I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Douglasville, GA
According to the 2020 census, Douglasville had a population of just over 35,500 people, 12% of whom were aged 65 and older. The city is just 20 miles west of Atlanta, which provides easy access to big city amenities while providing a family friendly rural atmosphere. Douglasville’s cost of living is lower than the national average, and groceries, health care and housing all tend to cost less than they do across the country. Georgia also offers a deduction of up to $65,000 for seniors on all retirement incomes, so those aged 65 and older may find they can keep more of their money at the end of the year.
For accidents and injury, the Wellstar Douglas Hospital is on the south side of the city and nationally ranked Emory University Hospital in downtown Atlanta is just 30 minutes away for heart and vascular care, spine care, transplants, physical therapy and cancer care.
With the number of amenities and excellent health care options, it’s easy to see why seniors want to remain in their homes in Douglasville to receive home care.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Douglasville, GA
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of home care in Douglasville is $4,290. Home health care, which is around $4,576, is typically more per month because of the additional medical services it provides. This cost is based on 44 hours per week of care. To determine the rate of a senior who requires less or more care, multiply the exact number of hours by the hourly rate in Douglasville, which is $22.50 for home care and $24 an hour for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
The cost of home care in Douglasville is $4,290, which is the same as the Georgia average but less than the national average of $4,957. The cost of home health is $4,576, which is more than the state average, but less than the national average of $5,148 per month. In Rome and Augusta, home care and home health care costs are the same at $4,576 and $4,528 per month. Home care in Macon is $3,813 per month, and home health care is $4,004.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Compared to other long-term care costs, home care in Douglasville is mid-ranged at $4,290 per month. Home health is just $286 more at $4,576 per month. Those who require assistance only during the daytime hours can choose adult day care at $1,327 per month. An assisted living facility is around $3,845 and a semiprivate room in a nursing home has an average monthly cost of around $7,528.
Note: Data for Douglasville was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Atlanta, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Douglasville, GA
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 Douglasville, GA.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Douglasville, GA
Home Proud Atlanta
What You Should Know
Home Proud Atlanta provides free home repairs for seniors on limited incomes who own their own homes or individuals with permanent disabilities. The organization partners with local business organizations, like the Home Depot Foundation, to assist seniors with home updates, modifications and improvements that eliminate health and safety hazards and can help lower energy costs. These repairs may include installing wheelchair ramps and access ramps, installing weather stripping, caulking, installing insulation, ceiling fan replacements and repairing floors, decks, windows and roof shingles.
Who is Eligible?
Seniors aged 55 and older, veterans and disabled individuals with incomes of less than $1,000 per month and those who live in neighborhood planning units V, T, K or S are eligible.
How to Get Started
To get started, individuals must show proof of income, a copy of the homeowner’s insurance policy, a single utility bill and a government-issued I.D. For more information, interested individuals should contact the program directly at (404) 464-5950.
Cobb EMC Energy Assistance Program
What You Should Know
The Cobb energy assistance program is offered by Cobb EMC. The program is designed to help customers of Cobb EMC make improvements to their homes to lower home energy costs. The program provides limited grant money, but in some cases an individual may be eligible to pay any remaining costs through a zero-interest financing program provided by Habitat for Humanity.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible seniors should have a household income of $35,000 or less, own the home they are applying for assistance and receive services through Cobb EMC.
How to Get Started
For more information on how to apply for the program, contact Cobb EMC at (770) 429-2125. A representative will provide a home assessment and make energy-efficient recommendations.
Georgia Weatherization Assistance Program
What You Should Know
The Georgia Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps individuals and seniors make changes to their homes to increase energy efficiency. Repairs and updates may include replacing or repairing air and duct sealing, installing wall, floor and attic insulation, replacing or repairing heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, updating lights, replacing hot water tanks and pipes and installing water conservation devices. Funds are limited so there may be a waiting list.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for Georgia WAP, an individual must be a resident of the state and must meet household income requirements. Preference is often given to those 60 years and older or households with a family member with a permanent disability. Families who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are automatically eligible for the program.
How to Get Started
To apply for the Georgia WAP, contact the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority at (404) 584-1000. A representative can help seniors determine their eligibility through an energy audit.
Douglas County In-Home Services
What You Should Know
Douglas County homemaker services helps seniors improve their overall quality of life and maintain their independence. Services include home-delivered meals, help with shopping, laundry, housekeeping, transportation and medication pickup. All meals provide one-third of the recommended daily allowance of nutrition and are provided Monday through Friday.
Who is Eligible?
Seniors must be at least 60 years of age or older and live in Douglas County. They must also be able to self-direct their own services or have a loved one or friend who can direct the services on their behalf.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the senior services available through Douglas County, contact in-home services at (770) 489-3100.
Douglas County Homestead Exemption
What You Should Know
The Douglas County Homestead Exemption program helps seniors lower their home tax obligation This exemption reduces the amount of the assessed value of the home by $2,000 for school tax and $6,000 for county taxes.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the exemption, seniors must own the property and occupy it full time. Seniors must show a valid, government-issued ID.
How to Get Started
Seniors may file for homestead exemption by downloading the application or by completing it online. For questions concerning an application, contact the Douglas County tax commissioner’s office at (770) 920-7272.
Douglasville Energy Assistance Program
What You Should Know
Seniors who are at risk of utility disconnection can get assistance paying their bills through the Georgia free low-income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP). The program offers a one-time per year payment on utility bills, typically to cover an entire season and any past due balances. The payment is made directly to the utility company.
Who is Eligible?
Preference is given to homes with seniors aged 60 and older or families with a permanently disabled individual. Household incomes must not be greater than the specified amount, which corresponds to the current federal poverty level.
How to Get Started
For more information on how to apply for this federally-funded program, contact the community action partnership at (770) 817-4666.