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

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.

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.   

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.  

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.