The 5 Best In-Home Care Services in Northern Cambria for 2023
Northern Cambria is part of the Johnstown metropolitan area. The cost of living is low compared to the national average, and the overall rate of crime is low, as well, which makes it a safe place for seniors to live. The borough has a population of around 3,500 people, with 15% aged 60 and older. To help those adults make informed decisions, this guide includes a comprehensive look at the cost of all types of long-term care in Northern Cambria. It also includes the cost of home care in cities throughout the state and offers a list of resources for seniors who prefer to age in place.
Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the Northern Cambria 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.
Directory of Home Care Services in Northern Cambria, PA
Home Instead – Duncansville, PA
1923 Plank Rd, Duncansville, PA, 16635
VNA of Indiana County
850 Hospital Road, Suite 3000, Indiana, PA, 15701
Guardian Home Care Specialties
900 Porter Ave, Scottdale, PA, 15683
Homewatch CareGivers Serving Central Pennsylvania and Johnstown – CLOSED
351 Budfield Street, Johnstown, PA, 15904
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Paying for Home Care in Northern Cambria, PA
The Cost of Home Care in Northern Cambria, PA
Home care in Northern Cambria averages $4,080 monthly compared to $4,576 statewide. The national monthly average is $4,481, according to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Comparing cities throughout the state, Erie and Philadelphia home care costs are the same at $4,767. Pittsburgh seniors pay around $4,576 and those in Gettysburg pay $4,481.
The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Northern Cambria, PA
It’s important to consider the cost of other types of care, especially for those on a budget. Seniors who prefer to remain in their homes can choose between home care and home health, which have a monthly cost of $4,080 and $4,195. Adult day health, which provides care only during the day, averages $5,417 per month. An assisted living community is around $3,025 and nursing homes, which provide the most intensive levels of care, are $8,973 for a semiprivate room and $9,581 for a private room.
Note: Data for Northern Cambria was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Johnstown, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Northern Cambria, PA
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.
Free & Low-Cost Home Care Resources in Northern Cambria, PA
The table below shows free and low-cost resources for seniors in Northern Cambria who want to keep living at home as they age rather than moving into assisted living or a nursing home. There is information on services to help keep heating and cooling systems running efficiently and well as help paying for these costs as well as minor home repairs. Resources for nutrition, including home delivered meals, and socialization are also available.
Resource
Contact
Service
(814) 886-4147
The Cambria County Area Agency on Aging provides programs and services that improve the quality of life and promote independence, dignity and well-being for seniors in the area. These programs include caregiver support, health insurance counseling, protective services, farmer’s market vouchers and home-delivered meals.
(866) 466-3972
The Pennsylvania Weatherization Program helps seniors improve the energy efficiency of their homes to save money on energy bills and to increase comfort indoors during the winter. To be eligible, a senior must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Services include modification of an existing heating system or replacement, minor home repairs to increase health and safety, locating leaks throughout the home and installation of insulation in attics, walls, basements and crawl spaces.
(866) 857-7095
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides a cash grant to low-income seniors to help them pay for their heating bills. Seniors who face disconnection may apply for crisis grants for immediate assistance. These grants provide a one-time payment that covers energy costs throughout an entire season. These grants typically range from $500 to $1,500.
(724) 935-1877
Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered, nutritious meals to older adults in their homes. The program targets those who are unable to prepare their own meals and those who can’t afford groceries on their own. It also provides companionship and health and safety checks for those living alone.
(814) 948-6711
The Northern Cambria Senior Center provides activities, classes and socialization for seniors aged 60 and older. These activities include arts and crafts, games, exercise, outings and transportation.
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 – oftentimes 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of services can a home care agency in Northern Cambria provide?
Home care in Northern Cambria refers to any type of professional service that allows seniors to remain in their homes safely and for as long as possible. Home care agencies help their clients manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes or COPD, or can help individuals who are recovering from a medical setback, such as a broken leg or hurt back. This type of service may also provide help with activities of daily living, such as housekeeping and meal prep.
What is the difference between in-home care and home health care?
The main differences between in-home care and home health is that home health provides medical attention and in-home care doesn’t. In-home care focuses on companionship and help with things like bathing, dressing, meals, transportation and cleaning. Home health assists with therapy and rehabilitation. Home health providers also offer short and long-term nursing care.
How can I find home care agencies near me with availability?
To locate a home care agency, first assess your needs or the needs of a loved one to determine what type of care is required. Then, perform a quick search at Caring.com to locate in-home care options close by. Contact the agencies listed to see who has openings and to discuss costs and types of care. It’s also helpful to get referrals from friends and family members who’ve had experience with in-home care in the area.
Assisted living homes vs. home care: how to decide?
Assisted living homes are residential care facilities that allow seniors to maintain their independence while having certain needs provided, including room and board, socialization with peers and a schedule of daily activities. Home care allows seniors to remain in their homes as long as possible while receiving help with daily living activities. To determine what type of help your loved one needs, it’s helpful to make a list of pros and cons of both assisted living and home care and review what’s most important.
What is private pay home care?
Private pay home care refers to an individual or family member who uses existing savings and assets to cover the cost of in-home care. Private pay is also referred to as out-of-pocket care or private duty. Individuals who pay for in-home care on their own typically use savings, pensions, assets or family member contributions.