I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Fort Worth, TX
The fifth-largest city in Texas, Fort Worth is home to approximately 87,000 seniors aged 65 and older. Its milder winters mean that retirees can spend more time outdoors golfing, enjoying the Fort Worth Zoo or visiting the many local parks, including Trinity Park, which is an ideal spot for a picnic or a relaxing walk. There are also a number of museums, shopping districts and a wide variety of international restaurants to choose from when dining out. For those seeking live entertainment, world-class musical artistry can be found at the Fort Worth Opera or Bass Performance Hall where Broadway shows are regularly performed. Fort Worth’s average cost of living, low home care costs and lack of retirement taxes, including Social Security exemptions, means that you or your loved one will have more money to spend on the things you enjoy.
Some of the best health care in the state is readily available to Fort Worth seniors at UT Southwestern Medical Center, which is located 30 minutes away in nearby Dallas. In addition to ranking second best among all Texas hospitals, UT Southwestern’s high-performing geriatrics care unit ranks 25th in the country according to U.S. News and World Report.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Fort Worth, TX
Home care costs, on average, $4,385 per month in Fort Worth according to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey. The amount you pay depends greatly on the number of hours of care needed. For instance, $4,385 per month is calculated based on 44 hours per week, which breaks down to approximately six hours of daily care for seven days. If additional overnight care is needed, costs can increase significantly: 24/7 care costs approximately $16,743 per month while fewer hours could cost much less. For example, 20 hours per week of home care costs approximately $1,993 per month or $100 per hour, a rate that’s the same in all scenarios.
Note: Data for Fort Worth was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Dallas, was used instead.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care in Fort Worth ($4,385) is more expensive than the state average ($4,195) as well as most nearby cities, but it’s still below the national average. Home care consists of both homemaker services and home health aides whose medically focused care sometimes costs more. In nearby Sherman ($3,718), costs are lower than in Fort Worth, and Tyler’s costs ($3,718 for homemaker services and $3,813 for home health aides) are similar. Waco’s home care costs ($4,004) are also lower than Fort Worth by a margin of approximately $380 per month.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Although home care in Fort Worth, at $4,385 per month for 44 hours of weekly care, initially appears to be more expensive than other options, it’s worth considering the incalculable benefit that can come from staying in a familiar environment with familiar faces and comforting routines. Additionally, the monthly cost of care depends on the number of hours needed. If fewer hours are needed, such as 20 hours per week instead of 44, the rate drops considerably to $1,993, which makes it much more affordable than assisted living ($4,400) and almost as affordable as adult day care, which costs $1,571 per month. Nursing home care costs are higher at $5,171 monthly.
III. How to Find Home Care in Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth, TX
Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County
What You Should Know
Partnered with the Aging and Disability Resource Center, the Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County is committed to helping older adults live with dignity and independence through a comprehensive set of services and programs. You or your caregiver or loved one can receive free advice about how to qualify for benefits, find meals at senior centers or at home, receive home safety modifications and more. Support and advocacy is provided for caregivers by connecting them with respite care and giving them information about coping skills and community support resources. The AAA of Tarrant County also offers a number of evidence-based programs designed to support overall health and well-being. For example, PEARLS is aimed at addressing elderly depression, and A Matter of Balance teaches seniors how to prevent and recover from falls over an eight-week period.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone 60 or older is eligible to receive the information and assistance provided through the AAA of Tarrant County regardless of income or circumstances.
How to Get Started
For more information about offered services, contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Tarrant County at (855) 937-2372 or visit their offices at 1300 Circle Drive in Fort Worth.
Tarrant County Senior Programs and Initiatives
What You Should Know
Tarrant County offers a number of resources for area seniors, including a listing of transportation partners that provide assistance with getting to and from medical appointments, shops and other essential destinations. The county also hosts an annual Empowering Seniors event that includes workshops, entertainment and information relevant to seniors and their loved ones. A directory of local agencies is compiled that includes Meals on Wheels, Housing Assistance and the Department of Human Services as well as information about all of the senior centers located in Tarrant County.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone is eligible to use the resources available through Tarrant County Senior Programs and Initiatives. The Empowering Seniors annual event is open to all, regardless of age, but is primarily geared towards those 50 and older.
How to Get Started
Begin by visiting the website and using the provided links for more information regarding agencies, transportation options or the Empowering Seniors event.
Elder Options of Texas
What You Should Know
Elder Options provides a wide variety of resources, community supports and services to Texas residents, including individuals living in Fort Worth. Seniors and their loved ones can access information about home care, connect with elder law attorneys or find professional resources, such as home modification contractors or senior care advocates, through this organization. Elder Options also maintains a calendar of local senior events in the Fort Worth area as well as a catalog of lifestyle articles, information about RV travel and much more.
Who Is Eligible?
Although anyone is able to utilize the Elder Options resources, they are most appropriate for those 50 and older or their caregivers.
How to Get Started
Visit the Elder Options website to access their listings of resources, articles and activities.
Sixty and Better
What You Should Know
Based in Fort Worth, Sixty and Better is a nonprofit agency dedicated to empowering older adults. Its services, which are offered free of charge, include a Socialization and Nutrition program that provides nutritious meals along with companionship and conversation. Benefit Enrollment Centers located at 12 Activity Centers help those who are living at home and struggling to pay for food, utilities, medical needs and prescriptions. Those who live alone can benefit from weekly companion calls, and those living with chronic medical conditions can learn how to manage their illnesses through Chronic Disease Self-Management courses.
Who Is Eligible?
Programs are offered to all seniors who are 60 and over regardless of their income or situation.
How to Get Started
To learn more about how Sixty and Better can help, call (817) 413-4949 or email them at [email protected].
Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County provides nutritious meals and a number of ancillary programs, such as case management and Client Assistance. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday and consist of lunches. Breakfasts and weekend meals are available to those who need a greater level of care. Additionally, each MOW client works with a professional case manager who helps coordinate services with other agencies as needed. Caseworkers determine if additional meals are needed and meet with clients a minimum of three times a week in their homes. Those who receive MOW’s services and are frail and homebound are eligible to get help with minor repairs to maintain a safe home environment. Weekly in-person visits are also provided to help address issues of loneliness and isolation while functioning as additional safety checks. Other programs include pet meals, an errands program and medication management.
Who Is Eligible?
MOW’s initial eligibility is based on several factors: a client must be homebound, unable to prepare meals themselves and have no one who can assist them. There’s no age or income restriction. Other programs, such as Client Assistance, are provided to those who have no other means of repairing potential safety hazards in their homes.
How to Get Started
If you or a loved one meets the general criteria, you can complete the online referral form. For general inquiries, contact MOW of Tarrant County at (817) 336-0912.