The 5 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Greenwood, SC for 2024

Home to an estimated 22,000 residents, 15% of whom are seniors, Greenwood is a vibrant community that fosters access to social and recreational opportunities, health care amenities and long-term care options. Its low cost of living and retiree-friendly state income tax laws enable many seniors to maintain a comfortable standard of living, and the local number of doctors per capita exceeds the national norm by about 30%. Several home care agencies serve the region, promoting seniors’ independence through personalized care services, companionship and help with household chores. While home care agencies don’t provide skilled nursing services, seniors can obtain this type of care from one of the city’s home health care providers. On average, seniors pay $4,671 per month for both types of care.

Below we've compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the Greenwood 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.

According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, home care agencies in Greenwood charge $4,671 per month for full-time care, which is higher than South Carolina’s norm of $4,433 but competitive compared to the nation’s median rate of $4,957. In Sumter, costs exceed Greenwood’s norm by nearly $300, but care costs are competitive in other nearby cities. Rates in Columbia are about $300 less than in Greenwood, and in Florence and Spartanburg, care costs are even lower at $4,195 and $4,076, respectively.

Home care clients in Greenwood pay $4,671 per month for nonmedical services. Home health care, which is similar but includes skilled nursing, is available for the same monthly rate, although some agencies charge higher fees for specialized care. Seniors may save over $900 per month, plus the cost of most living expenses, by opting for assisted living, and seniors who attend adult day health care as an alternative to home care pay even lower rates of $1,408. Nursing home care, which includes 24-hour medical supervision and services, is costlier than home care at $7,543.

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 to pay 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 nonmedical 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 services 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 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 tax-free portion of your home's equity in cash. 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 have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.