I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Florence, SC
Florence is located near Interstates 95 and 20 in the northeastern region of South Carolina. The city has a large senior community that makes up nearly a fifth of its 40,000 residents and may be an ideal option for retirees seeking affordability and warm weather. The city’s overall cost of living is about 20% below the national norm at 9 percentage points below the state average. Housing is particularly affordable here, which may enable you to remain in your home after retiring. It’s one of the warmer places to live in South Carolina with year-round high temperatures ranging from 56 to 92 degrees, and snow is relatively uncommon.
Florence offers safe, reliable transportation services through Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority, which provides fixed services along with the Paratransit Program, reducing your reliance on a private vehicle for medical appointments and errands. Two hospitals are in the city proper, including McLeod Regional Medical Center and Florence Medical Center, offering high access to quality care. These amenities, along with nonprofit organizations that provide supportive services to older adults, make this city a favorable option for those seeking in-home care.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Florence, SC
According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, you can expect to pay about $4,195 per month for home care services. This type of care includes nonmedical services such as meal preparation, transportation and help with personal care. Home health care costs the same monthly rate in Florence but features skilled nursing services such as disease management and physical and occupational therapies.
The monthly home care rate assumes 44 hours of care per week, and it’s based on an hourly rate of $22. If you need services outside of normal business hours, you may pay a higher hourly rate. On the other hand, you may be able to lower your monthly care costs if you qualify for subsidized services.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
In Florence, monthly home care and home health care costs average $4,195. This is lower than the respective statewide norms of $4,433 and $4,481, and it offers significant savings over the national rates of $4,957 and $5,148. Local rates are also affordable compared to care costs in nearby cities. In Columbia, fees are about $200 higher at $4,385, and in Sumter, rates are nearly $800 higher at $4,957. Myrtle Beach seniors pay $4,576 for home care and $4,767 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care and home health care agencies in Florence charge $4,195 for services, making this a relatively costly long-term care option in the city. You may save over $700 monthly, plus the cost of housing and meals, by moving to assisted living, which costs $3,456. If you want to live at home but obtain cheaper care, you may be able to obtain services in a daytime community setting for $1,222 monthly. Nursing homes, which feature a higher degree of care for those with medical needs, charge rates starting at $6,844. This exceeds home care costs by $2,649.
III. How to Find Home Care in Florence, SC
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 Florence, SC.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Florence, SC
Meals on Wheels of Florence County
What You Should Know
If you’re unable to shop for or prepare meals yourself, you may be able to get home-delivered meals through Meals on Wheels of Florence County. This nonprofit organization provides daily noontime meals to housebound individuals and operates group dining sites where you can enjoy congregate meals and social and recreational activities. Along with nutrition services, the agency provides in-home services such as light housekeeping and laundry, shopping and chore services, transportation for essential errands and a telephone reassurance program. It also has health and wellness programs to help you maintain your safety and independence at home.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for home-delivered meals through this program if you are at least 60 years old and live within Florence County. Depending on your income, you may be required to pay toward the cost of your meal.
How to Get Started
You can request services through Meals on Wheels by submitting an online form. You can also call the organization at (843) 669-6761 to learn more about this program or to find out about other available services.
Pee Dee Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The local Area Agency on Aging provides free and low-cost services to those aged 60 and over in the Florence region, helping seniors maintain their independence at home. You can contact this agency for respite care payment assistance along with family caregiver advocacy services. The agency has information and referral specialists who help you assess your needs and find community-based programs that provide affordable solutions. It also has health insurance options counselors who can help you understand your Medicare benefits and screen you for eligibility for benefits that may help pay for in-home care.
Who Is Eligible?
Everyone aged 60 and over within the AAA’s service area, including older adults in Florence, can obtain free information and referrals through the agency. Other programs may have additional guidelines related to income limits or functional needs.
How to Get Started
To learn more about these programs or to apply for services, you can contact the agency at (843) 383-8632. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Homestead Exemption
What You Should Know
South Carolina seniors who meet qualifications may be able to limit how much they pay in property taxes through the Homestead Exemption. This program completely exempts taxes from the first $50,000 of your home’s Fair Market Value. This may make it financially feasible for you to retain ownership of your home on a fixed income.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for the Homestead Exemption if you own a home in Florence and use it as your primary residence, or you’re the beneficiary of a trust that holds the title, and you must have lived in South Carolina for a full calendar year. You must be at least 65 years of age, or you must be declared totally and permanently disabled or legally blind.
How to Get Started
You must contact the Florence County Auditor’s Office at (843) 665-3088 for information on the application process. When applying, you should have several documents on hand, including your birth certificate or state-issued ID card. Once your application is approved, you don’t need to reapply annually.
Pee Dee Community Action Partnership
What You Should Know
The Pee Dee Community Action Partnership administers supportive programs to income-qualified individuals in the Florence region. Through this nonprofit organization, you can get financial help through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. This federally funded program provides funds to help you pay high energy bills to avoid disruptions in service, as well as income management services to help individuals determine how to best manage their retirement income.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for services through the CAP is generally based on income, but exact limits vary by program.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the services available through the CAP or to get details on eligibility requirements, you can call the agency at (843) 678-3400. You can also submit an online contact form with your questions and a representative will reach out to you.
2-1-1
What You Should Know
2-1-1 is a service of United Way that provides you with free information and referral services, helping you find programs and services that may enable you to remain comfortable at home. Through this organization, you can speak with an options counselor who listens to your needs and makes recommendations for services such as in-home care providers, volunteer-based senior transportation services, nutrition services and social and recreational programs.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone can get information and referral services through 2-1-1, regardless of their age or income. Programs that you connect with through this organization may have additional eligibility requirements related to age, income or need.
How to Get Started
You can speak with a representative by dialing 2-1-1 or (843) 662-2407. You can also visit the Florence office in person at 1621 West Palmetto Street.