I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Brookfield, WI
Part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area, Brookfield is close to recreational areas, parks, restaurants and shopping centers. Approximately 9,100 seniors call the city home, and older adults make up around 22% of the population. Social Security isn’t taxed by the state, so you may be able to keep more of your money at the end of the year. Crime is low in the area, and summer temperatures stay in the 80s, which are just a few reasons why the city provides an excellent place for those who are considering in-home care. The cost of living in the area is slightly higher than the national average, but groceries, health care, utilities and transportation are all comparable to the national average.
If you’re looking for health care, there are several hospitals in the area, including the Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital and Brookfield Medical Center. Both facilities offer emergency services and care for many different short- and long-term conditions. They also offer geriatrics to help you adjust to age-related health changes.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Brookfield, WI
From assistance with daily activities to companionship and transportation, home care covers a wide range of services that allow seniors to remain safely in their homes for as long as possible. The monthly cost in Brookfield is $6,101, which is based on 44 hours of care per week. This is roughly $32 per hour. The actual monthly cost of care can vary depending on the level of care and the number of hours that assistance is provided.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
The average cost of home care and home health care in Brookfield is $6,101 per month. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, this is more than the state average, which is $5,529 for home care and $5,720 for home health care. The national average for home care is $1,144 less, and home health care is $953 less. Sheboygan seniors pay the same as those in Brookfield, while Madison and Fond du Lac residents pay less at $5,339 and $5,720 for both types of care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
The long-term costs associated with home care and home health care are typically lower than nursing home care. A semiprivate room runs $10,872 per month, while home care and home health care are $4,771 less. Assisted living costs are around $5,324 for basic room, board and care, while adult day health is the cheapest option at $1,322 per month.
III. How to Find Home Care in Brookfield, WI
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 Brookfield, WI.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Brookfield, WI
ADRC Chore Services
What You Should Know
ADRC Chore Services uses a network of volunteers to assist seniors with routine chores. This may include raking leaves, mowing the grass, shoveling snow, running errands, grocery shopping and completing minor home repairs. The homeowner is expected to provide all the necessary equipment and materials to complete the task.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors must be at least 60 years of age to receive services through the ADRC. There are no income requirements to receive services; however, availability is first-come, first-served.
How to Get Started
To apply for chore services, contact the program by phone at (262) 549-3348.
Home Weatherization Services
What You Should Know
The home weatherization program is provided by La Casa de Esperanza. This program helps seniors identify areas of their home that require upgrades to reduce their energy costs. After a complete assessment, repairs and upgrades may include the installation of attic, wall and crawl space insulation, the sealing of air ducts, lighting replacements and the replacement or repair of water heaters and HVAC systems. The program also provides maintenance and conservation education to help seniors learn how to reduce their energy usage.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible seniors should not exceed the maximum income requirements for their family size. Seniors must live in the home that needs weatherization, and the home must be their primary residence.
How to Get Started
For more information on home weatherization, call the county program at (800) 506-5596.
Habitat for Humanity Home Preservation Program
What You Should Know
Habitat for Humanity’s home preservation program address health and safety issues affecting a senior’s primary residence. Potential construction projects include repairing or rebuilding porches and decks, installing or repairing new roofs and gutters, installing siding, replacing exterior doors and windows, addressing code violations, upgrading plumbing and electrical systems and painting.
Who Is Eligible?
Individuals must own and live in their home, be affected by safety issues that make the home unsafe and have a household income that’s less than 80% of the Waukesha County median. The home must also have a value at or below $227,800.
How to Get Started
Download an application and mail it to 2020 Springdale Road, Waukesha, WI 53186 or email it to [email protected]. For questions concerning the program or the application process, contact the office at (262) 309-6025.
Waukesha County Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels delivers home-delivered meals between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. The program also offers wellness checks and companionship, and it provides congregate meals at local senior centers.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 60 and older and their spouses are eligible for delivered meals provided that they have some type of physical limitation or are homebound and unable to prepare their own meals.
How to Get Started
To apply for home-delivered meals, contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Waukesha County at (262) 548-7848. An in-home assessment will be scheduled to determine eligibility.
Waukesha County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
What You Should Know
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps seniors remain in their homes through direct payments. The ERAP pays up to three months of rent at a time and can assist with up to 12 months of arrears, utility bills and other home energy costs. Payments are made directly to the utility company or the landlord and not to the renter.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors may receive rental assistance if they’re at risk of becoming homeless, have a household income that’s at or below 80% of the median in Waukesha County or receive a federal housing subsidy.
How to Get Started
To apply for benefits, download the application, and email it to [email protected]. Applications can also be submitted in person at Community Advocates, 728 North James Lovell Street, Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For questions concerning the program, contact Community Advocates at (414) 270-4646.
Wisconsin Department of Revenue Property Tax Exemptions
What You Should Know
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Exemption reduces the tax obligation owed on personal property. The total exemption is up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples. Seniors who apply and are eligible for the exemption don’t have to reapply unless the title of the property changes hands or the property is sold.
Who Is Eligible?
To claim the property tax exemption, seniors must be at least 62 years of age or disabled and live in the home as their primary residence.
How to Get Started
To receive the homestead exemption, seniors must complete the Wisconsin Homestead Credit Claim and attach the required documentation to determine the amount of the available benefit. Email the claim form to [email protected], or contact the bureau directly at (608) 266-2772 for more information. Applications may also be mailed to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue at P.O. Box 8949, Madison, WI 53708.