Local community action agencies provide information and take applications. For telephone help with this resource, dial 2-1-1.
Home Repair Grants through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)(202) 708-1112Entire stateState HUD programs help Oregon seniors in need of home repairs. On the Oregon-based HUD webpage, you can find links to local programs providing free or low-cost repair services to Oregon’s elderly residents.
OHCS Energy Assistance Programs(503) 986-2000Entire stateIf you need help paying utility bills, the LIHEAP and OEAP programs provide help with heating and cooling costs to Oregon’s vulnerable residents, which include low-income seniors.
Meals on Wheels(503) 736-6325Multnomah and Washington countiesOregon seniors age 60 and over can receive free hot meal delivery through Meals on Wheels, although contributions are encouraged. This program serves Multnomah and Washington counties.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Oregon

Throughout Oregon, home care providers are regulated by the Oregon Health Authority. This organization oversees the licensing of all in-home care agencies and conducts regular compliance checks. The table below provides an overview of the rules and regulations that in-home care agencies in Oregon are required to follow.

TopicRule
Scope of CareIn-home care agencies may provide assistance with personal care services such as bathing, grooming, mobility, feeding and medication reminding.
Care Plan RequirementsIn-home care agencies in Oregon are required to provide clients with a detailed schedule of care entailing the services they are to receive and who will be providing them.
Medication Management RequirementsCare aides may provide medication reminders but are not permitted to administer medication unless they've undergone an Oregon In-Home Care Agency Medication Training program.
Staff Screening RequirementsAll employees and volunteers who work with in-home care agencies must submit to a criminal records check.
Staff Training RequirementsAll staff must be provided with a comprehensive orientation and in-house training, as well as a competency evaluation, prior to providing care.
Medicaid CoverageThere are three Medicaid programs in Oregon that help seniors pay for long-term care: the Community First Choice program, the Independent Choices Program and the Client-Employed Provider Program.
Reporting AbuseAbuse can be reported to the Department of Human Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Oregon

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.

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Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

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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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