I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Irving, TX
Irving, TX, is an inner suburb of Dallas. It’s home to approximately 254,000 people, and seniors compose around 8% of the local population. While the overall cost of living in Irving is similar to the U.S. average, costs for housing and health care come in a little lower than national norms. The lack of state income tax and property tax exemptions for seniors can help you stretch your retirement funds further. The city offers easy access to health care. Medical City Las Colinas, William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine are around a 20-minute drive away, with many more high-performing hospitals in the wider area.
The area is well-connected by major road networks, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport lies on the fringe of the city, making it easier for out-of-town loved ones to visit. Retirees may find the climate appealing; summers are hot, winters are mild and the city has more sunny days per year than the national average. Irving offers plenty of services for its aging population, including transportation and recreation, and has many home care service providers to make aging in place comfortable, safe and convenient.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Irving, TX
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, home care costs an average of $4,862 per month in Irving. This figure is based on seniors receiving 44 hours of care each week and represents an hourly rate of $25.50. Home health care, which includes clinical and rehabilitative services, shares the same average rate. Keep in mind that actual care costs will vary depending on factors like the number of care hours and specific services required.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
In Irving, home care and home health care share the same median monthly cost of $4,862. This is higher than the shared state average of $4,576, but lower than the national average rates of $4,957 for home care and $5,148 for home health care. In Sherman, both types of in-home care run around $4,767 per month, which is lower than in Irving. Home care and home health care also share the same average rates in Waco and Tyler, where monthly costs are around $4,668 and $4,376, respectively.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Although home care and home health care are costlier than assisted living, which runs around $4,195 per month, in-home care can be overall more attractive as it offers the comfort and privacy of remaining at home. Both types of in-home care are more affordable than nursing home care, which averages $5,627 per month. Adult day care, which provides services at an external location, is the cheapest care option, costing around $1,517 per month.
III. How to Find Home Care in Irving, 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 Irving, TX.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Irving, TX
VNA Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Operated by the Visiting Nurse Association, VNA Meals on Wheels delivers hot nutritious meals to housebound seniors. Meal delivery services are available each weekday, except holidays. Monthly menus are diverse and are published on the website in English and Spanish. The organization can also deliver extra pet food once a month to help support older adults in taking care of their animal companions.
Who Is Eligible?
Low-income seniors over the age of 60 or disabled people may qualify for home-delivered meals. Applicants must also be homebound and live within Dallas County.
How to Get Started
Call (214) 689-2639 or email the organization for further information about the Meals on Wheels program.
To apply for meal delivery, complete an online application form. Alternatively, complete a paper application form and fax it to (214) 631-7554 or send it by email.
Dallas County Health and Human Services’ Weatherization Assistance Program
What You Should Know
The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free services to low-income households to help make homes more energy efficient. As well as reducing energy bills, services can make homes safer for occupants. Services may include minor repair works, installing window air conditioner units, duct sealing, insulation, connecting smart thermostats and fitting energy-efficient light bulbs.
Who Is Eligible?
Households must meet minimum income levels. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualifying non-citizens and live in the service area. Seniors who are at least 60 years old receive a priority point, which can speed up the waiting time.
How to Get Started
You should complete an application form to be assessed for eligibility for weatherization assistance. You can either complete the form online or print a paper copy and return it via email or by post to:
Dallas County Department of HHS
ATTN: WAP
2377 North Stemmons Freeway
Suite 336
Dallas, TX 75207-2710
You can also hand deliver your completed application form to Suite 336, located on floor 3 of the same address.
Seniors for Seniors
What You Should Know
Seniors for Seniors is a program operated by the City of Irving’s department of Irving Animal Services. The scheme allows people aged 65 or older to adopt a senior companion animal for free. The program aims to relieve loneliness and boredom for both senior humans and animals, providing companionship and purpose. Pet ownership can also help seniors feel more secure at home. All animals available for adoption have been microchipped, desexed, wormed and given flea treatment, and all are up to date with necessary vaccinations.
Who Is Eligible?
Individuals who are at least 65 years old are eligible for free adoptions of companion pets. Qualifying seniors are limited to one animal each, and the pet must be at least 5 years old.
How to Get Started
You can get more information about the program by calling the animal shelter staff on (972) 721-2256. Browse animals currently available for adoption online and visit the shelter between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday to arrange adoptions. Irving Animal Care Campus is located at 4140 Valley View Lane, Irving, TX 75038.
Heritage Senior Center
What You Should Know
Heritage Senior Center offers an array of practical services, such as tax and benefits advice, and social programs to seniors aged 50 and above. The modern building is home to a library, a craft room, a ballroom, a fitness center, a games room, a computer lab, a ballroom and three activity rooms. The schedule includes fitness classes for people of varying abilities, cognitively enhancing brain exercises, card games, educational workshops, craft sessions and intergenerational events. Low-cost meals are served in the dining room, and round-trip transportation is available for those who can’t get to the center independently.
Who Is Eligible?
Any senior who is aged 50 or above can become a member of Heritage Senior Center. Irving residents pay a small yearly fee of $5, while those who live outside the city pay $30 per year for membership. Day admission is also available. Membership to the fitness center is subject to an extra fee, and special events may attract a supplemental charge. Members can conveniently sign up online for their chosen activities and events.
How to Get Started
Contact the Recreation Center Supervisor by telephone at (972) 721-7316 or via email to become a member of Heritage Senior Center.
Home Rehabilitation Programs
What You Should Know
The City of Irving operates five home rehabilitation programs for low-income residents who cannot afford to maintain their homes. Programs cover basic safety improvements, emergency repairs and essential maintenance. The Homeowner Accessibility Program improves home access for seniors and disabled people. The Air Conditioner Repair and Replacement Program assists with heating and cooling requirements for seniors and homeowners with additional needs. The Emergency Repair Program provides grants to remedy urgent unexpected repairs, and the Home Exterior Improvement Program helps those who have received code violations but don’t have the means to rectify issues. Individuals can also apply for loans to help cover costs of major building repairs.
Who Is Eligible?
Exact eligibility guidelines vary for each program, but all applicants must satisfy minimum income criteria.
How to Get Started
Call (972) 721-4800 to make an appointment to attend the City Hall office to complete the relevant application forms.