I. What You Should Know About Home Care in McKinney, TX

Located around 32 miles northeast of Dallas, McKinney is a suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth. Its location on the edge of the metroplex provides seniors with easy access to the amenities of a big city paired with a slower pace of life and historic charm. The city is home to just over 200,000 people and more than 10% are aged 65 and older.

Although the overall cost of living is high here, older McKinney residents can benefit from Texas’ lack of a state income tax. Health care costs are also lower than the national average, and seniors have access to excellent medical services at hospitals such as Medical City McKinney. Those looking for specialist geriatric care can find it in the wider Dallas-Fort Worth area at UT Southwestern Medical Center and other world-class facilities.

McKinney’s mild winters are appreciated by many seniors looking to escape cold climates. The city also has crime rates that are significantly lower than both the state and national averages. This can give peace of mind to seniors living independently, and makes it a good choice for those who wish to age in place.

II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in McKinney, TX

The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey shows that the average cost of home care in McKinney is $4,767 per month. In some locations, home health care costs are higher due to the additional medical services this type of care includes. However, seniors in McKinney pay the same rate for home health care services.

Genworth bases its home care cost averages on the assumption of 44 hours of care per week. The exact price you pay depends on the amount of care you require, so it can be helpful to know the hourly rate for care. In McKinney, both home care and home health care services cost an average of $25 per hour.

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

At $4,767 per month, home care and home health care costs in McKinney are about midrange when compared to the surrounding cities of Dallas, Tyler and Wichita Falls. Dallas is the only city with higher costs, with seniors there paying $4,862 for both home care and home health care. In Tyler, both types of care cost an average of $4,376 per month. Wichita Falls is the most affordable nearby city with average costs of $4,029 for home care and $3,695 for home health care.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

Seniors in McKinney have several care options to choose from depending on their needs and budgets. Although Genworth doesn’t include the cost of adult day care in McKinney, the statewide average is just $769 per month, so it’s likely the most affordable type of senior care available locally. Assisted living costs $3,500 per month, while home care and home health care average $4,767. Nursing home care is the most expensive choice with a median cost of $5,171 per month.

Note: Data for McKinney was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Sherman, was used instead.

III. How to Find Home Care in McKinney, TX

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 McKinney, TX.

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in McKinney, TX

McKinney Senior Handyman Services 

What You Should Know 

McKinney Senior Handyman Services is a volunteer organization that provides minor home maintenance and repair assistance to seniors and others in need. It focuses on addressing health and safety issues, such as adding handrails, grab bars and ramps. The organization’s volunteers can also do minor electrical and plumbing repairs and complete home maintenance tasks such as light bulb replacement.

Who Is Eligible? 

The service is available to seniors and people in need who live in McKinney and the surrounding areas. To qualify for assistance, you must be the homeowner and occupant of the property or have written authorization from the owner if you’re renting.

How To Get Started 

You can contact McKinney Senior Handyman Service at (469) 396-7042 to request assistance.

Age 65 or Older Property Tax Exemption 

What You Should Know 

The Age 65 or Older Exemption is offered in addition to the General Homestead Exemption. The exemption reduces the taxable value of the property, lowering the tax amount paid and the amount of exemption granted is different depending on the taxing entity. In McKinney, the 2022 exemption amount is $65,000. The City also allows seniors to pay their property tax in installments.

Who Is Eligible? 

To be eligible for this exemption, you must own your property in McKinney on January 1st of the tax year, and it must be your principal residence. You must also turn 65 during the tax year, but for couples, only one homeowner needs to be aged 65. If you’re a surviving spouse, you’re still eligible for this exemption as long as you’re aged 55 or older.

How To Get Started 

Property taxes for McKinney are managed by the Collin Central Appraisal District. To receive the exemption, you can complete the application form online and return it to the office. For more information, you can contact the CCAD at (469) 742-9200.

Meals on Wheels Collin County 

What You Should Know 

Meals on Wheels Collin County delivers meals to homebound seniors in the area and also operates congregate dining sites at local senior centers. In addition to providing meals that supply one-third of a senior’s daily nutritional intake, the delivery service helps combat isolation through its friendly visits and regular check-ins.

Who Is Eligible? 

If you’re aged 60 or older, you can qualify for either home-delivered or congregate meals through this organization. Home-delivered meals can also be provided to disabled people under age 60, while younger spouses can enjoy a congregate meal if they accompany someone aged 60 or over to a dining site. Additionally, to receive delivered meals, you must be primarily homebound, unable to drive and can’t be working.

How To Get Started 

To begin an application for either the home-delivered or congregate meal program, fill in the referral form on the Meals on Wheels website. On receiving the referral, a caseworker will phone you for an initial screening and arrange a home visit to determine your eligibility. If you have any questions, you can call the front desk at (972) 562-6996.

North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging

What You Should Know 

The North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging coordinates services for seniors in a 14-county area, which includes McKinney. It helps seniors address health and safety issues by offering classes in fall prevention and managing chronic illnesses. There’s also a program that helps seniors overcome loneliness and social isolation. The agency provides benefits counseling and care coordination to help people plan for their future and find the services they need to age in place. Seniors currently living in nursing homes can also access the Home By Choice program that helps them transition back to living in the community.

Who Is Eligible? 

Generally, you can qualify for services offered through the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging if you live in McKinney and are aged 60 or older. However, some programs may have additional eligibility criteria.

How To Get Started

You can speak to a staff member about obtaining AAA services by calling (800) 272-3921.

Texoma Council of Governments

What You Should Know 

Although the Texoma Council of Governments primarily serves Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties, it administers Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program services in Collin County. This program provides funds to improve the energy-efficiency of your home, financial assistance to pay your utility and water bills and case management assistance to help you manage your household expenses.

Who Is Eligible? 

Each of the energy services programs offered through the TCOG has specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, you must have an income lower than the program’s specified limits.

How To Get Started 

To apply for assistance through a TCOG energy services program, you can complete the form available on the website. Alternatively, you can print and mail in a completed application or phone (903) 893-2161 to talk to a staff member.