I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Loveland, CO
Loveland, Colorado, the second largest city in Larimer County, has a high percentage of seniors in its population of 78,877 residents — 18.6%. While the cost of living is slightly above the national average, the average cost of health care in Loveland is slightly lower. While you can expect more than your fair share of snow each winter, you can also expect a lot of sunny days — almost three weeks more than the national average. Loveland also has an excellent 7.2/10 rating on the BestPlaces comfort index.
Loveland offers unique attractions, as well, such as the Benton Sculpture Garden, one of the largest such gardens in the country. Its 10 acres features 172 sculptures crafted by world-renowned artists, placed in a setting that includes wheelchair-accessible sidewalks, picnic areas and public restrooms. There are also trails around scenic Lake Loveland, made famous in the 40s and 50s by a Guy Lombardo song. If you’re a sports fan, there are opportunities to attend games of one of many professional sports teams in nearby Denver, such as the Broncos, the Nuggets or the Avalanche, situated less than an hour south of Lakeland.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Loveland, CO
In Loveland, home care and home health care costs are about $1,000 more than national medians. Homecare averages $5,625 a month while home health care costs $5,720. Home health care provides additional medical services, which accounts for the price difference. The Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020 bases its monthly figures on an average of 44 hours of either service per week. Depending on your needs, you may require more or less assistance, so your cost of care may vary from the averages. Currently, home care averages $29.50 an hour, while home health care runs $30 an hour.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
At $5,625 and $5,720 per month, the respective average costs for home care and home health care in Loveland are among the highest in Colorado. Only Denver, the state’s largest city and capital, is more expensive with home care and home health care each averaging $5,720 a month. In Fort Collins, in the northern part of the state, the average cost is $5,339 for both home care and home health care. Pueblo has the least expensive rates in Colorado, with home care costing $4,376 a month and home health care averaging $4,757.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Other senior living options in Loveland vary widely in cost. Home care and home health care are both far less expensive than nursing home care, which averages $9,049 per month. Assisted living costs $5,100 a month, which is just $525 less than home care, which provides comparable services. Although a rate for adult day care isn’t available for Loveland, it’s likely the least costly senior care option based on the statewide average of just $1,625 per month.
Note: Data for Loveland was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Boulder, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Loveland, 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 Loveland, 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 Loveland, CO
Larimer County Office on Aging Chore Voucher Program
What You Should Know
This program offers financial support so you can get help with household tasks you’re no longer able to perform. This includes chores such as snow removal, yard work, carpet cleaning and fence repair. The program is designed to help you continue to live in your home safely and independently. Funds are limited and may not cover the full costs of all services.
Who Is Eligible?
You need to be at least 60 years of age and live in Larimer County to qualify for the program. While eligibility isn’t based on your income, preference is given to low-income seniors with the greatest economic and social need and to frail adults who live in rural areas of Larimer County.
How To Get Started
To begin the application process, you can download a copy of the Chore Voucher Assessment, complete and return it to the Larimer County Office on Aging. You can also request an appointment by calling the Office on Aging at (970) 498-7750.
Larimer County Office on Aging In-Home Services Voucher Program
What You Should Know
The In-Home Services Voucher program provides assistance for seniors who wish to remain at home but need help with activities of daily living (ADL). This can include light housework, laundry, bathing, grooming and dressing. If you’re found eligible, you may receive two hours of homemaker help every week or every other week. An additional hour per week may be provided if you’re approved for personal care assistance.
Who Is Eligible?
You need to be at least 60 years of age, live in Larimer County and be unable to perform at least two ADLs without assistance. You must also can’t be approved for Medicaid Long-Term Care benefits. Preference may be given to seniors with the greatest social and economic need.
How To Get Started
Call (970) 498-7750 to set up an appointment by phone or in-person to determine if you’re eligible for the program.
Volunteers of America Handyman Program
What You Should Know
The Handyman Program helps seniors and those with disabilities modify their homes to make them safer and more accessible. This may include installing grab bars, wheelchair ramps, chair risers and making minor repairs. Labor is free through the program, and you only need to pay for materials. The program also offers free consultations about how to make your home safer for aging in place.
Who Is Eligible?
VOA Handyman Program is available to disabled adults and seniors with limited income who live in Larimer County. The program only covers minor safety repairs and doesn’t tackle major issues such as roof repairs, or cosmetic projects such as painting or lawn care.
How To Get Started
For more information about the program and to learn if you’re eligible, call the VOA at (970) 472-9630.
Larimer County Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The Larimer County Office on Aging (LCOA) is the designated Area Agency on Aging serving Loveland and other Larimer County communities. The Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC) also operates through the LCOA. The ADRC has trained resource specialists on staff who can provide you with personalized guidance and referrals to a wealth of local programs and services that can help you age in place.
Who Is Eligible?
You’re eligible for assistance through the LCOA if you’re aged 60 or older and a resident of Larimer County. Some programs may have financial requirements.
How to Get Started
You can speak to an ADRC resource specialist by calling (970) 498-7750.
Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud
What Should Know
Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud serves the South Larimer County area. Program volunteers deliver freshly prepared, hot meals between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each weekday, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and perform a brief wellness check. Frozen meals are delivered weekly, and you may request up to seven additional meals per week for evenings and weekends. The program can accommodate various special diets and can also provide you with shelf-stable staples to have on hand in case of inclement weather.
Who Is Eligible?
If you can’t cook or shop for yourself and are at least aged 60, are under age 60 and have a disability or have been ill or recently hospitalized, you may qualify for the Meals on Wheels program.
How to Get Started
To set up an interview by phone or in person to see if you’re eligible for meal deliveries, call (970) 667-0311.
A Little Help
What You Should Know
This nonprofit organization made up of Larimer County volunteers can help you tackle various household chores and other tasks. This can include snow removal, help with technology, minor home repairs, gardening chores, caregiver respite and transportation to medical appointments and other necessary errands. If you live alone, you may also receive regular care calls and friendly visits.
Who Is Eligible?
You need a membership to access A Little Help’s services, but the dues are “pay what you can.” Help is also provided if you can’t afford to pay any dues.
How to Get Started
You can download a membership application or call (970) 412-9396 to learn more about the program.