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

New Oxford has a population of around 1,800, 358 of whom are seniors. They’re part of the larger population in Adams County, which, according to the 2020 Census, is almost 104,000 strong. The county’s 65+ age group makes up just over 21% of the population, above the U.S. average of 16.5%. The median cost for home care services in New Oxford is $4,481, which is typical for the country but lower than average for Pennsylvania. Home care shouldn’t be confused with home health care, which is an in-home service that includes basic medical support from skilled nurses and therapists. Other health care providers serving seniors in the area include the New Oxford Medical Center and the Gettysburg Hospital.

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

The 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey found that the typical senior in New Oxford pays $4,481 per month for home care, which is about $95 less than normal for the state and equal to the national average. However, it’s not the most affordable in the region, a position held by Chambersburg where the average is $4,267. Seniors considering moving to larger towns will probably have to increase their budgets as nearby cities, such as Harrisburg and York, typically charge $4,528 and $4,576 respectively.

At $4,481, the average costs for home care and home health care are identical despite the latter also providing basic medical assistance from registered nurses and therapists. Both services are also more costly than the typical assisted living facility, which charges $3,443 for care, although home care agencies are less costly than the $10,889 nursing homes typically charge for semiprivate rooms. If the senior is able to attend, adult day centers offer the most affordable care at $1,192 per month.

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.