I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Greensboro, NC
Greensboro, North Carolina, is an appealing retirement destination for budget-conscious seniors who are looking for a high quality of life. Greensboro is home to 300,000 residents, including more than 40,000 senior citizens, which makes it the third largest city in the state. If you depend on a fixed income, you may appreciate Greensboro’s competitive cost of living, which is 15% lower than the U.S. average. Housing and transportation are very affordable, but some services, such as health care, cost more than average. However, the area is home to several high-performing hospitals.
Greensboro residents enjoy a very pleasant climate that may benefit older adults. The area receives just 5 inches of snowfall annually. Winter lows dip just below freezing, and summer highs top out around 90 degrees. As a local resident, you’ll also enjoy an above-average number of sunny days, which are ideal for enjoying the city’s parks and outdoor attractions. Seniors also have access to several recreation centers and a wide range of services designed to promote independent aging and allow seniors to remain in their own homes.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Greensboro, NC
If you live in the Greensboro metropolitan area, you can expect to pay approximately $3,956 per month for homemaker services or $4,004 per month for home health care. This breaks down to a median cost of $20.75-$21 per hour, which is slightly lower than the national average of $23. Price estimates assume that seniors require 44 hours of weekly care and are based on data from Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. Your expenses may vary depending on how much or how little assistance you require.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
At $3,956 per month, the cost of home care in Greensboro is $143 higher than the state median of $3,813 but $525 lower than the U.S. average of $4,481. Home health care is on par with the state median of $4,004 and $572 lower than the national average. Greensboro’s prices are similar to other cities in the region. Home care costs in Burlington and Winston are within $100 of the rates paid in Greensboro. In Durham, prices rise to $4,385 for home care and $4,767 for home health care, which is up to $763 more per month.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In-home care is an appealing choice for many seniors in Greensboro, but it’s not your only option. If you’re willing to travel to a community-based adult day care center, you can receive meals and daytime care for just $1,278 per month. Home care is slightly more affordable than assisted living, which averages $4,509, and it’s roughly half the cost of skilled nursing. Nursing homes in Greensboro charge $7,695 per month for a semiprivate room, making this the most expensive senior care option available.
III. How to Find Home Care in Greensboro, NC
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 Greensboro, NC.
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 Greensboro, NC
Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging serves seniors, family caregivers and disabled adults in Greensboro and 12 counties across the Piedmont region. You can contact the AAA to learn more about home-delivered meals, nutritional programs, senior transportation and adult day care options. It also helps older adults access legal advice and respite care. Additionally, the agency can accept applications for in-home care offered by Medicaid and the Division of Aging and Adult Services. Senior Tarheel Cards give older adults free admission to high school sports games, and advocates are available to help residents apply for Extra Help benefits and other programs that can reduce their health insurance co-pays, premiums and prescription drug costs. The agency also has a hotline you can call for information about available resources.
Who Is Eligible?
Informational services are available to all local residents. To qualify for most services, you must be aged 60 or older or disabled. Medical and financial eligibility requirements apply for programs that provide in-home care.
How to Get Started
Call the Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging at (336) 904-0300 to learn more about programs and services that can help you age in place.
Senior Resources of Guilford
What You Should Know
Founded in 1977, Senior Resources of Guilford offers nearly two dozen programs for older adults in Greensboro and Guilford County. It manages the area’s Meals on Wheels program, which provides hot midday meals to seniors who are unable to prepare their own food. If you’re aged 60 or older and struggle with home maintenance and seasonal chores, such as yard work and cleaning your gutters, Handy Helper can provide free assistance. The organization also offers Medicare insurance counseling, tax preparation assistance and restaurant vouchers. Medical transportation is available to seniors aged 55 and older through Senior Wheels. Plus, its information hotline can direct you to other resources in the community.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility requirements vary by program. Most services are available to seniors aged 60 and older who have unmet needs.
How to Get Started
For more information about these programs, you can call Senior Resources of Guilford at (336) 373-4816.
Shepherd’s Center of Greensboro
What You Should Know
The Shepherd’s Center of Greensboro is an interfaith organization that provides a variety of services that can help you maintain an active lifestyle. It offers travel opportunities, lifelong learning courses and senior technology classes and coaching. In addition to hosting a monthly club for seniors who enjoy cards and table games, it offers free tax preparation assistance and volunteer rides. Shepherd’s Wheels provides free transportation to seniors aged 60 and older who live within the city limits and have difficulty driving or accessing other transportation options. Rides are available to medical appointments and other approved destinations, including banks, stores and the post office. You can also contact the organization for help with minor home repairs.
Who Is Eligible?
This nonprofit group serves older adults throughout the metropolitan area. Some services, such as volunteer rides, are limited to those who live within the city limits.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the services offered through the Shepherd’s Center or to become a volunteer, call (336) 378-0766.
Guilford County Department of Social Services, Adult Services and Programs
What You Should Know
The Department of Social Services sponsors a number of programs to protect seniors’ well-being and allow residents to age in place. It provides short-term assistance to individuals who need help accessing essential services, and it assists with long-term care placement and facility licensing. You may qualify for In-Home Aide Services to assist with housekeeping and personal care, including showering, toileting and dressing, or the Special Assistance In-Home Program that provides a cash stipend to help Medicaid-eligible seniors remain in their own homes. The county also offers transportation, utility bill assistance and other financial benefits.
Who Is Eligible?
You must meet financial and medical eligibility requirements to access in-home assistance and other forms of direct care. Other programs, such as Adult Protective Services, are available to all residents in need.
How to Get Started
For more information or to see if you qualify, call (336) 641-3716 or visit the Guilford County Department of Social Services online.
Greensboro Access GSO and I-Ride Paratransit Services
What You Should Know
If you need help getting around town and aren’t able to use the city’s fixed-route bus lines due to a physical disability or other limitations, Access GSO can help. This service provides curb-to-curb or door-to-door shared rides depending on your needs. Cash fares are $2 per trip, and multiride punch cards are available at a discounted rate. Transportation is available 7 days a week, excluding holidays. The city also offers wheelchair- and scooter-accessible fixed-route bus lines served by lift-equipped vehicles.
Who Is Eligible?
Access GSO offers full, conditional and temporary eligibility certifications for individuals who have a permanent, short-term or partial disability that prevents them from using the city’s fixed-route bus lines safely. A two-part application is required, including documentation from a medical professional.
How to Get Started
If you’d like more information about local transportation options, call Access GSO at (336) 373-4675. To make a reservation, dial (336) 333-6589.