The 5 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Altoona, PA for 2024

Known for its museums and the Horseshoe Curve landmark, Altoona, PA, is a peaceful yet vibrant city for older adults. According to U.S. Census data, seniors comprise 16.5% of the population, equating to about 7,253 people aged 65 or over within the city’s population of 43,963. Health care facilities are highly accessible within Altoona, as minimal travel is required to reach medical clinics or dentists, and the UPMC Altoona Hospital provides local emergency treatment. Home care costs $4,290 in Altoona, which is nearly $700 cheaper than the national median. This type of care includes services similar to assisted living, whereas home health care can also include skilled nursing, therapy and other licensed medical services.

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

Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey lists the average monthly cost of home care in Altoona at $4,290, which is lower than the state median across Pennsylvania and the national cost, both of which are $4,957. Looking at other cities in the state, Pittsburgh is one of the most expensive locations to access home care at $5,196 per month. In contrast, Bloomsburg offers similar affordability to Altoona at $4,242 monthly. Home care costs in the Philadelphia area top the list at over $1,000 more than Altoona, making this location one of the most expensive places for seniors in the state.

Most types of care are very affordable in Altoona, so seniors considering home care may want to examine all their options before deciding. Assisted living averages $4,030 in Altoona, which is slightly cheaper than the state cost of $4,100. Adult day health care costs $1,625, making it an affordable option for temporary or occasional coverage when family caregivers need a break. Home health care, which includes services such as skilled nursing and medication management, is $4,290 monthly. A semiprivate room in a nursing home is the most expensive option, at $9,946.

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.