I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Longmont, CO
Longmont is an appealing retirement destination that’s consistently named one of the nation’s most livable cities by trusted sources like Money and Livability. If you’re looking for a location with age-friendly tax policies, abundant amenities and an excellent health and fitness outlook, Longmont is a smart choice. The city is home to 97,261 residents, including about 14,100 senior citizens who represent around 14.5% of the population.
Although the cost of living in Longmont is about 22% higher than the U.S. median, it’s similar to the rest of the state, and healthcare is more affordable than average. Crime is minimal, and the climate is senior-friendly with 247 days of sunshine, summer highs around 89 degrees and milder weather than most parts of Colorado.
Healthcare access is important for older adults. Longmont has 50% more physicians than the typical U.S. city, with 322 doctors for every 100,000 residents. Fifteen hospitals are located within 25 miles, including four that specialize in heart failure and other chronic medical conditions. The city operates a full-service senior center in scenic Roosevelt Park, and it supports an array of programs that help older adults stay connected with the community.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Longmont, CO
In-home care in Longmont costs $5,625 per month for homemaker services or $5,720 per month with added medical care. Rates are higher than average when compared to the state and the nation. Price estimates are based on provider responses collected by Genworth Financial for its 2020 Cost of Care Survey, which assumes that seniors require 44 hours of weekly care. Local home health agencies charge $29.50 to $30 per hour, which is moderately higher than the U.S. average of $23.50 to $24.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
The median costs of homemaker and home health aide services in Longmont are $5,625 and $5,720, respectively. Monthly rates are roughly $280-$380 higher than the state median of $5,339. When compared to the national averages, monthly prices are about $1,200 or around 25% higher. Rates in Longmont are moderate for the region. In Greeley, you’ll pay about $190-$570 less. Rates in Fort Collins are on par with the state median, and seniors in Denver pay the same rate for home health care and about $95 more for homemaker services.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Compared to alternatives, you may find that in-home care offers the best value at $5,625-$5,720 per month. These services cost slightly more than assisted living, which averages $5,100 per month. Nursing homes charge $9,049, or about $3,400 more per month, for 24-hour care. Seniors may also consider adult day health care programs, which cost $1,625 per month statewide, although specific cost data in Longmont is not available. Although home care estimates are based on 44 hours of weekly assistance, you may pay less based on your needs and budget.
III. How to Find Home Care in Longmont, CO
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 Longmont, CO.
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 Longmont, CO
Boulder County Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging funds programs and services that help seniors, veterans and disabled adults lead healthy, independent lives, and it supports the caregivers they rely on. The AAA is your source for information about in-home care, Medicaid waivers, Medicare benefits, long-term care insurance and local resources. It provides access to respite care grants, caregiver training and healthy aging resources that help residents manage chronic medical conditions. This government-sponsored nonprofit is also home to the long-term care ombudsman and the Adult Protective Services division for Longmont and the surrounding areas.
Who Is Eligible?
Programs and services provided by Area Agencies on Aging are geared toward seniors aged 60 and older, disabled adults, veterans and family caregivers. Although some federally funded programs are free, you must meet medical and financial requirements to access in-home care services.
How to Get Started
For more information, call the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-3570. Longmont residents in Weld County may dial (970) 400-6950 to reach their AAA.
Cultivate
What You Should Know
Cultivate provides community-based services to combat isolation and help seniors and veterans flourish in the community. If you have difficulty getting to the store and shopping for groceries, volunteers with the Carry-out Caravan will help for free. YardBusters and SnowBusters assist with outdoor chores and seasonal tasks, and Fix-It pairs seniors with skilled volunteers who can install grab bars, set up wheelchairs, fix plumbing leaks and perform minor home repairs. Cultivate also manages a program called VetsGo that provides free volunteer transportation to riders who are aged 60 or older and need help getting to VA medical appointments.
Who Is Eligible?
These services are available to individuals who have a medical or physical need. Age and income limits may apply for some services per guidelines established in partnership with the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging.
How to Get Started
You can visit Cultivate online or call (303) 443-1933 to learn more about the programs it offers. Enrollment packages for many of these services are available on the organization’s website.
Longmont Senior Services
What You Should Know
The Department of Senior Services is dedicated to making Longmont a more age-friendly community. It operates a full-service senior center that offers fitness programs, technology classes, travel opportunities, games and drop-in recreational activities. The Department provides long-term care planning sessions, including one-on-one counseling, and it runs a free nurse clinic. You can also contact the department for more information about support groups, caregiver assistance, Medicare/Medicaid health insurance and government benefits.
Who Is Eligible?
Recreational facilities are open to Longmont residents aged 55 and older. Seniors must be at least 60 years old to qualify for low-cost meals and other services funded by the Older Americans Act.
How to Get Started
You can visit the Longmont Senior Center on Longs Peak Avenue to access the Department of Senior Services, or you may call (303) 651-8411 for more information about these citywide programs.
Longmont Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Founded in 1969, this local Meals on Wheels program provides hot daily lunches to residents of Longmont and Niwot who are disabled or have difficulty cooking and shopping for groceries on their own. Trained volunteers deliver more than 425 nutritionally balanced meals to clients every Monday through Friday while providing a brief wellness check. The organization offers congregate meals, pet food deliveries and a lockbox program for first responders. Additionally, Meals on Wheels hosts seasonal events and delivers special items, such as blankets, during the holidays.
Who Is Eligible?
Meal deliveries are available to anyone who has difficulty preparing their own food, including seniors and disabled adults. Services are available regardless of income although there’s a nominal charge of up to $5.50 per meal, which is based on a sliding scale. Individuals who are leaving the hospital qualify for five free meals through Project Homecoming.
How to Get Started
You can apply for services online or by calling Longmont Meals on Wheels at (303) 772-0540.
Colorado Legal Services, Boulder Office
What You Should Know
Colorado Legal Services is a pro bono law firm that operates more than a dozen offices statewide, including a location in Boulder. This nonprofit helps low-income residents and seniors with civil legal issues, including cases related to government benefits, housing, consumer rights, family law and taxes. Attorneys and staff members assist with wills, advance directives, guardianships and estate planning. CLS focuses on providing information, advice and self-help resources. Staff members can give you the tools needed to file paperwork and handle your own legal issues, and they offer comprehensive legal representation to individuals with the greatest social and economic need.
Who Is Eligible?
Services are available to low-income clients. You may also qualify for free assistance if you’re at least 60 years old, live in a qualifying community and are facing a legal issue that falls within one of the organization’s areas of focus.
How to Get Started
You can learn more by calling the CLS office in Boulder at (303) 449-7575. Applications and self-help resources are available online.