I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Fort Wayne, IN
Fort Wayne is the second-largest city in Indiana and the seat of Allen County. The city is home to a growing community of older adults who currently represent 14.2% out of its 265,974 residents. In 2019, city officials made a commitment to better accommodate the needs of older residents by joining the AARP Age-Friendly Network.
Thanks to the city’s very affordable cost of living, you can stretch your retirement funds further than the average U.S. resident. Housing prices in Fort Wayne are among the lowest in the country, and health care rates are nearly 20 points below the national average. Several hospitals serve the city’s residents, including the Parkview Hospital Randallia, the Lutheran Downtown Hospital and the Dupont Hospital.
In terms of climate, you can expect highs of 84 degrees in the summer and lows around 17 during the winter. City residents breathe cleaner air than in other parts of the nation, so your risk of developing respiratory illness is lower than average. Additionally, the city is considered one of the best places in the U.S. to live, making it an ideal location for seniors seeking to enjoy their golden years from the comfort of their own homes.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Fort Wayne, IN
As a Fort Wayne resident, you can anticipate a monthly expense of $5,339 for in-home care. This average cost is the same for home care and home health care, which includes things like skilled therapy and nursing, and it’s higher than both the state and national median. Prices reported by the Genworth Cost of Care 2021 Survey assume that you require a full-time in-home caregiver for 44 hours each week. This means your actual costs can vary based on how much support you need. The average hourly rate for a home care or home health care provider in Fort Wayne is $28.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care and home health care in Fort Wayne are more affordable by $429 per month than in Elkhart. Prices for both types of care in Kokomo are substantially lower than in Fort Wayne. Muncie is one of the few places in Indiana where home health aides cost more than home care providers that offer nonmedical services, such as chore assistance. However, both types of senior care cost a lot less in Muncie than in Fort Wayne.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Receiving care at home from an in-home caregiver or a home health aide is the second most expensive senior care option in Fort Wayne after nursing homes, which cost around $7,574 each month. Seniors in assisted living facilities pay an estimated $3,485 per month, while the average rate for adult day health care in the city is $1,192.
III. How to Find Home Care in Fort Wayne, IN
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 Fort Wayne, IN.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Fort Wayne, IN
Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana
What You Should Know
This Area Agency on Aging provides several aging-in-place services to older residents within its local service area. You can contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center for advice on local programs that you may be eligible for and help applying for public benefits. The agency also offers case management services and in-home supportive services, such as home-delivered meals and personal care. If you’re living with a chronic illness, Living a Healthy Life workshops may offer some helpful tips for managing your condition. For seniors who wish to enjoy a more active lifestyle, the agency’s Enhance Fitness program offers regular low-impact exercise classes.
Seniors who were recently hospitalized or underwent rehabilitation in a nursing home may receive support through the AAA’s Care Transitions service, which helps them readapt to living at home. Additionally, AIHS provides support groups and services for caregivers.
Who Is Eligible?
Aging & In-Home Services provides support to all seniors who live in the northeast Indiana region starting at age 60. Family members and caregivers also qualify for free information and assistance.
How to Get Started
You can get in touch with this agency by filling out the form on their contact page or by calling (260) 745-1200 or (800) 743-3333 toll-free. The ADRC accepts text messages via 711 and (800) 743-3333.
The Weatherization Assistance Program
What You Should Know
This federally funded weatherization program can make your home healthier and may help lower your energy bills. When you apply for this service, a Brightpoint representative will inspect your home to see if it needs any improvements and to determine whether you’re eligible for free weatherization assistance. Repair work may include wall insulation, appliance repairs or upgrades and window replacement.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for free weatherization, your total household income must be at or below 60% of the state median. Applicants are put on a waiting list based on how much energy their homes are wasting. Seniors can apply for this program whether they rent or own their homes.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the program and to check your eligibility, you can contact Brightpoint at (260) 423-3546 or submit a contact form.
The Brightpoint Energy Assistance Program
What You Should Know
The Brightpoint Energy Assistance Program can provide low-income older adults with a yearly benefit to help with their heating bills during the winter. This is a statewide initiative delivered to Allen County residents by the Brightpoint nonprofit agency. Eligible applicants are awarded a one-time nonrepayable grant that’s sent directly to their utility providers. Applications for this benefit usually open in November each year.
Who Is Eligible?
Brightpoint determines eligibility for this benefit based on income. To qualify, your household income must fall within EAP guidelines, meaning it should not exceed 60% of the state median.
How to Get Started
Seniors and their family members can apply for the Energy Assistance Program over the phone by calling (800) 589-3506, Option 1, or by submitting an inquiry form.
City of Fort Wayne Homeowner Repair Program
What You Should Know
The Fort Wayne city government can provide homeowners with a 0% interest loan to go towards roof repair and replacement work. You may be awarded a loan of up to $17,500 to use on repair services, such as shingles, gutters and underlayment replacement, or to install appropriate venting. The goal of this program is to help city residents preserve the condition of their existing homes.
Who Is Eligible?
This program is open to Fort Wayne residents who’ve owned their homes for at least 18 months and who live there full-time. Applicants should be up-to-date on their taxes and mortgage payments, and their debt-to-income ratio needs to be below 65%. Additionally, eligible seniors must have a household income that’s lower than 80% of the state average.
How to Get Started
Seniors can apply for the roof loan program online or by calling (260) 427-8585. Applicants who require translation services can dial (260) 426-6764 to apply.
Homebound Meals Inc. of Fort Wayne
What You Should Know
Homebound Meals helps older adults in Fort Wayne continue to live at home even if they’re unable to prepare their own food. The program delivers low-cost medically tailored lunches during the week. Homebound Meals caters to seniors who require specific diets, such as a diabetic, lactose-free or gluten-free. You may also request a weekly delivery of frozen food. Most of the ingredients are locally sourced, and all meals are dietitian-approved.
Who Is Eligible?
This program is available to homebound seniors who live in Allen County and can’t make their own meals due to age, disability or illness.
How to Get Started
To find out more about the services that are available and whether you’re eligible, you can call Homebound Meals at (260) 422-3296 or send them an email.