I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Cary, NC
Located on the outskirts of the state capital of Raleigh, Cary is well-connected by major highways and is within a 15-minute drive of Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU). Low crime rates contribute to Cary consistently ranking as one of the nation’s safest cities. Residents can access several high-performing hospitals, including WakeMed Cary Hospital and the nationally ranking Duke University Hospital. There are 206 physicians per 100,000 people. Seniors aged 65 or older make up approximately 12.5% of Cary’s almost 175,000 people.
The climate is pleasant for most of the year, with warm summers and short, mild winters, and locals experience an average of 213 sunny days each year. The town boasts a wealth of amenities and attractions, including restaurants, shops, parks, places of worship, entertainment venues and leisure centers. Cary has a local chapter of AARP, where members can meet and enjoy diverse enrichment activities.
When it comes to finances, the local sales tax is on par with the national average and Social Security retirement income is exempt from income tax. Additionally, you may be eligible for property tax relief, which can make Cary an even more appealing retirement destination and a good place for receiving home care services.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Cary, NC
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, home care and home health care services in Cary share the same average cost of $4,957 per month. Prices can vary depending on the provider, location and precise services needed, and home health care may cost a little more than home care because of the extra medical services it provides.
Genworth bases its average figures for home care costs on individuals receiving 44 hours of care per week. Monthly fees can deviate from the average, depending on the number of care hours you need each week. To better understand home care costs in Cary, the average hourly fee is $26 for both home care and home health care services.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
In Cary, the average cost of home care is on par with the national average, while the median price for home health care is lower than the national norm of $5,148. Rates in Cary are typically higher than the statewide average of $4,385 for both types of home care. Cary seniors can expect to pay more for in-home care than their peers in Durham, Rocky Mount and Goldsboro, where average monthly costs for both home care and home health care are $4,767, $4,290 and $3,813, respectively.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Costing an average of $4,957 per month, home care and home health care are the second most affordable options for long-term senior care in Cary. The least expensive option is adult day care, which costs around $1,300 per month. At $5,388 per month, assisted living is more expensive than in-home care. Nursing home care is the costliest option. With a median monthly rate of $6,996, nursing home care is more than $2,000 a month pricier than in-home care.
Note: Data for Cary was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Raleigh, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Cary, NC
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 Cary, NC.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Cary, NC
Housing Rehabilitation Program
What You Should Know
The Town of Cary provides grants of up to $12,500 for home improvements via its Housing Rehabilitation Program. It designs grants to fund improvements that may help individuals to age in place, improve safety and security and enhance disabled accessibility. Funding isn’t available for cosmetic improvements or to correct fire or smoke damage. Work may include energy efficiency upgrades, external property repairs such as new windows or sidings, removal or treatment of hazards, emergency repairs and accessibility modifications.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for a grant if you own your home with a clear title and have lived in it as your primary residence for at least a year. You must have no outstanding property taxes and satisfy income requirements.
How to Get Started
You can complete an online form to apply for the Housing Rehabilitation Program. You will need to provide proof of identification, income and property insurance, as well as a recent tax bill. Call (919) 653-7153 for more information about the program.
Meals on Wheels Wake County
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels Wake County supports senior nutrition by delivering healthy meals to seniors in their homes. Freshly made hot meals meet one-third of a senior’s recommended dietary requirements, and the program designs meals to meet diverse dietary needs. Volunteers deliver meals every weekday between 10:30 a.m. and noon, except on public holidays. The service also includes a checkup on housebound seniors, and the social visit helps break down isolation.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be at least 60 years old, live in Wake County and have a long-term disability that prevents you from shopping for groceries or preparing nutritious meals. There are no income limits. The program appreciates donations and payments toward meals, although it doesn’t deny service to customers based on their ability to pay. Program acceptance depends on route availability and may waitlist you for services.
How to Get Started
You can apply for Meals on Wheels online. If you aren’t able to complete the online application form, you can apply by phone at (919) 833-1749. It staffs its phone line between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on weekdays.
Resources for Seniors
What You Should Know
The nonprofit Resources for Seniors is Wake County’s lead agency for providing services for older and disabled residents. The organization offers a range of home- and community-based programs to enable people to remain at home independently and safely. Low-cost home modification and repair services are available for homeowners aged 55 and above on an income-based sliding scale. The free weatherization assistance program helps to make homes more energy efficient. Low-income seniors are among the program’s priority group. Other programs include caregiver support, in-home care, medication assistance and transportation. You can also contact Resources for Seniors to obtain free information and referrals related to external community services. Trained specialists signpost individuals to diverse services, including nutrition sites, health insurance counseling, recreation programs, transportation, housing and legal services.
Who Is Eligible?
In general, Resources for Seniors assists those who are at least 65 years old, blind or disabled and live in Wake County. However, individual programs may have their own eligibility criteria, such as age or income.
How to Get Started
You can get information about appropriate programs and how to apply by contacting the Information Department at (919) 872-7933. The phone line is available between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Cary Senior Center
What You Should Know
Cary Senior Center offers social and recreational opportunities for older adults, with a strong focus on activities that enhance health, well-being and personal connections. The schedule includes fitness and exercise sessions, arts and crafts classes, special interest clubs, social events and volunteering opportunities. The center also provides Medicare and health insurance counseling through a partnership with the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).
Who Is Eligible?
Cary Senior Center provides free services for seniors aged 60 and above, although certain programs may require payment of an affordable fee. It currently requires registration for many programs.
How to Get Started
You can visit the center at 120 Maury O’Dell Place, Cary, NC 27513, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. You can register online for programs. If you need help registering, you can call (919) 469-4061 or email [email protected].
Cary Senior Tech Ed
Cary Senior Tech Ed (CSTE) offers education and assistance related to technology to help seniors stay connected, obtain online information and complete online applications. Classes run twice a week at Cary Senior Center, and you can choose between small hands-on tutorials or larger lecture-style group sessions. Computers and other devices are available for real-time practice. The Cary Senior Tech Ed Help Desk features a team of volunteers who help seniors resolve issues with technology, including smartphones, tablets, social media and a range of basic IT software.
Who Is Eligible?
The Help Desk provides free peer-to-peer assistance to all local seniors. Classes are open to seniors who have registered and paid the relevant fees.
How to Get Started
You can submit an online form to request Help Desk support. You should register for classes online via MyCary or call (919) 469-4081 for registration assistance.