I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Cleveland, OH
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is Ohio’s second-largest city. It’s home to 381,000 residents, including 51,436 senior citizens, and more than 2 million people live in the greater metropolitan area. Like many popular retirement destinations, Cleveland stands out for its affordability, robust health care system and abundant amenities. The cost of living is 27% lower than the national average, which means that housing and home care are very affordable. Seniors have access to the award-winning Cleveland Clinic and a handful of other nationally recognized medical centers.
Cleveland residents enjoy a high quality of life thanks to the area’s many cultural institutions, including Cleveland Museum of Art, the Great Lakes Science Center and the Museum of Natural History. The Forest City is also known for its love of music as evidenced by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Orchestra. Last but not least, the city’s four major-league sports franchises provide plenty of fun if you enjoy rooting for the home team. Cleveland has an excellent public transportation system. It operates a low-cost senior transit service, and home health aides can help you travel around town for appointments, errands or special events.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Cleveland, OH
According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Cleveland pay $4,362 for each month of in-home care. Home health care, which includes additional medical services, such as medication management, wound care and skilled therapy, costs $48 more per month. All estimates are based on 44 hours of weekly care. On average, hourly rates range from $22.88 to $23.13, and since you typically have the freedom to customize your service plan, home care can fit any budget.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
The cost of home care in Cleveland is $119 lower than the state and national average of $4,481 per month. Local rates are slightly more affordable than in Columbus and Toledo where seniors pay $4,576 and $4,553 per month, respectively. Although Cleveland is one of the more affordable options for in-home care in the Buckeye State, it’s more expensive than nearby Akron by a margin of $167 per month or $2,000 per year.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In Cleveland, you can expect to pay $4,362 per month for a full-time homemaker or $4,410 per month for a home health aide. Adult day health care programs are another option for seniors who live at home. In Cleveland, these programs cost just $1,246 per month, which is well below the national average. The cost of institutional care in Cleveland ranges from $3,950 per month for assisted living to $7,848 per month for nursing homes. If you hire a home health agency as an alternative, you could save $3,486 per month while enjoying a more comfortable, familiar setting.
III. How to Find Home Care in Cleveland, OH
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 Cleveland, OH.
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 Cleveland, OH
Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
This Area Agency on Aging can connect you with a variety of programs, services and benefits that can help you age in place. If you’re Medicaid-eligible, you may qualify for PASSPORT benefits or the Ohio Home Care Waiver, which covers everything from home modifications to respite care. You can also sign up for farmers market vouchers and delivered meals. Plus, the WRAAA’s Family Caregiver Support Team provides free counseling and coaching. Qualifying caregivers can access respite care, support groups and financial aid through this organization. Additional supports for seniors are funded by the Older Americans Act, and if your household earns less than 200% of the federal poverty level, you may receive assistance with the cost of utilities and rent or mortgage payments through the Cares Act.
Who Is Eligible?
The Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging serves seniors, caregivers and disabled adults in Cleveland and the surrounding area, including Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties.
How to Get Started
You can call the WRAAA at (800) 626-7277 to request more information or to apply for services.
Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services
What You Should Know
The Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services connects Cleveland residents with a variety of state and federal benefits, including Medicaid waivers that can help with the cost of in-home care. This agency manages the Options for Independent Living Program and the Ohio Home Care Waiver. It provides clinical care and administers emergency assistance for food or utilities. As the Aging and Disability Resource Center for Cleveland and surrounding communities, the DSAS also engages in advocacy and supports senior center programming through grants and special events.
Who Is Eligible?
You must live in Cuyahoga County and be disabled or over the age of 60 to qualify for most services. Additional programs are available to caregivers, and if you’re at least 55, you qualify for a free benefits check up.
How to Get Started
You can call the Centralized Intake Line at (216) 420-6700 to learn more about the agency’s programs or to begin the application process.
City of Cleveland Department of Aging
What You Should Know
The Department of Aging has helped Cleveland become a member of AARP’s national Network of Age Friendly Communities and the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age Friendly Cities. In addition to managing the Age-Friendly Cleveland initiative, the Department of Aging provides information and referrals for utility bill assistance, housing resources, home repairs and property tax credits. It sponsors seasonal activities, learning opportunities and social programs through a citywide network of recreation centers. You can also sign up for telephone wellness calls or take advantage of free counseling for Medicare and long-term care.
Who Is Eligible?
This government agency serves seniors and caregivers in Cleveland. The department functions primarily as a referral service. In most cases, you should contact the program directly for eligibility requirements.
How to Get Started
Cleveland residents can call the Department of Aging at (216) 664-2833 or visit the official website to learn more.
Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging
What You Should Know
The Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging is a local nonprofit that has served seniors and caregivers for more than a century. The organization offers home- and community-based services, conducts research and engages in advocacy to influence public policymaking. It manages the Rose Centers for Aging Well, which offer health and wellness programs, hot lunches and more than 300 monthly activities and outings. Every year, the institute serves more than 10,000 seniors and caregivers in the Cleveland area by offering in-person and phone-based wellness checks and healthy living programs that help older adults manage chronic medical conditions without drugs. The organization also sponsors outreach events, maintains a digital resource library and offers direct services, including adult day programs, social care and delivered meals.
Who Is Eligible?
Services are available to older adults and caregivers across the greater Cleveland area. Eligibility requirements vary by program and are designed to accommodate seniors who have unmet needs.
How to Get Started
You can call (216) 791-8000 or visit the institute online to learn more.
Senior Transportation Connection
What You Should Know
The Senior Transportation Connection provides low-cost transportation to seniors in Cleveland. Fares are $1.25 each way with a limit of one round trip per week. Requests for medical transportation have priority, and transportation is available throughout Cuyahoga County. Shopping trips are limited to the city limits and must be less than 10 miles each way. Drivers work from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, you must schedule your trip at least three days in advance.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be at least 60 years old, live in Cleveland and have limited transportation to qualify for this program. Personal care aides receive free rides when traveling as an escort.
How to Get Started
Seniors can register for the Senior Transportation Connection by calling (216) 664-2833. New riders must provide their name and contact information for verification. Existing clients can call (216) 265-1489 for scheduling.