I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Arlington, TX
Arlington is home to 398,860 people, including 46,117 individuals 65 and older. In addition to major-league sports stadiums, the city is home to two gigantic Six Flags theme parks, as well as several inspiring museums and art galleries. Downtown performances at the Levitt Pavilion Arlington and Arlington Music Hall feature top local and internationally acclaimed artists. Dining options, including legendary Texas BBQ, are tough to beat.
Since there is no state income tax in Texas, Arlington retirees get a break: Social Security income and retirement account withdrawals are not taxed. If you want to work during your retirement, the state won’t tax your wages, either. Sales and property taxes are higher than national averages, but an overall lower cost of living may offset this disadvantage for many seniors here.
Beautiful year-round weather with low precipitation also makes Arlington an ideal location for settling down in retirement. Although the city has a higher cost of living compared to other Texas cities, it is still more affordable to live here in retirement than in many places around the country. Should the need arise for in-home services, you can access a myriad of programs for health care, meals, transportation, social support and financial assistance in Arlington.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Arlington, TX
Seniors in Arlington pay an average of $4,385 per month for home care and home health care, according to Genworth Financial 2020 Cost of Care Survey estimates. However, some locations may charge more for home health care, as it involves additional medical services.
The Genworth study averages the monthly costs of home care and home health care based on 44 hours of services per week. Your actual monthly expenses may vary based on how many hours you’ll need each week. Overall, you could typically pay $23.00 per hour for either type of care in Arlington.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
In-home and home health services are more expensive in Arlington than in nearby cities. In Wichita Falls, seniors pay about $950 less for both types of care. The Sherman area sees average costs of $3,718 for homemaker and home health aide support, roughly $670 under Arlington’s medians. In Tyler, home care also costs $3,718, the same as in the Sherman area. Although home health aide care costs about $100 more than homemaker services in Tyler, clients still pay almost $600 less per month than those in Arlington.
Note: Data for Arlington was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Dallas, was used instead.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care and home health aide services are a more affordable option than most other types of senior care in Arlington. Only adult day care is less expensive at an average of $1,571 per month, which is $2,800 cheaper than homemaker and home health care. Assisted living facilities cost barely more at $4,400. A semiprivate room in a nursing home facility is the most expensive arrangement, with a median monthly cost of $5,171.
III. How to Find Home Care in Arlington, TX
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 Arlington, TX.
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 Arlington, TX
Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County
What You Should Know
Administered by the United Way, Tarrant County’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA) provides free information and resources for successful aging at home. Services include benefits counseling, long-term care planning, mobility assistance, caregiver support and evidence-based classes and workshops that promote physical and mental well-being. The agency also offers individual counseling, support groups and supplemental services. This AAA partners with the local Aging and Disability Resource Center, which can link seniors with home safety modification services, home-delivered and congregate meals, and mental health support. Its Gardens on the Go initiative also provides fresh low-cost produce on Saturdays.
Who Is Eligible?
Services are available for people with disabilities or 60 or older and their caregivers. You must reside in Tarrant County.
How to Get Started
To sign up for Tarrant County AAA’s services or obtain more information, call the Arlington office at (817) 548-9595.
Helping Restore Ability
What You Should Know
Helping Restore Ability (HRA) is a nonprofit serving Texans of all ages with disabling conditions such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Its Care Navigation Center customizes action plans that connect clients and their families with public and private programs that support independence at home. The agency coordinates physician-directed, short-term home health care and Consumer Directed Services (CDS) for long-term support. It also arranges veterans home care for qualifying veterans and surviving spouses. If you don’t qualify for governmental assistance, private pay family support can provide a wide range of customized personal care and medical services.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for long-term care through CDS, individuals must have health issues that limit functionality when performing basic activities of daily living. They must also be able to hire, train and supervise service providers or designate a guardian who can do so. Veterans home care clients must be age 65 or older unless eligible for SSDI and 60% homebound. They must also have served at least 90 days of active duty, including one day during wartime.
How to Get Started
Contact HRA at (817) 469-1977 for further details regarding its services and programs.
Arlington Charities
What You Should Know
Arlington Charities gives needy citizens access to food, clothing, medical care and financial assistance. Help for utilities and rent is also available for eligible Arlington residents. On Senior Service Days, the agency partners with a shuttle service to transport mobility-challenged clients in limited areas to the organization’s food pantry. Arlington Charities also provides crisis information and resources to anyone in need.
Who Is Eligible?
Mobile pantries are open to the public with no restrictions or appointments necessary. To qualify for supplemental food, you must be an Arlington resident; Grand Prairie residents must live in Tarrant County or AISD. You need to meet the income requirements listed on a downloadable application. For utilities assistance, you must complete an online application demonstrating financial need.
How to Get Started
To make an appointment with Arlington Charities, get in touch with its office at (817) 275-1511 or schedule one online.
Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels (MOW) of Tarrant County provides and arranges services that can assist older citizens during a short-term recovery or for long-term aging at home. Participants receive two meals on weekdays: a hot lunch and a refrigerated breakfast for the next morning. The agency offers nutrition education, medication management, volunteers for errands, friendly visits and minor home repairs. Through the COVID-19 Supplemental Nutrition Program, needy seniors and their spouses receive a weekly delivery of five frozen meals per person along with fresh produce and canned goods. Clients may also receive food for up to two pets at no cost.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be a Tarrant County resident and homebound, whether temporarily or permanently, to receive MOW services. You must also be unable to prepare your own meals or obtain help doing so on a regular basis. There are no age or income restrictions. To participate in the COVID-19 Supplemental Nutrition Program, you must be at least 60 years of age. Voluntary donations of any amount are welcome but not required. Anyone can refer a person to receive MOW services.
How to Get Started
MOW of Tarrant County accepts referrals by phone at (817) 336-0912 and online. Contact MOW of Tarrant County at (817) 258-6433.
Sixty & Better
What You Should Know
Sixty & Better encourages older Tarrant County residents to increase activity and engagement in the community while cultivating healthy habits for successful aging in the community. The nonprofit offers free services including weekly companion calls, online and phone wellness workshops and chronic disease and diabetes self-management classes. The Aging Mastery Program helps participants set goals for nutrition, relationships, finances, physical fitness, advance care planning and social connections.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be at least 60 years of age and reside in Tarrant County to participate in Sixty & Better’s programs.
How to Get Started
To register for friendly calls or classes, reach out to Sixty & Better by phone at (817) 413-4949 or by email at [email protected].