I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Canton, OH

Located in northeast Ohio just to the southeast of Akron and about an hour south of Lake Erie, Canton is a city with historical sites, museums and a vibrant local arts scene. Seniors make up around 14% of the population or around 9,900 people who are age 65 and older in the area. These seniors can enjoy a cost of living that’s around 25% lower than the national average, and the state provides moderate tax breaks to retirees on income taxes, which makes the area quite affordable for those on a budget.

If you don’t like the heat, you may find summers pleasant, with average highs around 83. Winters are cold, with above-average amounts of snowfall. For seniors with short- or long-term illnesses, Aultman Hospital is located near the center of town, and Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital is just a few miles away. Both provide emergency care and treatment for a wide range of conditions, including cardiac care and geriatrics. The benefits, combined with the number of home care and home health care options, make Canton an excellent location to retire.

II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Canton, OH

Home care and home health care are two options that let seniors remain in their homes while still receiving the care they need. Home care, which assists with activities of daily living, costs around $4,814 per month in Canton, which averages out to $25.25 per hour based on 44 hours of care. Home health care is another option, which also includes light medical services, such as skilled nursing and therapy. Home health care in Canton runs slightly less at $4,767 per month, or around $25 per hour. These averages are based on the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

Home care in Canton is around $4,814 per month, which is slightly less than the state and national averages of $4,957. The cost of home health care is $4,767, which is less than the state average of $5,053 per month and around $381 less than the national average of $5,148 per month.

The cost of both services in Mansfield and Youngstown are the same at $4,576 and $4,290 per month, respectively. In Akron, home care is $4,052 and home health care is $4,576.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

Long-term care costs vary depending on the level of care and the types of services provided. Adult day care is the least expensive option, at $1,381, for seniors who only need help during the day. Home care is $4,814, and home health care is $4,767. Both are less than room and board and care in an assisted living community at $4,905 per month. A private room in a nursing home provides the most comprehensive care at $7,589 per month.

III. How to Find Home Care in Canton, OH

Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Canton, OH.

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Canton, OH

Staying Home

What You Should Know

Provided by Direction Home Akron Canton, which serves as the local Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities, Staying Home is a program that provides a variety of services to help seniors remain in their homes for as long as possible. These services include transportation for medical appointments, errands and trips to the local senior centers. It also includes minor home modifications, personal care services, adult day services, emergency response systems and home-delivered meals.

Who Is Eligible?

To determine eligibility, a free in-home assessment is performed by one of the ADRC registered nurses. These assessments are used to determine long-term care needs.

How to Get Started

To get started and to learn more about the available resources, contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center at (877) 770-5558.

Housing Rehabilitation Program

What You Should Know

The housing rehabilitation program is administered by the City of Alliance and funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The program helps address the health and safety issues in senior dwellings through needed home repairs. These repairs help bring a house up to code through inspections. The repairs may include roof replacements, repairing stairs and porches, repair or replacement of windows and doors and repairing cracks in floors and ceilings.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to individuals and families in Stark County who meet the current income requirements as set by the housing rehabilitation program.

How to Get Started

For additional information on Housing Rehabilitation, contact the program at (330) 821-6020 or by email at [email protected].

Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

What You Should Know

HWAP is provided by the Stark County Community Action Agency. This program helps seniors increase the energy efficiency of their homes to lower utility bills. These repairs may include installation of insulation, repair or replacement of water heaters and HVAC systems, installing new sidewalls, heating ducts and flooring and the reduction of air loss from major sources like doors and windows.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible individuals must be at least 18 years of age or older and reside in the home for at least the past 12 months. The applicant must also meet poverty income guidelines, be a U.S. citizen, provide proof of homeownership and be the individual responsible for the home utility bills.

How to Get Started

Download and fill out an application and submit it by mail to HWAP, 3013 Mahoning Rd. NE, Canton, OH 44705. For questions about the program, send an email to the HWAP general email or call (330) 452-9823.

Lead Safe Canton

What You Should Know

Lead Safe Canton is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help low-income families remove lead-based paint and other hazards within their homes. Additional improvements may include replacing doors, windows, siding and roofs. The city aids up to 160 households each year.

Who Is Eligible?

Seniors may qualify for the program if they live in a home that was built prior to 1978. Individuals must also live within the city limits of Canton, have homeowners insurance and be up to date with both insurance and home mortgage payments. Property taxes must be current, and the gross annual household income must be less or equal to 80% of the area median income.

How to Get Started

Fill out and print the lead hazard control program application and email it to [email protected]. You may also ask questions about the program by calling (330) 489-3040.

Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio

What You Should Know

Meals on Wheels helps address the nutritional needs of seniors throughout northeast Ohio. The program delivers hot meals directly to your door 5 days per week on both a short-term and a long-term basis. Volunteers can also provide companionship to those without family or friends close by and offer safety checks to those who live alone. Seniors who own pets can receive assistance with cat or dog food.

Who Is Eligible?

All seniors or those with disabilities may receive services through the Meals on Wheels program. The program is not restricted based on income, age or disability. Depending on your income, you may have to pay a small fee for services.

How to Get Started

To sign up to receive meals, contact the program at (330) 515-5605 or email [email protected]. You may also fill out the Meals on Wheel contact form online.

Stark County Homestead Exemption

What You Should Know

The Stark County Homestead Exemption helps lower the amount of property tax a senior owes each year. This exemption lowers the property tax obligation of your home by up to $25,000. As a result, seniors may save up to $400 per year on their property tax bill.

Who Is Eligible?

Seniors ages 65 and older may apply for homestead exemption in Stark County. Veterans or those with permanent disabilities automatically receive the exemption.

How to Get Started

To apply for the homestead exemption, please contact the Stark County auditor’s office at (330) 451-7357.