I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Brighton, MI
Brighton, Michigan, is a thriving Livingston County community located on the western fringe of the Detroit metropolitan area and about 20 miles north of Ann Arbor. This city of 7,656 has a bustling downtown business district, and there’s plenty of growth around town. As a senior, you’re part of a community where older adults represent nearly 25% of the population. You have access to the city-operated senior center on Spencer Road and an array of other services, including adult education courses. The county also sponsors programs that benefit older adults, such as low-cost Meals on Wheels deliveries.
Local seniors benefit from very low crime rates and a climate that’s more comfortable than most parts of Michigan. You can expect winter lows in the teens and summer highs around 82 degrees. The area is a hot spot for recreation thanks to the nearby Brighton Recreation Area, the Mt. Brighton Ski Resort and Mill Pond Park in the downtown area. These features make Brighton an excellent choice if you want to age in place while delaying or avoiding the need for institutional care.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Brighton, MI
If you live in Brighton, you can expect to pay $4,767 per month for homemaker services and $4,862 per month for home health care services that provide medical assistance. Rates are slightly higher than the national average and the state median. According to data from Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, providers in Brighton and metro Ann Arbor charge $25 to $25.50 per hour, which is $1.50 more than the national average for both types of care. Estimates assume that seniors require 44 hours of weekly care, so your cost can differ depending on the amount of assistance you require.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care in Brighton costs $286 more than other parts of the country and $95-$191 more than the rest of the state depending on the level of support provided. In Detroit, you’ll pay the same average rate for homemaker services and $95 more for home health care. With median rates of $4,576 for both types of care, the capital city of Lansing offers a slightly better value, and home care is even more affordable in Jackson where you’d pay $4,385 for homemaker services and $4,576 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In-home care is an appealing option for many Brighton seniors, especially when considering prices and possible alternatives. Home care and home health care cost $4,767 and $4,862 per month, respectively. Assisted living is slightly more expensive with a median cost of $5,590, and nursing homes in the Brighton area charge approximately $9,429. Pricing information for adult day health care, which includes daytime recreational programming, wasn’t available for Brighton, but these services typically cost $2,080 a month statewide.
III. How to Find Home Care in Brighton, 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 Brighton, 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 Brighton, MI
Area Agency on Aging 1-B
What You Should Know
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B serves seniors, caregivers and disabled adults in Brighton and the surrounding six-county area. This federally funded nonprofit connects residents to the services they need to age in place in their own homes. It provides direct care, and it works closely with community partners that deliver additional services. If you have questions about long-term care or need help to remain in your own home, the AAA is the first organization to call. It can direct you to in-home care, Medicaid waivers, meal deliveries, recreational programs and accessible transportation. It also offers an array of resources for family members and caregivers, including counseling, coaching, online training, support groups and respite care.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone who lives in Brighton or the agency’s six-county service area can contact the AAA for help. Many services are available to seniors starting at age 60, and some programs, such as Medicaid waivers, have financial and medical eligibility criteria. Staff members can determine which programs are available to you.
How to Get Started
Call the Area Agency on Aging at (800) 852-7795 to get started.
Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program
What You Should Know
Based in Howell, Michigan, Western Oakland Meals on Wheels and the Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program work together to serve 750 seniors in Brighton and 19 surrounding cities. These programs provide congregate meals and food deliveries thanks to financial support from the Area Agency on Aging. Clients receive one daily meal Monday through Friday with a minimum of three deliveries per week. Volunteers arrive between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Varied meals satisfy one-third of seniors’ daily nutritional requirements and include favorites like chicken parmesan, turkey burgers, tacos, sloppy Joes and sweet and sour chicken. The program suggests a $3 donation per meal and provides a monthly billing statement. The Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program also provides low-cost Ensure deliveries that give residents access to affordable meal supplements by the case.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify for food deliveries if you’re at least aged 60 or older, are homebound and unable to drive and live in Brighton or another qualifying community in Livingston County or western Oakland County.
How to Get Started
You can call the program at (810) 632-2155 for more information or to request service.
Lakeshore Legal Aid
What You Should Know
Lakeshore Legal Aid is a pro bono law office that assists seniors and low-income adults over the phone, at community legal clinics and through 13 offices across the Detroit metropolitan area. Attorneys and staff members handle a wide range of civil legal cases with an emphasis on family law, elder abuse, housing, eviction protection and consumer rights. Elder law specialists focus on issues related to Medicare/Medicaid, long-term care, taxes and disability rights. Staff members can also help with wills, advance directives and estate planning documents.
Who Is Eligible?
Services are available to seniors aged 60 and older, low-income families and survivors of abuse or assault.
How to Get Started
You can apply for help online or by calling (888) 783-8190. Many free resources are available through MichiganLegalHelp.org.
Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program
What You Should Know
Medicare typically covers the cost of home health care and intermittent skilled nursing. Funds may also be available through Medicaid and the state’s Home- and Community-Based Services waivers. If you would like to learn more about these benefits, counselors with the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program can help you. This free health benefit checkup service provides everything that you need to know about Medicare, Medigap supplements and Medicare Advantage plans. Counselors can also help with long-term care planning, prescription drug and co-pay assistance, billing issues and appeals. It’s also home to the state’s Senior Medicare Patrol, which works to stop insurance fraud.
Who Is Eligible?
Services are available to Medicare beneficiaries in Brighton and communities statewide. You may also contact this service if you live out of state and need information to assist an elderly relative in Michigan.
How to Get Started
Call (800) 803-7174 to reach your local MMAP counselor.
Livingston County Catholic Charities
What You Should Know
Since 1985, this nationally accredited charity has provided faith-based community services to residents across the county. The organization operates an adult day health care program, it provides volunteer opportunities for active adults, and it’s home to the Prevention of Elder Abuse Neglect & Exploitation taskforce. If you want to learn more about resources that can help you remain in the community, contact LCCC’s Community Liaison Program. Counselors can direct you to local, state and federal benefits. LCCC also employs two MMAP-certified counselors who can help you apply for property tax exemptions, utility bill assistance, in-home care and other benefits.
Who Is Eligible?
LCCC’s Senior Services, including the Community Liaison Program, are available to Livingston County residents aged 60 or older and their families. The organization primarily functions as a referral service. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the providing agency and are typically based on income or medical need.
How to Get Started
For more information, call Livingston County Catholic Charities at (517) 545-5944 Monday through Friday.