I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Lafayette, IN
With a population of 71,721, Lafayette is a growing city where many people choose to put down roots. The senior population makes up 13.2% of the community, and many of these residents choose to live at home during their retirement. Its robust senior center and many options for in-home care within the city and Tippecanoe County add to the appeal of retiring here.
If you call Lafayette home, you’ll find that there are plenty of interesting things to do to help you stay active during your retirement. The city is home to Purdue University, which provides sports and arts for residents’ enjoyment. Charming downtown Lafayette is lined with boutique shops and dining options, and the grandkids will love visiting McCord Candies, an old-fashioned corner store, when they visit. Two hospitals, Franciscan Health Lafayette East and Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital, serve area seniors.
Nature lovers will find that the city appeals to them as well. Happy Hollow Park on the Wabash River provides a place to take a nature walk or enjoy the sound of rushing water. Clegg Memorial Garden overlooks Wildcat Creek and offers flora and fauna to see.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Lafayette, IN
As you make plans for aging at home, you may find that you need a little extra help. Home care helps with homemaking and personal care, while home health care offers these in addition to some basic medical care. In Lafayette, the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey estimates the average cost to be $4,767 a month.
Each senior may need a different level of care depending on their health and abilities. This average is based on 44 hours of care per week. This breaks down to about $25 an hour.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Lafayette’s average of $4,767 a month for both home care types is higher than several nearby cities and the state median. In Terre Haute, seniors average $4,385 monthly for home care and $4,439 for home health care. In Kokomo, the average is $4,576 for both care types, while in Indianapolis, it’s $4,385 for home care and $4,767 for home health care. Across Indiana, the averages are $4,385 for home care and $4,576 for home health care. The U.S. average is similar at $4,481 and $4,576.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care is just one option available to seniors in Lafayette. The average for both types of home care is $4,767 a month, but adult day care is much more affordable at $2,600. If you choose to make the move to assisted living, you can expect to pay a little more a month with an average of $4,790. The most expensive option is nursing home care, which averages $7,026 a month for a semiprivate room.
III. How to Find Home Care in Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, IN.
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 Lafayette, IN
Senior Home Assistance Repair Program
If your home is in need of minor repairs to help you stay safe or enjoy more accessibility in your daily life, SHARP may be able to help. This program offers assistance with repairs for HVAC systems, water heaters, roofs, gutters and electrical systems. It will also help with accessibility modifications, such as installing grab bars, ramps and hand railings or cleaning out sewers. Licensed local contractors handle repairs. The program charges a one-time fee of $45, but the repairs are free of charge.
Who Is Eligible?
SHARP is available to anyone age 62 or older who is living with a documented disability in Tippecanoe County. If your income meets the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s low to moderate income guidelines, you can apply.
How to Get Started
To take advantage of this program, call (765) 447-2311, ext. 3.
Transportation Assistance Program
Access to transportation can be vital when aging in place. The Tippecanoe Senior Center offers a Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) to help seniors get from their homes to approved medical appointments. The program partners with professional third-party transportation services so you can feel confident in the quality of service you receive. This makes it possible for you to age at home and still get to your medical appointments.
Who Is Eligible
Anyone who is aged 62 and older or living with a disability and can’t get to doctor’s appointments can easily apply.
How to Get Started
If you need transportation help, contact the Tippecanoe Senior Center at (765) 447-2311 to request an application for TAP.
Meals on Wheels Greater Lafayette
Food insecurity is a serious risk for many homebound seniors. The Meals on Wheels Greater Lafayette program will deliver a meal to your home daily to ensure that you’re getting adequate nutrition. The suggested donation for a meal is $5, but reductions are available based on your income. Each meal includes an entree, two sides, fruit and a drink, and several menu choices are available to ensure that you get something you like.
In addition to the daily meal, Meals on Wheels Greater Lafayette offers the home delivery of food for your pets as well as Ensure Enlive dietary supplement drinks. Every delivery includes a friendly visit and wellness check to help you remain safe in your home.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone who has difficulty accessing nutritious and affordable food at home regardless of their age or the reason for that challenge can receive Meals on Wheels.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in participating in Meals on Wheels, request an appointment online. Meals on Wheels is located at 2000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite F, Lafayette, IN 47804. You can call (765) 429-6325 for more information.
Options Counseling
If you’re looking for help staying independent at home, Options Counseling can assist. This is a free counseling program that helps you understand your options for in-home care and access publicly funded programs based on your physical limitations, living arrangements, transportation needs and financial situation. Through Options Counseling, you can learn if you’re eligible for subsidized services at home, and the counselor will help you get started with those services.
The goal of Options Counseling is to help you live a healthy life with as much independence as possible. For many seniors, this means providing the right supports to allow aging at home.
Who Is Eligible?
Any senior, individual living with a disability or a caregiver of one of these people can get Options Counseling services.
How to Get Started
Call the Aging and Disability Resource Center at (765) 447-7683 to learn more about Options Counseling. You can also contact them via mail at 660 North 36th Street, Lafayette, IN 47903.
Indiana CHOICE Program
Through CHOICE, you may be able to get help with in-home services as you age in place. CHOICE is a statewide program that provides assistance for home care on a sliding scale based on income. The goal of this program is to help area seniors remain at home as long as possible while maintaining the highest level of independence.
Available services include attendant care, home health aides, personal emergency response services, home and vehicle modifications, specialized medical equipment, skilled nursing, transportation and chore assistance.
Who Is Eligible?
Any Indiana senior age 60 and older or any person living at home with a disability may be eligible for CHOICE. To qualify, you must have trouble with activities of daily living and be at risk for losing your ability to live at home safely as a result. Seniors with assets and income over $250,000 may not qualify for CHOICE.
How to Get Started
To apply for CHOICE, call the Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs Inc. at (765) 447-4683. They’re located at 660 North 36th Street, Lafayette, IN 47903.