I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Grand Rapids, MI
If you’re considering home care and want to maintain a high quality of life, Grand Rapids is an excellent choice. With 200,000 residents, including 24,300 senior citizens, Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second most populous city, which gives you access to a more extensive network of community-based services ranging from Meals on Wheels to medical transportation.
Grand Rapids has a number of world-class cultural attractions, including the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and the city maintains 75 parks spanning more than 1,200 acres. Although the area experiences harsh winter weather with about twice as much snowfall as the typical U.S. city, the climate is more comfortable than other parts of the state. Summers are particularly pleasant with a BestPlaces Comfort Index of 9.3.
Unlike some large cities, Grand Rapids has a competitive cost of living that’s 12% lower than the national average. Health care is particularly affordable, and the city has an above-average number of physicians and several top-performing hospitals. You can also choose from a long list of home health care providers. As a member of AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, Grand Rapids is committed to supporting its older residents and enhancing its livability.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Grand Rapids, MI
If you’re looking for a home health care provider in Grand Rapids, you can expect to pay $4,862 for home care and $4,767 per month for home health care. Grand Rapids is an unusual location since homemaker services cost more than home health care, which includes physical therapy, help with IV medications and other skilled services. In most parts of the country, home health care costs about $100 more. Price estimates are based on data from the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey. This study assumes that seniors require 44 hours of care at a cost of $25-$25.50 per hour, which is about $2 higher than the U.S. average.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
In-home care in Grand Rapids costs slightly more than the U.S. average of $4,481 and $4,576. Home health care prices are on par with the state median of $4,767, but home care prices are $286 higher. However, local rates aren’t excessive. In Lansing and Kalamazoo, home care prices are similar to the U.S. median. Seniors in Muskegon, pay several hundred dollars more per month with an average of $5,243. If you’re willing to consider other metropolitan areas, you may be able to find even more competitive rates.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Cost is an important consideration for anyone who requires long-term care. Depending on your needs, home care may be a competitively priced option. The most affordable option is adult day health care at $1,972 per month. Assisted living facilities cost $250 more per month than home care with an average of $5,000. However, both home health care and assisted living are significantly more affordable than skilled nursing, which costs an average of $9,178 per month for a semiprivate room.
III. How to Find Home Care in Grand Rapids, MI
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 Grand Rapids, MI.
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 Grand Rapids, MI
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan Inc.
What You Should Know
If you live in Grand Rapids, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is a hub for information about healthy aging and community-based services, including in-home care. It provides case management services to coordinate necessary medical services and community-based support, and low-cost scheduled transportation is available through RideLink. A donation of $2 is suggested for each trip, and transportation is available for medical appointments, errands and recreational activities. Seniors may also qualify for the MI Choice Waiver Program, which covers chore assistance, meal deliveries, respite care, emergency alert system and private-duty nursing, among other services.
Who Is Eligible?
This Area Agency on Aging is dedicated to serving local residents aged 60 and older. Some services, such as transportation, are available to all seniors. Financial assistance programs, including waivers that help with in-home care, are available to seniors who require a nursing home level of care. There are income and asset limits, and there may also be a waiting list. You may also qualify for assistance if you’re disabled or serve as a family caregiver.
How to Get Started
For more information about these programs or to request a free benefits checkup, call AAAWM at (616) 456-5664.
Kent County Community Action
What You Should Know
Kent County Community Action is a comprehensive resource for programs that can help you age in place successfully. Its Senior Services division offers information, assistance and outreach to help older adults learn about available services. The agency offers Medicare and Medicaid counseling, congregate meals, commodity food boxes, low-cost transportation and home weatherization among other services. It also offers utility bill assistance, tax preparation help and other services to income-qualified families.
Who Is Eligible?
Senior Services are available to Kent County residents aged 60 and older. Applications for some services may consider your income and physical needs.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in learning more, call Kent County Community Action at (616) 632-7950.
Meals on Wheels Western Michigan
What You Should Know
Thanks to funding provided by the AAA of Western Michigan, this Meals on Wheels program serves nearly 3,000 homebound seniors every year. It provides home-delivered meals, supplies biweekly grocery boxes and operates 19 congregate dining sites in Kent and Allegan counties. Volunteers provide brief safety and wellness checks and may deliver handwritten holiday and birthday cards and other seasonal items during their routes. Meals are delivered Monday, Wednesday and Friday and are ready to be reheated in the microwave or oven. The program also provides farmers market vouchers and liquid meal replacement products.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for meal deliveries if you live in Kent County and are homebound, which means that you don’t leave your home regularly without assistance. Seniors may qualify for up to two meals daily, including special dietary options.
How to Get Started
To sign up or to see if you’re eligible, call Meals on Wheels at (616) 459-3111.
Senior Neighbors
What You Should Know
Senior Neighbors has been helping older adults maintain their well-being and self-sufficiency since 1972. Every year, it helps 4,000 seniors in Kent County. The organization operates senior centers in Grand Rapids and surrounding communities, and it provides bus passes, shared rides and other transportation options. Senior Neighbors can help you with home repairs and maintenance, including plumbing, electrical, yard work, smoke detectors and safety issues. Case management, insurance counseling, friendly home visits and healthy aging courses are also available through this organization.
Who Is Eligible?
Grand Rapids residents aged 60 and older are invited to contact Senior Neighbors for assistance. Staff members can help determine your eligibility for specific programs.
How to Get Started
If you have questions about these programs or if you’d like to request assistance, contact the Senior Neighbors intake line at (616) 459-6019. For information about home repairs, dial (616) 233-0281.
United Methodist Community House Older Adult Programs
What You Should Know
Faith-based charities and interfaith ministries are valuable resources if you want to age in place or need help accessing essential services. United Methodist Community House offers recreational activities and social services to support seniors’ health and wellness. Its senior center offers tai chi, seated fitness classes, bingo and Bible study groups. The organization also works with 60 community partners, including Calvin College and Grand Rapids Community College, to offer preventive health screenings, educational seminars and outreach events. Programs are designed to support seniors’ physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It sponsors a Fresh Market that offers locally grown produce with sliding-scale prices.
Who Is Eligible?
United Methodist Community House serves seniors across the Grand Rapids area, including those living in group homes, long-term care communities and low-income housing. It also offers supportive services for children and families.
How to Get Started
To learn more about these programs or to sign up for an event, call the program director at (616) 452-3226, ext. 3049.