I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Clarksville, TN
Clarksville is a city in northern Tennessee in Montgomery County, which is just a 40-minute drive from downtown Nashville. Approximately 14,000 seniors aged 65 and older call the city home. The cost of living in Clarksville is 15% lower than the national average and 13% lower than the state average. You’ll likely pay less for groceries, health care, housing and transportation within the city limits.
You can choose Tennova Healthcare in downtown Clarksville for emergency services and the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including cardiac care, surgery and pain management. Other hospitals in the area include Northcrest Medical Center, TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center and Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital.
The city gets about 210 sunny days per year with summer highs of 89, winter lows of 27 and snowfall amounts around 5 inches. With the large number of amenities available within the city limits, it’s easy to see why seniors choose to remain within Clarksville to receive home care.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Clarksville, TN
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, home care and home health care in Clarksville cost $4,767 per month. This average cost can vary throughout the state and region depending on the number of hours you need care and the type of services provided.
Genworth’s monthly average is based on a weekly rate of 44 hours of care. The total cost will depend on the exact number of hours of care provided at an hourly rate of $25.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
The cost of home care and home health in Clarksville, which is $4,767 per month, is higher than the state average of $4,576. However, it’s less than the national averages of $4,957 for home care and $5,148 for home health care. Nashville residents pay the same amount for both services as those in Clarksville, and Jackson residents pay $572 less. In Knoxville, home care is $10 less than the cost in Clarksville at $4,757, and the cost for home health is $52 less at $4,715.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In terms of long-term care, home care and home health care have mid-level costs at $4,767 per month. A semiprivate room in a nursing home is the most comprehensive and most expensive long-term care option at $6,753 per month. Assisted living costs around $3,215, and adult day care is $1,083 per month.
III. How to Find Home Care in Clarksville, TN
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 Clarksville, TN.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Clarksville, TN
Mid-Cumberland Meals-on-Wheels
What You Should Know
The Mid-Cumberland Meals-On-Wheels program provides home-delivered meals and congregate dining to seniors throughout Middle Tennessee. The program also sponsors outreach events, nutrition education, supportive services and recreational activities. Hot meals are delivered by volunteers Monday through Friday.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 60 and older in the community who have some type of impairment that prevents them from shopping for groceries or preparing meals on their own are eligible for the Meals-On-Wheels program. There’s a cap on the number of meals provided depending on how many donations are received, so there may be a waiting list to receive services.
How to Get Started
If you or someone you love needs daily meals, contact the Metro Social Services referral line at (615) 880-2495, or fill out a referral form online.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
What You Should Know
Administered by the Clarksville/Montgomery County Community Action Partnership, LIHEAP is an energy assistance program that helps seniors and families with limited incomes pay their home energy bills. The program makes a one-time payment directly to the energy company. The account must be past due or in threat of disconnection. Households may only receive assistance once during an application period, which runs from October through September.
Who Is Eligible?
Individuals with household incomes that don’t exceed 60% of the state median are eligible for assistance. Priority is given to applicants with elderly residents, handicapped individuals or infant children in the home.
How to Get Started
You can apply for LIHEAP through the Clarksville/Montgomery County Community Action Partnership office by calling (931) 896-1800. Those applying should provide Social Security numbers for all members of the household, picture IDs for those aged 18 and older, proof of household income, a list of the last 12 months of energy usage and a copy of their current utility bill.
Tennessee Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
What You Should Know
The Tennessee WAP is a federally funded program that helps seniors and disabled adults on limited incomes weatherize their homes to help reduce their energy costs. Weatherization includes installing insulation, repairing or replacing windows, caulking, replacing doors, updating older appliances, replacing leaking water heaters and performing roof and siding repairs.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet income eligibility guidelines that are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines. Preference is typically given to seniors aged 60 and older, families in which one member has a permanent disability and households with children. Those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are automatically eligible.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the program, including how to apply, contact the U.S. Department of Energy at (800) 225-8432.
Housing Rehabilitation Program – Clarksville, TN
What You Should Know
The housing rehabilitation program helps seniors with limited income make necessary home repairs to protect the health and well-being of those living within the domicile. The program can help to lower your energy bills and correct health and safety hazards or code violations. Improvements can include installing wheelchair-accessible ramps, performing electrical repairs, installing new steps, adding smoke detectors, installing new gutters and downspouts, repairing or replacing roofs and adding weatherstripping.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the housing rehabilitation program, you must own a home that’s located within the city limits of Clarksville. Property and mortgage taxes must be current, and your household income must be within the set limits based on family size.
How to Get Started
To apply for the housing rehabilitation program, individuals should fill out a rehabilitation application online or contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (931) 548-6133.
Montgomery County Property Exemptions
What You Should Know
The homestead tax relief exemption is a state-authorized program that helps seniors and disabled individuals lower their property tax responsibilities. Through the program, the state will pay for all or part of the property tax on the home depending on the maximum amount of tax relief credit given in comparison to the total tax obligation.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must be 65 years of age or older and totally and permanently disabled. Their total income can not exceed the year’s maximum, and an individual must own and live in the home they’d like to exempt.
How to Get Started
To apply for the homestead exemption, seniors should contact the Trustee’s Office at the City of Clarksville at (931) 648-5717.
Tennessee Respite Coalition
What You Should Know
The Tennessee Respite Coalition supports caregivers to help restore balance in their lives and relationships. The program offers support and breaks to loved ones who care for aging adults or family members.
Who Is Eligible?
Respite relief is provided to friends and family who take care of a loved one in the home on a full-time basis.
How to Get Started
To apply for caregiver respite, contact the statewide helpline at (888) 579-3754.