I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor is a bustling university town with nearly 120,000 residents, of which almost 12% are 65 and older. Livability ranked the city as the second-best place to live in the United States in 2020.
Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan (U-M), one of the top American universities. You can browse through the university’s museums or stroll around the campus. Michigan Medicine, one of the world’s largest health care networks, is also located in the city. It’s ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Michigan and nationally ranked in the top 20 in geriatrics.
Nature lovers should be happy to know that Ann Arbor has many hiking and fishing areas and beautiful garden sites such as the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. If you’re more of a shopper, the historic Kerrytown District is the perfect destination. You can buy fresh produce at the farmers market or visit eclectic shops. Ann Arbor’s position as one of the best places to live in the country, coupled with a prestigious medical facility and many senior-friendly recreational activities, makes it an ideal city for those who want to live at home during their golden years.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Ann Arbor, MI
According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2020, the average cost of home care and home health care services in Ann Arbor are $4,767 and $4,862 per month, respectively. This number is calculated on the assumption of 44 hours of care per week. The monthly cost may be higher or lower, depending on how many hours of care you need. Ann Arbor’s monthly price breaks down to $25 per hour for home care and $25.50 for home health care. You pay a little more per month for home health care as it offers additional services such as light medical care.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Seniors in Ann Arbor can expect to pay the same amount for home care as Detroit, at $4,767 per month, but save about $95 per month for home health care. The state capital of Lansing has a less expensive home care cost than Ann Arbor, at $4,576 per month for both types of in-home care. Jackson, located west of Ann Arbor, has one of the least expensive home care options in the state, with seniors saving almost $400 for home care than those in Ann Arbor.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care is one of the more affordable care options in Ann Arbor. The priciest option is a semiprivate room in a nursing home, which averages $9,429 per month. Data for adult day care in Ann Arbor is unavailable, but it’s generally the least expensive option. For example, the average cost of adult day care in Michigan is $2,080. You also save between $700-$800 for receiving in-home care rather than residing in an assisted living facility. Home care remains a better option overall as you have the opportunity to pay for only the hours you need.
III. How to Find Home Care in Ann Arbor, MI
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 Ann Arbor, MI.
Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Ann Arbor, MI
Volunteer Caregiver Respite
What You Should Know
The Volunteer Caregiver Respite program matches you with a trained volunteer to provide respite help for you and your loved one or primary caregiver. Volunteers visit with you for two to four hours per week to provide nonmedical support, socialization and companionship. Activities you may partake in include playing cards, going for a walk or watching movies. This program can give your caregiver a much-needed break.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is available for qualifying families in Washtenaw County, and homebound adults must be 60 years or older.
How to Get Started
If you want to learn more about the program or your eligibility, call (734) 971-9781 and press “8” for Senior Services. You can also email [email protected].
Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
The Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels program provides home-delivered food for homebound seniors who cannot shop for groceries or prepare meals. The program, which is a part of the Community Health Services at Michigan Medicine, uses a four-week regular menu of Asian, Western, gluten-free, vegetarian and liquid meal options. Before you start receiving meals, you need to undergo an initial assessment and be reassessed every six months.
Who Is Eligible?
There are several eligibility requirements to receive home-delivered meals through Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels. You must be homebound, live within the service area, unable to participate in a congregate nutrition program and unable to receive food or prepare nutritious meals for yourself.
How to Get Started
If you want to apply for this program, complete the application form and either fax it to (734) 998-6277 or mail it to 2025 Traverwood Drive, Suite F, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-2228. If you want more information, you can call (734) 998-6686.
Transportation Services
What You Should Know
The Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County provides low-cost transportation for seniors to various locations in the county. The service includes trips to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies and other sites. It also offers a door-through-door escorted ride to seniors who need personal assistance, and all vans are equipped with accessibility features. Fees for the services start at $30 for a round-trip, but no one is turned away if they can’t pay. You must make reservations at least one day in advance.
Who Is Eligible?
Any Washtenaw County resident is eligible for JFS’s programs, regardless of background, race or religious affiliation. However, you must be a JFS client to use its transportation services. To become a client, you can call (734) 769-0209 and ask for the New Client Specialist.
How to Get Started
If you’d like to schedule a ride or learn more about the fees or the program, you can contact the transportation department at (734) 769-0209 x305.
Michigan Choice Waiver Program
What You Should Know
Eligible seniors who need nursing home level care but want to remain in their homes can apply to the Michigan Choice Waiver Program, operated by Michigan Medicaid. Older adults can receive the essential services covered by Medicaid, including other services such as community transportation, counseling, adult day care, respite services or specialized medical equipment and supplies. You’re also given the option to self-direct your care or hire someone to direct your care for you, and you may employ family members to be paid caregivers. The program also allows you to receive help with home modification, such as adding bathroom safety alterations.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for this program, you must be a Michigan resident, be at least 65 years or older, meet the financial requirements, need a nursing home level of care and require two services provided by the waiver.
How to Get Started
To apply or learn more information about the waiver program, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging at (800) 852-7795 or visit the central office at 29100 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 400, Southfield, MI 48034.
Housing Bureau for Seniors
What You Should Know
Michigan Medicine’s Housing Bureau for Seniors provides older adults, family members and caregivers access to resources and support to find and maintain permanent housing. Housing counseling services are available to help determine if you’re able to remain in your home for the long-term or if there are other options that better fit your current situation. HBS has two programs dedicated to helping older adults age safely at home.
The Elderly Eviction Prevention program helps prevent homelessness among renters who have physical, cognitive or financial difficulties. The Foreclosure Prevention program helps seniors keep their home-ownership and apply for property tax reductions and deferments to prevent foreclosure.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 55 and older can seek HBS services.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in learning more about HBS and the programs it offers, you can call (734) 998-9339, email [email protected] or visit the office at 2401 Plymouth Road, Suite C, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.