I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Lafayette, LA
Located in the heart of Louisiana’s Acadiana region, Lafayette offers residents a taste of Cajun culture at its best. The Hub City is home to nearly 122,000 residents, and seniors represent 15.6% of the population, which is close to the national average. Home care agencies and community-based services allow older adults to maintain their lifestyle, and the area’s low cost of living is a big help. Housing and utilities are particularly affordable, which can help you stay in your own home longer.
Health care is excellent in this part of the state. Lafayette has an above-average number of physicians, and nearly 2 dozen hospitals and behavioral health centers ensure that you have access to adequate care. Another plus is the area’s pleasant climate that offers residents mild winters and balmy summers. One downside of living in Lafayette are the city’s above-average crime rates. Although crime has declined in recent years, seniors may be interested in purchasing an emergency alert system that can connect them to authorities or a local relative if they need assistance.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Lafayette, LA
The median cost of in-home personal care in Lafayette is $3,813 per month, according to Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey for 2021. This works out to $20 per hour, which is $6 less than the national average. Genworth’s survey assumes that seniors require 44 hours of weekly assistance, so your costs may vary depending on how much help you need. In Lafayette, rates are generally the same whether you require nonmedical help with chores and errands or home health care, which includes nurse monitoring, help with medications and skilled therapy services.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care prices are similar across southern Louisiana. Rates are identical in Lafayette, Houma and Baton Rouge at $3,813 per month for either nonmedical home care and skilled home health care. Prices in Lake Charles are roughly $100 higher at $3,909 per month. Rates across the region are well below the national averages of $4,957 for homemaker assistance and $5,148 for home health care services, which makes the area a cost-effective choice.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Long-term care costs in Lafayette are consistently lower than the national averages. Home care and assisted living are similarly priced at $3,813 and $3,850, respectively. Assisted living facilities may offer more predictable and inclusive costs, but you’ll be giving up some of your freedom. Nursing homes charge about $1,460 more at $5,272 per month and are suitable for individuals who require 24-hour medical monitoring that they can’t receive at home. Although rates for Lafayette aren’t reflected in the survey, adult day care costs $1,788 per month statewide, so it’s likely the lowest-priced type of care available locally.
III. How to Find Home Care in Lafayette, LA
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, LA.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Lafayette, LA
Cajun Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The Cajun Area Agency on Aging serves seniors in eight parishes, including those in Lafayette and the surrounding areas. It’s designed to be the first point of contact for residents who need information about resources such as Meals on Wheels, Adult Protective Services, community recreation centers and congregate dining sites. Staff members facilitate applications for in-home care, chore assistance and much more. If you live alone, you can sign up for daily check-in calls. The agency also sponsors recreational programs, health education classes and long-term care ombudsman services that can help you determine if home care or an alternative is the right option for you.
Who Is Eligible?
Federal regulations ensure that seniors, caregivers and disabled adults have equal access to local resources. Anyone aged 60 or older or in need of services, such as transportation, legal advice, case management or meal deliveries, can contact this agency for help.
How To Get Started
To learn more about the programs and services available through the Area Agency on Aging, call (337) 572-8940.
Lafayette Council on Aging
What You Should Know
The Lafayette Council on Aging works in partnership with the Cajun Area Agency on Aging to deliver age-related services sponsored by the local, state and federal governments. The agency delivers 500 meals a day to homebound residents, arranges health education seminars and provides one-on-one case management services. The LCOA is also the agency to call if you need respite care, medical equipment, transportation to medication appointments or in-home care, including help with cooking, cleaning and trash removal.
Who Is Eligible?
Adults who are aged 60 or older, frail or have a medical need for care can contact the LCOA for help. Services are provided based on your age, income and medical need.
How To Get Started
To reach the Lafayette Council on Aging, call (337) 262-5990.
SMILE Community Action Partnership
What You Should Know
If you’re concerned about remaining in your own home, the SMILE Community Action Agency can help. It offers a long list of programs for seniors and residents of all ages. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help with unpaid energy bills and disconnection notices, especially if you’re over age 60 or have a disability. Federal funding is also available for home repairs, weatherization services and transportation. SMILE can also help if you’re struggling to make your mortgage or housing payment due to a temporary crisis.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility varies by program. In most cases, your household income must be low compared to the area median or federal poverty level. If you need temporary assistance or are struggling with high energy bills on a regular basis, don’t hesitate to contact SMILE for help.
How To Get Started
For general information, call (337) 234-3272. Additional details about the agency’s programs are available online.
Catholic Charities Acadiana/Rebuilding Together Acadiana
What You Should Know
Based in Lafayette, Catholic Charities of Acadiana has been serving low-income families across the region since 1973. During this time, it’s offered a variety of community assistance programs ranging from a free diner to health clinics and dental care. Home repairs are offered in partnership with Rebuilding Together. The agency can help you with storm repairs, home maintenance and accessibility modifications to ensure that you have a safe, secure place to live.
Who Is Eligible?
This nonprofit partnership provides home repairs and related services to residents who are aged or disabled or have a financial need. Its target client base includes seniors, veterans, low-income families and disabled or disadvantaged residents.
How To Get Started
If you need help with home repairs, maintenance or accessibility modifications, such as installing a ramp or grab bars, contact Rebuilding Together Acadiana by calling (337) 291-9910.
Lafayette Property Value Freeze
What You Should Know
Homeowners in Lafayette Parish are entitled to a $7,500 homestead exemption on their primary residence. Senior homeowners who meet certain requirements are eligible for an additional property value freeze. If you have a moderate income and own your home, the parish may freeze the assessed value of your property starting the year after your 65th birthday. The amount you pay in property taxes may still change due to fluctuations in local tax rates, and the assessed value of your property may change if you alter the building.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the property tax freeze, you must be aged 65 or older, a totally disabled adult or a partially disabled veteran. You must also be entitled to the parish Homestead Exemption, and your household income can’t exceed $100,000 for yourself and your spouse.
How To Get Started
To learn more, contact the Lafayette Parish Assessor office at (337) 291-7080. You must complete an application and submit tax returns and other documentation to qualify.