I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Merrillville, IN
Merrillville is a quiet community in Indiana with a population of around 36,500. Approximately 18% of the population is aged 65 or older. It’s just to the south of Lake Michigan and an hour southeast of Chicago. Residents have access to a wide array of restaurants, shopping centers, parks and other points of interest. The city has several options for medical care, including the Pinnacle Hospital, which provides a range of specialties, including cardiology, diagnostic imaging, general surgery, pain management and urgent care, and the Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus, which covers 29 specialties.
Merrillville is an affordable city for seniors with a cost of living that’s less than the average American city. The city also has excellent air quality. Seniors with respiratory illnesses may find that they have fewer issues when living within the city limits. Violent crime in the area is low, and with mild summer temperatures, the city may be an attractive option for seniors who are considering in-home care.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Merrillville, IN
According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, home care in Merrillville costs $5,625 per month. This cost is based on 44 hours of care per week, which is an average of $29.50 per hour. This makes it easier for seniors who require less or more care to estimate their cost. Simply multiply the number of hours required by the hourly rate to determine a more exact estimate of the total cost.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Both home care and home health care in Merrillville have a median cost of $5,625 per month. This is more than the state average of $4,767 and the national average of $4,957 for home care and $5,148 for home health care. In the nearby cities of Fort Wayne and Terre Haute, the cost of home care and home health care are the same at $5,339 and $3,623, respectively. Home care in Indianapolis costs $5,053 per month, and home health care costs $4,957.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care, which offers nonmedical assistance, and home health care, which provides light medical support, make it possible for seniors to age in place. Assisted living communities are the most affordable residential care option at $3,617 per month, while a semiprivate room in a nursing home averages around $8,456 for the most comprehensive form of care.
III. How to Find Home Care in Merrillville, IN
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 Merrillville, IN.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Merrillville, IN
Rebuilding Together of South Lake County
What You Should Know
Provided by the Legacy Foundation, Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit community service that provides free repairs and modifications to seniors with limited incomes, veterans and individuals with disabilities. These services are offered by volunteers throughout the community and are designed to help provide a safe and well-maintained place for older adults to live.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors must meet specific income requirements, be the owner of the property and agree not to sell within two years of the repairs.
How to Get Started
To apply for assistance, print and fill out the application, and mail it to Rebuilding Together of South Lake County Inc., P.O. Box 665, Crown Point, IN 46308, or email it to [email protected]. For more information, contact the program directly at (219) 736-1880.
Northwest Indiana Community Action Agency
What You Should Know
The Northwest Indiana Community Action Agency helps seniors reduce their energy costs through the home Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). This program provides a one-time benefit to help pay for heating and cooling system upgrades, energy efficient appliances, caulking and window replacements. Money for the program is provided by state and local agencies and private contractors.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, seniors must have an income that’s no more than 60% of the state’s median income. The home must be their primary residence.
How to Get Started
The deadline for applications is in May. To obtain an application or to speak to someone about qualification requirements and program specifics, contact the organization at (219) 932-4800.
Northwest Indiana Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels is a senior nutrition program that delivers hot meals Monday through Friday. Additional heat-and-serve meals may be provided. Volunteers also offer companionship and wellness checks to seniors who don’t have family close by and who are homebound. These meals are provided by donations received from private donors, local organizations and the state and local government.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 60 and older who have unmet financial and physical needs may be eligible for Meals on Wheels. Depending on the number of seniors applying, there may be a waiting list for services. The program is first-come, first-served and depends on the number of food donations.
How to Get Started
To learn more, contact Meals on Wheels at (219) 756-3663, or email the program at [email protected]. You can also view the current menu plan online.
Indiana Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
What You Should Know
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps seniors pay for heating and cooling costs in their home. The program provides one payment during a calendar year and typically covers the average costs of the individual’s heating or cooling bill throughout one season based on their average energy usage. Payments are made directly to the utility company and the available funds are limited.
Who Is Eligible?
You must complete the application for assistance in the county where you live. Your total income must be at or below 60% of the state’s median income. The individual applying must be the person listed on the utility bill as being responsible. Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant.
How to Get Started
Individuals may apply for assistance online or by contacting the Lake County Health Department at (219) 755-3655.
Lake County Homestead Exemption
What You Should Know
The Lake County Homestead Exemption program helps reduce the amount of property tax owed by seniors in the community. In Indiana, the standard homestead exemption is 60% of the property’s assessed value or a maximum of $45,000, whichever is less. Applications only have to be submitted one time. Reapplication should only occur if the property is sold or if the title changes hands.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 65 and older must reside in the home that they’re applying for the exemption under, and they must have owned the property by March 1 of the current property tax year. Applications for the current year must be submitted by the first week in January.
How to Get Started
To determine eligibility and to learn more about the Homestead Exemption, contact the Lake County Auditor’s Office at (219) 755-3120, or apply in person by downloading the application and submitting it to 2293 North Main Street, Crown Point, IN 46307. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
What You Should Know
PACE is a joint state and federal program that provides financial assistance and help for seniors aged 55 and older who require nursing home care but prefer to receive services in their home or the community. PACE offers adult day care, meals, personal care services, medical care, transportation and respite care for caregivers.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors must be at least 55 years of age or older and live in the area where they apply for services. They must be eligible for nursing home care but are able to live safely at home.
How to Get Started
Seniors may apply for PACE by contacting the program at (219) 864-2630.