Home Care in Lake County, OH

A scenic, lakeside location with great public parks, big-city amenities and a low cost of living make Lake County a great place to live at home during retirement. The county’s population remained steady at around 230,000 from 2010 to 2020, but the number of older adults grew by 30% during the same period. Seniors make up a higher percentage of the population, 20.6% are aged 65 and older, than in the United States as a whole. This means you’re likely to have better access to home care services and government resources.

Lake County has one of the largest public park systems in the state of Ohio. It includes Osborne Park and Headlands State Beach Park along the Lake Erie waterfront, and Lake Metroparks Farmpark and North Chagrin Reservation, which features the historical landmark Squire’s Castle. Fairport Marine Museum and Lighthouse offers fantastic views. There are also several private outdoor attractions, such as Debonné Vineyards.

As a senior taking advantage of home care services in Lake County, you can also enjoy the area’s indoor attractions. The James A. Garfield National Historic Site is a popular 19th-century time capsule, and the Lake County Historical Society showcases the area’s rich history. Cleveland, which is just minutes away, has many world-class theaters, museums, restaurants and shopping destinations.

According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2020, the average cost of home care in Lake County is $4,363 per month, while the average cost of home health care is $4,410. These estimates are based on 44 hours of care services per week. The hourly rates for home care and home health care are $22.88 and $23.13, respectively. How much your pay for in-home service will depend on the number of hours and the level of care you require. Home health care costs slightly more due to the additional light medical services it provides along with homemaking services, such as the monitoring of vital signs, wound care and medication management.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

Seniors in Lake County, which includes the cities of Eastlake, Kirtland and Mentor, pay a bit more for home care and home health care than their peers in nearby areas. To the south in Akron, residents can expect to pay $4,195 per month for both types of in-home care services. In nearby Canton, services cost a bit more at $4,338 per month for home care and home health care. Youngstown has the least expensive average for home care in the area at $4,004, but home health care in the city has a higher cost estimate at $4,385 per month.

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.

The Lake County Housing Rehabilitation Program

What You Should Know
Seniors who are at risk of leaving their homes due to accessibility or habitability issues may be able to get the needed repairs and modifications completed through Lake County’s Community Development program. While the Planning Commission focuses on many community-level projects, one of its main goals is to improve local housing conditions and extend the economic life of Lake County properties. Both the Emergency Repairs and Mobility and Accessibility Repairs and Modifications services may be useful to help you remain living safely and comfortably in your own home.

Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must be a permanent resident in the home you need repaired and meet certain income thresholds. Additionally, the value of your rehabilitated property must not exceed 95% of the median home value in the area.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the rehabilitation program and its eligibility criteria, call (440) 357-4400.

Meals on Wheels

What You Should Know
The Lake County Council on Aging is responsible for running the Meals on Wheels program to serve seniors throughout the county. With help from volunteers and five community kitchens, hot meals are delivered Monday through Friday to seniors in need. You can also request two frozen meals to heat during the weekend. Research shows that these meal deliveries can significantly improve your quality of life when living at home. The council suggests a donation of $2.50 per delivery, but no seniors will be denied service due to an inability to pay.

Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for Meals on Wheels deliveries, you must be aged 60 or older, unable to obtain your own meals, somewhat home-bound and able to answer the door when food deliveries are made. If you’re a meal recipient, you’re expected to notify the program in advance if you will be away from home during a delivery.

How to Get Started
Seniors, caregivers or other concerned parties can contact the Lake County Council on the Aging Information & Assistance line at (440) 205-8111 to begin the sign-up process.

Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

What You Should Know
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland represents low-income clients in civil matters, offers legal advice and provides information and resources for seniors living at home who don’t have access to legal services. They can help you with everything from creating living wills and trusts to powers of attorney and housing rights. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland also hosts clinics and other events seniors at home might find helpful.

Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for free legal assistance or representation through the Legal Aid Society, you must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The application process includes an intake interview.

How to Get Started
If you need legal assistance or representation from the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, call (216) 687-1900. You can also apply online or in person when offices are open.

Lake County Senior Centers

What You Should Know
The Lake County Council on Aging runs 10 senior centers located in Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Kirtland, Mentor and other cities in the county. When you visit one of these locations, you can participate in educational classes, group trips, volunteering opportunities and exercise sessions. Each senior center has its own event and activity schedule, which can include everything from bingo to country line dancing.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re a Lake County resident who’s aged 55 or older, you’re welcome to visit any of the 10 senior centers. Specific classes and programs may have their own eligibility requirements.

How to Get Started
To learn more about what’s offered at Lake County senior centers, including program schedules and hours, call the Council on Aging’s main office at (440) 205-8111. You can also contact your preferred senior center directly.

Seniors on the Go

What You Should Know
In addition to discounted fares on its fixed routes, Laketran offers the Seniors on the Go Program that provides enhanced mobility for older adults throughout the Cleveland Metro area. The program includes a variety of transportation solutions that can help you get to doctors’ appointments, errands and other essential destinations. An outreach specialist will work with you to create a personalized plan using buses, paratransit and Dial-a-Ride, which provides door-to-door service. Smart Cards, Value Cards and day passes are also available at reduced fares. Additionally, representatives can help you sign up for discounts offered by local, state and federal agencies.

Who Is Eligible?
If you wish to apply for the program, you’ll receive a home visit from a Laketran representative who can answer questions and determine your eligibility. Only seniors with no other means of transportation are considered.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the program or begin the sign-up process, call (440) 350-1067.