I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Chesterfield, VA
Chesterfield has deep ties to American history. Important battles in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War were fought here or close by. Commercial tobacco was first cultivated in Chesterfield, and it was also the site of the first commercially mined coal on the continent.
In general, the cost of living in Chesterfield mirrors the national cost of living, but the cost of health care is two points less than the national average. Chesterfield receives more rain, a lot less snow and more sunny days than national averages. The city and county score a 7.4/10 on the Best Places Comfort Index, making Chesterfield a bit more comfortable than most other places in Virginia.
A special tax exemption for seniors aged 65 and older is another incentive. Seniors above 65 qualify for additional exemptions on state income tax in addition to the exemption that all taxpayers in Virginia receive. When you consider the cost of living, the charming environment, and the financial advantages seniors gained from living in Virginia, Chesterfield is an extremely attractive option for aging in place.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Chesterfield, VA
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020, the cost for home care and home health care in Chesterfield averages $4,671 a month for both services. In many communities, home health care is more expensive because of the additional services provided, such as medical care and medication management.
All the estimated costs used in the Genworth study are based on 44 hours of care a week; your exact costs for home care and home health care may be a bit higher or lower depending on the number of hours billed each week. Both home care and home health care cost roughly $24.50 an hour in Chesterfield.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Chesterfield’s costs for home care and home health care are about average for the state. In Winchester, home care averages $4,242 a month, while home health care is $140 extra at $4,385. Prices are notably lower in Lynchburg: its home care costs $3,432 a month, while its costs for home health care average $4,195. Prices are most expensive in Charlottesville, the home of Thomas Jefferson and of the University of Virginia, where home care and home health care both average $5,148 a month.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
When comparing the cost of home care and home health care to other senior options in Chesterfield, you’ll find both more expensive and less expensive alternatives. The cost of assisted living is significantly less expensive at $3,645 a month. The lowest-priced option in Chesterfield is adult day care, which costs $1,679 a month. Residing in a semi-private room in a nursing home facility remains the most expensive alternative at $9,064 a month.
Note: Data for Chesterfield was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Richmond, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Chesterfield, VA
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 Chesterfield, VA.
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 Chesterfield, VA
Office for Aging Services/Home and Community-Based Services
What You Should Know
HCBS provides immediate supports and services for seniors who wish to maintain their sense of independence and security by remaining in their homes or in their communities as they age. Older adults, individuals with developmental, intellectual or physical disabilities, or individuals who need mental health care can receive assistance. All services provided under HCBS are self-directed, so seniors involved in the program decide what services they will receive, how often they will receive them and how the services should be delivered.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors and disabled individuals of all ages are eligible to apply for these programs. Services provided by HCBS usually cost less than similar services received in an institutional setting.
How to Get Started
To learn more about HCBS services and how to apply for them, call (800) 552-3402. Seniors who live in Chesterfield can call the Richmond office at (804) 662-9333.
Senior Connections Area Agencies on Aging Capital Region
What You Should Know
The goal of the Senior Connections program is to help seniors remain as independent as long as possible and to age in place if they so choose. This is accomplished by offering programs to help promote social connections with seniors and other individuals. Some of the programs offered by Social Connections include home-delivered meals, telephone check-ins with homebound seniors, friendship cafés where seniors can interact with other people their age, and assistance with money management, transportation and personal care.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 60 and older are eligible to participate in the program. There are some small costs associated with some of the programs, but no one is asked to contribute more than they can afford.
How to Get Started
If you want to learn more about the programs, how to get involved or how to volunteer, call (800) 995-6918 or (804) 343-3000.
Senior Services — Chesterfield County Virginia
What You Should Know
These are services provided to all senior residents of Chesterfield County. One key county program is Mobility Services, which helps seniors maintain their independence by providing transportation for medical appointments, grocery runs and family visits. Other county programs include Project Lifesaver, which is designed to assist and protect adults who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or related disorders. The program loans GPS-enabled bracelets to such adults, allowing caregivers and rescue workers to more quickly locate them should they become lost and disoriented.
Who Is Eligible
Many of the senior services provided by Chesterfield County are available to adults aged 50 and older. Some programs, such as tax relief, are only open to seniors aged 65 and older; certain income restrictions may apply as well.
How to Get Started
If you want to know more about these programs, contact the Chesterfield County offices at (804) 748-1000 and ask to speak with a Senior Services representative.
50+ Active Lifestyles
What You Should Know
A program run in cooperation with the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department, 50+ Active Lifestyles hosts a series of events throughout Chesterfield County designed to provide recreational and social activities and opportunities for seniors. Activities include concerts, fitness programs, lifelong learning programs, luncheons, trips and games. These activities or programs are held at schools, parks, churches and recreation centers throughout the county.
Who Is Eligible?
All residents of Chesterfield County aged 50 and older are eligible to participate in these programs. Some activities have basic physical requirements designed to ensure the safety of all participants.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in the programs or would like to know when or where they are being held, call (804) 751-4135 or subscribe to the 50+ Active Lifestyle newsletter.
Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program
What You Should Know
This program provides up to $400 in reimbursement vouchers for caregivers in Virginia who live full-time in the same household as an individual receiving care. These funds are to be used for temporary short-term or respite care. The program supports caregivers looking after seniors with dementia or a disability in their homes, as well as caregivers looking after an adult with a disability who is between the ages of 18 and 59. These funds are to provide temporary relief for family members and cannot be used for caregivers to go to work or to reimburse household expenses.
Who Is Eligible?
Caregivers providing for older adults with dementia or disabilities in their homes, as well as individuals aged between 18 and 59 with disabilities, are eligible for the funds. Priority is given to caregivers with the greatest economic and social needs. Caregivers should note that once the funds have been fully allocated, no more funds are made available until the following calendar year.
How to Get Started
If you wish to learn more about the respite voucher program, call (800) 552-3402 or (804) 662-7650.