I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Dallas, TX
With a population of 1.3 million people, about one in 10 of whom are seniors, Dallas is the second-most populous city in Texas. The city is made up of diverse, walkable neighborhoods. The Downtown area includes a dynamic arts district, the Civic Center and the Dallas Farmers Market, while Old East Dallas features beautiful early 20th-century mansions. Dallas is designated as an age-friendly community by AARP and is rich in recreational amenities for all ages, including the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, a 66-acre botanical garden on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake, and scenic Twin Lakes Park, which features walking paths and benches around a small lake. The city is also home to The Galleria, which is the largest shopping mall in Texas and features more than 400 stores, outstanding dining, an ice-skating rink, public art displays and exciting year-round events.
The cost of living in Dallas is slightly higher than the national average, but the state’s lack of income tax may help your retirement dollars stretch further. The climate is generally warm. While summers are hot and humid, the weather is pleasant for the rest of the year. These amenities and features make Dallas a great option for home care.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Dallas, TX
In Dallas, home-based care is more affordable than the rest of the nation. On average, seniors pay $4,385 for home care and home health care. This is a little higher than the state’s average rates of $4,195 for either level of care but lower than the national median of $4,481 for home care and $4,576 for home health care.
Dallas’ home care rates assume 44 hours of care per week at $23 per hour. If you obtain free or low-cost services through local agencies or if you need live-in care, your monthly costs may be considerably lower or higher.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Dallas has some of the highest home-based care costs in Texas. In the Austin area, home care costs are the same as Dallas at $4,385 per month, and home health care costs are higher at $4,576. Seniors in the Houston area pay a little less, with both types of care costing $4,290 per month. Those seeking more affordable home-based care may consider Killeen, where providers charge $3,623 for home care and $3,813 for home health care. The Brownsville region is one of the cheapest cities in the state and nation for older adults to obtain care at home, with residents paying $2,860 for home care and $3,051 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Depending on your care needs and budget, you have several options to choose from. The most affordable senior care option is adult day care, which provides recreational activities, personal care, health monitoring and meals in a community setting. If you obtain care at home, you can expect to pay around $4,385 for these services. Assisted living is a little pricier at $4,400 per month and features personal care in a residential setting. Nursing homes charge the highest rates of $5,171 monthly.
III. How to Find Home Care in Dallas, TX
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 Dallas, TX.
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 Dallas, TX
Dallas Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The Dallas Area Agency on Aging provides a broad array of services to help you stay in your home. This agency’s Aging Information Office offers information, referrals and assistance with locating and applying for local, state and national programs. It provides care coordination to help you resolve issues, such as minor home repairs, and to find help with chores, personal care, financial assistance and health maintenance. The agency’s benefits counseling program is part of HICAP, a statewide program that provides free health insurance options counseling to Medicare-eligible individuals. Through this program, you can get unbiased help with understanding your Medicare benefits and how they relate to home care. The program’s trained counselors can also help you compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans and long-term care insurance, and they will help you determine whether you qualify for Medicaid.
Who Is Eligible?
Services through the AAA are available to everyone within the agency’s service area aged 60 and over. Some services, such as care coordination and home repairs, may have additional eligibility criteria.
How to Get Started
You can learn more about the services available in Dallas and the surrounding region by calling the local line at (214) 871-5065 or toll-free at (800) 252-9240. The office is open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
VNA Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
VNA Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit program that provides hot, freshly prepared meals to Dallas residents who are unable to shop for or prepare meals themselves. The agency delivers midday meals on weekdays and is funded through state agencies and private donations. Most recipients pay nothing for their meals, but a $6 donation is appreciated. Meals are delivered between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The agency also provides supplemental pet food for older adults’ animal companions. Pet meals are delivered once monthly on weekends.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for home-delivered meals, you must be at least 60 years old or disabled, and you must be unable to drive or leave your home independently. You must also meet financial eligibility criteria and live within Dallas County.
How to Get Started
To begin the process, you must complete the Meals on Wheels application form and submit it to the agency. You can fax your completed application to (214) 631-7554 or email it to [email protected]. After you submit your application, a specialist from the agency will contact you to discuss meal options and other community-based services that you may benefit from.
Dallas County Veteran Services Office
What You Should Know
If you’re a U.S. veteran, the Dallas County Veteran Services Office may assist you in connecting with community-based services to help you remain in your home. These services may include transportation, home-delivered and congregate meals, social and recreational activities, financial counseling and emergency financial assistance. The office can also screen you for eligibility for veterans’ and survivors’ pensions or Aid and Attendance.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone who’s served in the U.S. military can reach out to the VSO for assistance. Programs such as pensions and Aid and Attendance have additional eligibility requirements.
How to Get Started
You can speak with a specialist from the VSO by calling (972) 692-4939. The main office is open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take Time Texas
What You Should Know
Take Time Texas is a statewide initiative that provides informational resources on respite care. Through this program, you can access a searchable list of respite programs and providers in the Dallas region. The list includes numerous types of respite providers, including crisis and emergency care, homemaker services, adult day care and assisted living or nursing facilities. The program also offers tips on choosing the right respite provider, finding emotional support and understanding laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and Family Medical Leave Act.
Who Is Eligible?
Take Time Texas provides services and supports to family caregivers who care for older adults or those with disabilities.
How to Get Started
For information on how to find respite assistance near you, you can contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center by calling (855) 937-2372.
Senior Centers
What You Should Know
Dallas is home to nearly a dozen senior centers. At these centers, older adults can participate in social and recreational activities to prevent boredom and isolation, including games, arts and crafts, technology classes and age-friendly fitness classes. Some centers also provide blood pressure checks, foot clinics, tax assistance, legal aid and options counseling.
Who Is Eligible?
Membership to local senior centers is open to those aged 60 and over.
How to Get Started
To get location-specific information on activities and events, you can call Dallas County Health and Human Services at (214) 819-2000. You can dial (214) 819-1860 for information on transportation services to the centers.