Home Care in Delaware County, PA

Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is an excellent place to retire and receive home care services if you’re looking for a quiet location that’s just minutes away from some of the best dining, shopping and cultural attractions the country has to offer. As a resident of Delaware County, you’ll have convenient access to I-95, making it easy to get to Penn’s Landing, Subaru Park and Philadelphia Mills. The Philadelphia International Airport is also nearby, putting you just a few hours away from some of the most attractive destinations in the United States.

As of 2020, Delaware County had a total population of 576,830, an increase of 1.4% between 2010 and 2019. Of these 576,830 residents, 16.8% were aged 65 and older. The county has six hospitals, including Crozer-Chester Medical Center, a 300-bed facility with a full trauma center and burn department. Crozer-Chester Medical Center is also a teaching site for Drexel University College of Medicine, giving you easy access to specialized care.

If you enjoy golfing, Delaware County has several private and public courses, all of which offer challenging play and scenic views. The County is also home to the Paper Mill House Museum and Christian C. Sanderson Museum.

In Delaware County, the average costs of home care and home health care services are both $4,767 per month, according to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Costs of Care Survey. Depending on where you live, you may pay more for home health care services, which typically include some medical services provided by a licensed professional in addition to homemaking.

The average cost reported by Genworth is based on 44 hours of services per week, so your cost will vary based on how much or how little care you need. The average hourly rate works out to $25 for both home care and home health care services, so if you need 10 hours per week, you could expect to pay around $250.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

Delaware County’s home care and home health care costs of $4,767 per month are lower than what seniors pay in nearby Trenton, New Jersey, and higher than what Pennsylvania residents pay in Allentown and Scranton. In Trenton, the average monthly costs are $4,910 for home care and $4,957 for home health care. Seniors in Allentown pay $4,576 per month for both types of in-home care, while those in Scranton pay $4,385 for either service.

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.

Delaware County COSA Senior Centers

What You Should Know
Delaware County has a network of senior centers funded by the County Office of Services for the Aging. Each center offers programming designed to help you maintain your health and independence as you age. Available activities include meditation classes, language classes, nutrition talks, congregate meals and health screenings. Some senior centers also have technology lending libraries, giving you access to technology that can help you connect with family members and friends even if you can’t leave the house due to an illness or injury.

Who Is Eligible?
As a Delaware County resident aged 60 or older, you’re eligible for membership at one of the county’s eight senior centers.

How to Get Started
You can learn more about the programs and services available at your nearest senior center by visiting the COSA website or calling (610) 490-1300.

Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging

What You Should Know
The Office of Services for the Aging serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Delaware County. AAAs provide a wide variety of services to help seniors preserve their quality of life and remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Services you can access through COSA include meal deliveries, community-based support and mental health counseling. COSA also administers several evidence-based health and wellness workshops, including A Matter of Balance, Walk With Ease, Active Living Every Day and the WISE Program, as well as chronic disease self-management, balance and fall prevention programs.

Who Is Eligible?
All Delaware County residents who are at least 60 years old may qualify for COSA services. You must complete a comprehensive assessment to determine your eligibility for each program.

How to Get Started
To start the assessment process, visit the COSA website and fill out the referral form. You can also apply by calling (610) 490-1300, faxing the form to (610) 490-1500 or mailing your completed application to Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging, 1510 Chester Pike, Suite 250, Eddystone, PA 19022.

Delaware County Ombudsman Program

What You Should Know
In Delaware County, the ombudsman is responsible for responding to complaints regarding long-term care. Although many complaints focus on the care provided in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, the ombudsman also handles complaints related to care that you receive in your own home. An ombudsman can act as your advocate if a care provider has violated your rights, is slow to respond to your requests for help or delivers inadequate care. You can also submit a complaint if you’re concerned that one of your friends or family members has been abused by someone who provides in-home care services.

Who Is Eligible?
Anyone in Delaware County who’s concerned about the quality of long-term care provided to a senior can file a complaint with the ombudsman, including family members and friends.

How to Get Started
Contact an ombudsman by calling (610) 490-1300.

Meals on Wheels of Delaware County

What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels of Delaware County has been helping local seniors for more than four decades. The nonprofit organization relies on a network of volunteers to deliver balanced meals to seniors who can’t prepare their own meals and don’t live with someone who can prepare meals on a regular basis. The organization also delivers meals to younger people with disabilities and adults who need temporary help due to an illness, injury or surgical procedure. Meals are available Monday through Friday of each week, with seniors receiving one hot meal and one cold meal each day.

Who Is Eligible?
To receive services from Meals on Wheels, you must reside within the organization’s service area. The Delaware County organization delivers to residents of Aston, Haverford, Media, Newtown Square, Upper Providence, Swarthmore, Parkside, Nether Providence and Marple.

How to Get Started
Fill out the contact form on the Meals on Wheels of Delaware County website or call (610) 566-4211 to determine if you’re eligible.

Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Center

What You Should Know
The Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Center is staffed by licensed attorneys who provide free assistance to seniors living in the state. An attorney can help with a variety of issues related to home care, such as medical billing fraud, financial exploitation and problems getting your insurance company to pay for services that should be covered under your plan. Volunteer attorneys can also help with other legal issues, including estate planning and landlord-tenant disputes that could make it difficult to remain in your own home. The Center’s Helpline is operated each Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Who Is Eligible?
Legal assistance is available to any Pennsylvania resident aged 60 or older.

How to Get Started
You can contact the Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Center by calling (215) 988-1244 or (877) 727-7529. You can also write to the organization at PA SeniorLAW Center, Two Penn Center, 1500 JFK Blvd., Suite 1501, Philadelphia, PA 19102.