Home Care in Boise, ID

As Idaho’s capital city and the seat of Ada County, Boise is a vibrant, welcoming city that’s become a popular retirement destination. Close to 14% of Boise’s 228,959 residents are seniors aged 65 and older, and there are plenty of area attractions and amenities geared toward retirees.

If you’re an art lover, you’ll find plenty of museums and public art in the area, including the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, which offers seniors discounted annual memberships. For unique shops and restaurants, be sure to explore the pedestrian-friendly downtown district, especially during the holiday season when the area is decked out in holiday lights and decor.

Boise is well-known for it’s stunning natural spaces, including the 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt that winds along the river through multiple public parks. There are also plenty of exciting nearby destinations for day trippers, including the Vegas-style Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort and Hotel as well as the dozens of area wineries and tasting rooms.

According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, you can expect to pay around $4,576 per month for Boise home care services. This figure is based on 44 hours of care per week, which works out to an hourly rate of $24.

Home health care services, which are similar to home care, also cost an average of $4,576 per month. This type of care includes limited medical assistance, such as medication management, blood pressure checks and ostomy care, in addition to the services offered by home care providers.

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

The cost of home care and home health care services average $4,576 per month in Boise, which are the same as the rates paid in neighboring Twin Falls, and just above the statewide average of $4,481 for either type of in-home care. Seniors in Lewiston pay about $4,767 for both home care and home health care, while Idaho Falls has the lowest rates in the state at $3,813 per month for both types of care.

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.

Dick Eardley Boise Senior Center

What You Should Know
The Dick Eardley Boise Senior Center is a city-run community center for adults aged 62 and older. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m to 5 p.m., the center offers a wide range of free and low-cost scheduled activities, drop-in programs and special events that you can enjoy.

On the second Friday of each month, there’s a group birthday celebration for members, complete with lunch, birthday cake and presents. AARP tax aide clinics are held every year, and a daily hot lunch is served at the center.

Who Is Eligible?
As a Boise senior, you’re welcome to participate in any of the programs and activities offered at the Dick Eardley Boise Senior Center.

How to Get Started
For up-to-date program information, and to reserve a spot at the daily hot lunch service, call the center at (208) 608-7580.

Valley Regional Transit

What You Should Know
Valley Regional Transit is the local public transit provider for Boise, Garden City, Caldwell and Nampa. As a senior, you qualify for half-price fares on all routes, and if you use a mobility device, you’ll be happy to hear that all buses can safely accommodate wheelchairs, power scooters and walkers.

Valley Regional Transit also operates a number of specialized services, including Rides2Wellness, a low-cost, shared-ride service that you can use to travel to area medical centers and clinics. You can also use the Lyft Transit Connection service to get a low-cost ride to the nearest bus stop, and there’s a dedicated paratransit service called ACCESS for riders who need curb-to-curb transit service due to disability.

Who Is Eligible?
Anyone can use the regular fixed-route bus service, Rides2Wellness and the Lyft Transit Connection service. If you’re interested in the ADA ACCESS service, you’ll need to be certified as eligible by your primary care provider before you can make a ride reservation.

How to Get Started
For more information on Valley Regional Transit routes, schedules and services, call the help desk at (208) 345-7433.

City of Boise’s Home Improvement Loan Program

What You Should Know
The city-sponsored home improvement loan program provides low-income homeowners in Boise with access to between $1,000 and $60,000 in funding at an annual interest rate of 3%. In most cases, you’ll have one year to repay every $1,000 you borrow.

Money from this program can be used to make critical repairs to your home, such as upgrades to your heating and cooling system and roofing repairs. You can also use the program to make your home safer by installing raised toilets and bathroom grab bars, or a wheelchair ramp or stair lift.

Who Is Eligible?
If you own a home in Boise, your credit score is at least 620 and your household income is at or below 80% of the area’s median income, you may qualify for a low-interest home improvement loan through the city. You’ll also need to have equity built up in your home, and your debt can’t exceed 50% of your income.

How to Get Started
For more information, call the City of Boise’s Home Improvement Coordinator at (208) 570-6844.

Area 3 Senior Services Agency

What You Should Know
Area 3 Senior Services Agency is the federally mandated Area Agency on Aging for Boise and the surrounding region. This nonprofit organization provides a wide range of free and low-cost services and supports to help seniors remain healthy, active and independent as they age.

Who Is Eligible?
Seniors, their family members and caregivers are eligible to access the services offered by Area 3.

As a senior, you can call the Agency to learn about state and federal benefit programs, sign up for emergency food box deliveries, and speak with an elder law specialist. Services also include case management to help you plan for your care needs now and in the future.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the programs and services offered by Area 3, call (208) 898-7060.

Metro Meals on Wheels 

What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels is a low-cost, home-delivered meal service that provides homebound seniors with healthy, hot lunches every weekday. Frozen prepared meals are also available if you need extra help maintaining a balanced diet on weekends.

Volunteer drivers distribute the meals while also conducting a quick wellness check on each client. You can use Meals on Wheels on a temporary basis while recovering from illness or injury, as well as on an ongoing basis to help you remain independent in your own home.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re a senior who struggles to shop for groceries or prepare your own meals, you can sign up for Meals on Wheels service. There’s no income limit, and you’ll be asked to make a small donation to cover some of the cost of your meals if you’re able to.

How to Get Started
To learn more about Meals on Wheels, call the Services & Volunteer Coordinator at (208) 321-0031.