I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Little Rock, AR
Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, has a population of 190,538 residents. Almost 15% are seniors over the age of 65, which is slightly lower than the national average. Due to the city’s history, museums, entertainment venues and pleasant climate, Little Rock is an ideal location for seniors who wish to age in place.
The cost of living in Little Rock is almost 20 points below the national average, while the cost of health care in the city is 14 points lower. The climate, which can be hot in summer, is pleasant most of the year with an additional two weeks of sunny days beyond the U.S. average, a minimal amount of snow each year and quite mild winters.
Among the many attractions in Little Rock are several of historical significance. The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site marks the location where America began its long road from segregation. The William J. Clinton Library And Museum houses many mementos and historical documents related to the administration of the only U.S. president born in Arkansas. Little Rock’s Museum of Discovery is rated as one of the top 10 science museums in the country, and the Little Rock Zoo, which houses over 275 species of animals, is a great place for a pleasant afternoon stroll.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Little Rock, AR
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020, the rates for home care and home health care in Little Rock are identical at $4,157 per month. These are averages, and in some locations, the cost of home health care can be more expensive because it includes limited medical services in addition to homemaker services.
These average costs for Little Rock are based on 44 hours of care provided per week. This means your costs may be more or less expensive depending upon the number of hours of assistance you require. You can estimate your potential cost for either type of in-home care by multiplying the number of hours of care you expect to need by the average hourly rate of $21.80.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
While the identical $4,157 cost of home care and home health care in Little Rock is higher than the $3,813 statewide median in Arkansas, it’s still less expensive than the national averages of $4,481 and $4,576. In Pine Bluff, both types of in-home care cost $725 less than in Little Rock, at an average of $3,432. Rates in Hot Springs are also identical and average $3,909 per month. In Jonesboro, located in the far northeastern corner of the state, home care costs $3,790, while home health care services average $3,802 per month.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
When looking at the cost of various senior living options in Little Rock, home care and home health care fall about midrange. The least expensive option is adult day care, which averages $2,167 per month. Assisted living costs $3,125 per month, followed by in-home care services at $4,157. Seniors who need 24-hour skilled care in a nursing facility pay the highest rate at $6,083 per month, which is over $1,900 more than the average amount paid for home care or home health care.
III. How to Find Home Care in Little Rock, AR
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 Little Rock, AR.
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 Little Rock, AR
Complete Health with PACE
What You Should Know
Located in Little Rock, the Complete Health with PACE program administers a range of community-based services for seniors who would otherwise need to be admitted to a nursing home, allowing them age in place. PACE provides all the services you may require that are covered by Medicare and Medicaid and have been authorized by your healthcare team. These can include medical, dental and vision care, meals, therapy services, adult day services, prescription drugs, medical equipment, transportation and in-home care, among others.
Who Is Eligible?
If you’re aged 55 or older, and you’re both Medicaid- and Medicare-eligible, you can qualify for services through the PACE program at no cost. Otherwise, you can participate in the program by paying a monthly fee. You must also be assessed as needing a nursing home level of care, reside in the PACE service area according to your zip code and be able to live safely at home with the support provided by PACE program services.
How to Get Started
You can find out more about the Complete Health with PACE program by calling (501) 376-8852 or by emailing [email protected].
Choices in Living Resource Center
What You Should Know
The Choices in Living Resource Center is Little Rock’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). The center’s program specialists can assist you in a variety of ways, including discussing your options for accessing support at home, and provide assistance with planning for your long-term care needs. The center can assist you with finding local services and apply for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of care so you can age in place.
Who Is Eligible?
Choices in Living serves the following groups: seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families, their caregivers and their healthcare providers.
How to Get Started
To get personalized information and assistance, you can contact the ADRC Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. by calling (866) 801-3435. You can also contact the Center’s staff by emailing [email protected].
CareLink
What You Should Know
CareLink is the designated Area Agency on Aging for the Little Rock area. It works to connect you with services that can allow you to continue living at home for as long as possible. The AAA oversees a number of aging-related programs, including Meals on Wheels, Medicare and prescription drug counseling, in-home care services and respite and support for family members and caregivers.
Who Is Eligible?
To get help through CareLink, you must be at least 60 years of age or older. Individual programs offered through the AAA may have specific age or income requirements. Speak with an agency counselor to find out more.
How to Get Started
You can contact CareLink’s information and assistance staff by calling (501) 372-5300 or by sending a message through the agency’s website.
Legal Assistance
What You Should Know
Legal Assistance, a program operated by CareLink, works with older members of the community to provide legal services if you can’t afford an attorney. Through the program, you may qualify for help with civil legal matters, such as creating a living will, resolving a property dispute, addressing Social Security issues or personal financial problems or obtaining benefits such as Medicaid and Medicare.
Who Is Eligible?
There’s no specific age limit when it comes to getting help through the Legal Assistance program. In most cases, individuals whose finances can be described as low or very low and who are in their 60s are eligible.
How to Get Started
To request help with a legal matter, you can complete the online form or call (501) 372-5300 and ask for the Legal Assistance team.
ARChoices In Homecare
What You Should Know
The Arkansas Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services administers the ARChoices in Homecare program, which offers a range of services that can help you remain living at home. It offers assistance with many activities of daily living (ADL) such as bathing, preparing meals and household chores, and covers attendant care and in-home respite care to relieve family caregivers. The Division also administers the Money Follows the Person program, which provides similar services and transition assistance for those who’ve lived in a long-term care facility for at least 90 days and wish to move back to the community.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for assistance through the ARChoices in Homecare or the Money Follows the Person programs, you must be aged 65 or older, or disabled if younger than age 64. You must also meet Arkansas Medicaid’s financial eligibility guidelines, be assessed as requiring nursing home care at the intermediate level and need help with at least one covered ADL.
How to Get Started
You can call the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Services at (501) 686-9164 or email [email protected] for more information or to apply to these programs.