Home Care in Lebanon, PA

Lebanon, Pennsylvania, is known for its exceptional smoked sausages and uniquely German-American culture that’s part of the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. This charming community is home to 25,879 residents, including 3,336 seniors, and more than 28,000 older adults live in the county. It’s not surprising that the area appeals to retirees. The cost of living is almost 25% lower than the U.S. median, which can help you stretch your savings further. The climate is pleasant, especially for the state, and crime rates are average.

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is located nearby for those who enjoy fishing and hunting, and many natural areas are located closer to home, including Stoever’s Dam Park and the Union Canal Tunnel Park. You can enjoy ample shopping opportunities at the Lebanon Valley Mall and in the downtown area, which is home to brewpubs, cafes, international eateries and the Lebanon Farmers Market. The city is also home to the WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital and a VA Medical Center. Together, these amenities create a highly livable community, and many additional services and resources are available if you want to age in place.

In-home care in Lebanon costs $4,385 per month according to research from Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, which gathers pricing information from long-term care providers in major cities across the country. You’ll pay the same for home-based medical care and homemaker services even though home health care providers charge slightly more in most areas. These estimates assume that seniors require 44 hours of weekly care, or 190 hours of care per month, at a median rate of $23 per hour, which is slightly lower than the national average.

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

Home care in Lebanon is competitively priced compared to the state, the nation and the local area. As a resident, you’ll save $96 per month compared to the typical American, and about $190 less than seniors in other parts of Pennsylvania. Home care prices are stable across central Pennsylvania. In-home care costs are on par with the U.S. average rates. Home care and home health care services in Harrisburg cost about $140 more per month, while the same services are $191 and $286 more expensive in Lancaster.

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.

Lebanon County Area Agency on Aging

What You Should Know
This Area Agency on Aging is one of 52 such organizations statewide. It manages state and federal benefits as well as programs that are funded by special grants through the lottery and other sources. As a local resident, you can take advantage of recreational programs offered at the Maple Street senior center or four other community centers across the county. It provides evidence-based programs for healthy aging and chronic disease management, and it connects residents to low-cost in-home care and related supports that are funded by Medicaid waivers, the National Family Caregiver Support Program and similar initiatives.

Who Is Eligible?
The AAA provides free resources to seniors starting at age 60. Caregivers and disabled adults also qualify for assistance.

How to Get Started
You can learn more about these programs or apply for services by calling (717) 273-9262 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Lebanon Transit Senior Services

What You Should Know
Seniors are eligible for free and reduced-fare transportation through Lebanon Transit. Residents aged 65 and older can apply for the LT Senior Transit Card, which offers free rides on all fixed-route buses. These routes travel to destinations throughout the town and in several nearby cities. This program also qualifies residents for reduced fares on LT’s Shared Ride service, which offers curb-to-curb van service throughout Lebanon County. Complimentary ADA-complaint transportation is available to individuals with qualifying disabilities.

Who Is Eligible?
Residents aged 65 or older qualify for the LT Senior Transit Card. Applicants must provide a driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification when they apply.

How to Get Started
Seniors can call (717) 274-3664 to learn more. Applications are available online, but they must be submitted in person at LT’s Willow Street office. Passes are issued the same day.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

What You Should Know
Seniors, disabled adults and certain other qualifying residents may receive financial assistance from the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. It provides an annual tax credit ranging from $250 to $650 depending on your income. In some cases, an optional supplement may increase your total award to $975. Up to 50% of your Social Security retirement benefits are excluded when considering eligibility, and additional exclusions apply for individuals who receive civil service benefits or veteran’s compensation. This program covers one owner-occupied housing unit as long as property taxes have been paid.

Who Is Eligible?
You can qualify for this property tax rebate if you’re aged 65 or older, disabled or a qualifying widow/widower aged 50 or older. Annual income is capped at $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters, with some exemptions.

How to Get Started
Residents can call Lebanon County at (717) 274-2801 or the statewide tax hotline at (888) 222-9190 to learn more. Annual applications are due by June 30th and can be submitted online at www.mypath.pa.gov. Free application assistance is available through your AAA.

APPRISE Medicare Counseling

What You Should Know
APPRISE is a statewide program that offers free health insurance counseling and enrollment assistance to new and current Medicare beneficiaries. Trained counselors provide information to help you understand Medicare components Parts A through D, Medicare supplements and policies that cover long-term care. If you meet certain income and asset limits, you may qualify for Medicare Cost-Savings Programs that can lower your premiums, prescription costs and out-of-pocket expenses. Counselors can provide information about these and other benefits, including home health care, which is usually covered by Medicare.

Who Is Eligible?
This free service is available to Medicare beneficiaries in Lebanon and other parts of the state. Families and friends can also contact the helpline for informational services.

How to Get Started
Call the statewide APPRISE helpline at (800) 783-7067 or reach out to your local AAA to request further assistance.

Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Center

What You Should Know
The SeniorLAW Center has been serving older adults in Pennsylvania for more than 40 years. Every year, it helps more than 10,000 residents who are facing challenges due to housing, disabilities, financial exploitation and abuse. Its SeniorLAW helpLine provides free legal advice, information and referrals on topics such as government benefits, long-term care, estate planning and advance directives for health care decision-making. This service can answer your legal questions and direct you to self-help resources that you can use to resolve legal issues on your own. The center also offers direct representation and referrals to community partners to ensure seniors have access to the services they need.

Who Is Eligible?
You can qualify for free legal assistance through the SeniorLAW Center if you live in Pennsylvania and are aged 60 or older.

How to Get Started
Seniors can call the helpLine at (877) 727-7529 for assistance. This resource is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until noon.