Home Care in Cedar Rapids, IA

Cedar Rapids is a culturally rich city in eastern Iowa known for its museums, parks and historical sites. This city, which has a senior community that makes up a little over 16% of its nearly 140,000 residents, is listed on the AARP Age-Friendly Network, indicating that it’s among the best communities in Iowa for retirement. Its livability score places in the top half of communities in the nation for factors such as its diverse housing options, access to transportation and health care amenities. A comparatively small portion of residents’ income is spent on housing, and there are many subsidized housing options for those with limited incomes, which may make it financially viable for you to remain independent in the community.

There are two hospitals located in Cedar Rapids proper, including St. Luke’s Hospital and Mercy Medical Center – Cedar Rapids, offering services for diverse medical needs. The city also has numerous home care agencies to see to your daily nonmedical needs, making it a great option if you need regular assistance but want to continue living in your own home.

According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, home care agencies in Cedar Rapids charge approximately $5,529 per month for home care. This type of care includes basic services such as housekeeping, personal care and medication reminders. Home health care, which includes skilled nursing along with nonmedical services, has the same monthly rate. This is based on 44 hours of care per week at $29 per hour.

By comparison, Iowa’s home care rate is the same as Cedar Rapids, but the average home health care rate is slightly higher at $5,577. Nationally, both types of care are cheaper, with facilities charging $4,957 for in-home care and $5,148 for home health care.

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

In Cedar Rapids, you can expect to pay $5,529 per month for both home care and home health care, which is moderate compared to other cities in Iowa. About 30 miles away in Iowa City, local care costs exceed the average by nearly $800, coming in at $4,767. In Dubuque, care costs average $5,291, about $240 less than in Cedar Rapids. Seniors in Des Moines pay $5,815 for services, $300 more than in Cedar Rapids.

Meals on Wheels

What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels is a service of Horizons, a local nonprofit organization that provides supportive services to individuals and families in the Cedar Rapids region. Depending on your needs, you can receive meals on an ongoing basis or for a short duration after a hospital stay, an injury or an illness. The organization also operates congregate dining sites throughout the region, including one at Horizons Brownstone in Cedar Rapids. Meals are served daily from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and they’re available to those aged 60 and over with a suggested donation of $5 and to those aged 59 and under for a donation of $6.

Who Is Eligible?
Meals on Wheels services are available to those who are housebound and can’t obtain or prepare meals on their own due to advanced age, an illness or a disability. Depending on your resources, you may be required to make a donation to cover the cost of your meals.

How to Get Started
To get more information on home-delivered meals as well as the other programs available through this organization, you can contact the main office at (877) 653-3123.

Heritage Area Agency on Aging

What You Should Know
The Heritage Area Agency on Aging is an independent nonprofit organization that supports seniors’ independence at home. It offers a wide range of services that may make it possible for you to age in place, including options counseling, caregiver counseling and information and referrals for community-based services. It provides respite services, as well as funding on a limited basis, to supplement the care you get from a family caregiver, including light housekeeping, meal preparation and companionship.

Who Is Eligible?
All individuals aged 60 and over can get personalized information and referral services through the Area Agency on Aging. Eligibility for services such as home-delivered meals and in-home care may be dependent on income or a needs assessment.

How to Get Started
To obtain services through the Heritage Area Agency on Aging, you can call the main office toll-free at (800) 332-5934. The office is available on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Hawkeye Area Community Action Program

What You Should Know
Hawkeye Area Community Action Program is a regional nonprofit agency that supports the financial stability of residents in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding cities. It operates the Energy Assistance Program, which can help you afford high electric bills during very hot or very cold months by paying for a portion of your bill. In most cases, the credit is paid directly to your service provider. When you apply for this program, you’re automatically enrolled in the Weatherization program, which provides on-site assessments to determine ways to improve your home’s comfort while reducing your energy expenditures.

Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for assistance through HACAP, you must have low or very low income.

How to Get Started
To apply for services or get more information on eligibility requirements, you can contact the corporate office at (319) 393-7811.

Disabled and Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit/Rent Reimbursement

What You Should Know
Iowa has two programs that can help you reduce your housing expenses, including the Disabled and Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit and the Iowa Elderly and Disabled Citizen’s Rent Reimbursement program. The property tax credit is available to qualified homeowners and ranges between 25% and 100% of your property tax bill, depending on your household income. Similarly, seniors who rent their homes may qualify for a rent reduction between 25% and 100% up to $1,000 per month.

Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the property tax credit, you must be at least 65 years old or totally disabled. Your income must also fall within the program’s limits.

How to Get Started
You must file your claim for the property tax credit by June 1 of the year prior to the fiscal year when the property taxes are due. Extensions may be available on a case-by-case basis through the Linn County Treasurer. To get more information, you can contact the treasurer at (319) 892-5500 or email [email protected].

Abbehealth Aging Services

What You Should Know
Abbehealth Aging Services is a program of UnityPoint Health, a nonprofit health care organization that serves as the largest health and medical services provider in the state. It operates the Home Repair Services program, which provides services to keep your home in safe condition, such as yard care, home modifications and basic home repairs. It has a transportation program for nonemergency medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores and other personal errands. It also operates the respite program, an in-home care option that provides relief to family caregivers with services such as companionship, personal care, light housekeeping and medication reminders. Financial assistance may be available to those who meet income qualifications.

Who Is Eligible?
Programs through Abbehealth Aging Services are available to older adults in the Cedar Rapids region. Some programs may have specific eligibility requirements related to age, income and functional needs.

How to Get Started
General information on Abbehealth Aging Services is available by calling the main office at (319) 398-3647 or submitting a message online. To arrange for home repair services, submit the Aging Services Home Repair & Accessibility Program Application, and to access transportation, fill out the Aging Services Transportation Program Application. You can learn more about respite services by calling (319) 373-3494.