I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Mount Pleasant, SC
Mount Pleasant is a Charleston suburb that’s separated from the city by the converging Cooper and Wando rivers. Seniors comprise an above-average 17.5% of its almost 91,000 residents, suggesting that the town has more to offer its older citizens than most communities. The healthy environment is possibly a factor as Mount Pleasant’s air quality is above average due to its coastal location, and it has more than double the average number of Medicare-registered physicians per capita. Medical care is of a high standard as well. There are four large hospitals within the town, including Mount Pleasant Hospital, rated as high-performing in hip fractures and replacements by U.S. News and World Report.
The subtropical climate is generally good for seniors thanks to cool winters, warm summers and more sunny days than normal for the country. Rainfall is high, but it creates a lush, green environment with a generous amount of trees and beautiful parks. Mount Pleasant’s house prices increase the cost of living as they’re double South Carolina’s typical average. However, health care costs are notably more affordable, which may mean that seniors retiring here pay less for care and benefit financially from a stronger housing market.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Mount Pleasant, SC
The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey is the foremost authority on America’s senior care costs. It reveals that Mount Pleasant’s typical senior pays $5,005 per month for nonmedical home care services, such as assistance with daily living activities. Home health care’s median monthly fee is identical although it includes home-appropriate medical services, such as speech therapy and injections.
The survey’s results relate to Charleston and its suburbs, including Mount Pleasant. The figures come from assuming that the senior gets 44 hours of care per week, so costs could be higher or lower depending on the hours needed. The median hourly fee is $26.26, which is in between the national averages for home care ($26) and home health care ($27).
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Mount Pleasant’s home and home health care agencies share a median fee of $5,005 per month. This is above South Carolina’s averages of $4,433 (home care) and $4,481 (home health care). The country’s average of $4,957 (home care) is cheaper, but home health care is more expensive at $5,148. Nearby cities are competitive, including Myrtle Beach at $4,576 (home care) and $4,767 (home health care) and Columbia at $4,385 for both. However, Hilton Head Island is costlier with an average of $5,577 for either service.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
The $5,005 per month median fee for home care and home health care reflects the personal service that’s provided, so it isn’t surprising that options with wider staff-to-senior ratios can cost less. These include adult day care ($1,381) and assisted living ($3,945) although the former isn’t suitable for homebound seniors and the latter requires leaving home. Nursing homes deliver near-hospital levels of medical care and charge accordingly with semiprivate rooms, the most affordable option and the one covered by Medicare, typically costing $7,513.
III. How to Find Home Care in Mount Pleasant, SC
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 Mount Pleasant, SC.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Mount Pleasant, SC
East Cooper Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
East Cooper Meals on Wheels receives funding from the community to provide nutritionally balanced meals to eligible seniors free of charge. Two local nonprofits prepare the meals in their kitchens under the supervision of dietitians. Volunteers deliver one meal before lunch on weekdays to seniors in more populated areas, and an additional meal is provided for those in more isolated locations. They can also deliver extra meals on Fridays to ensure that seniors don’t go without over the weekend. Donated pet food and nutritional drinks can also be delivered for free, and breakfast is available for a small cost.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the program, the senior must be homebound and unable to make their own meals on a regular basis. Seniors who need temporary help because they’re recovering from an illness or surgery are also eligible during their recuperation.
How to Get Started
You can apply online for meals or call the service at (843) 881-9350.
Critical Home Repair Program
What You Should Know
Charleston County administers a critical home repair program to make homes safer and more livable for qualifying applicants. The program can cover the costs of repairing parts of the home that put the health and safety of occupants at risk or violate housing codes. This may include the building’s structure and electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the program, you must be a Charleston County resident aged 62 or older who resides in and owns the home needing repairs at the time of the request. You must also have a low or moderate income within the program’s guidelines.
How to Get Started
To get more information or to apply, you can call (843) 202-6986. Alternatively, visit the Community Development office during normal working hours at 5010 Lawyers Lane, North Charleston, SC 29418.
Homestead Exemption
What You Should Know
In South Carolina, seniors are exempt from school, municipal, county and real property taxes on the first $50,000 of their primary home’s fair market value. This includes mobile homes on leased land. Applications must be submitted by July 15 of the year in which the claim’s made, and homebound seniors are allowed to authorize another person to submit the claim on their behalf. Whoever files the claim needs to provide several pieces of evidence, including the applicant’s birth certificate and Medicare card or driver’s license.
Who Is Eligible?
To be considered for qualification, you must be aged 65+ and a South Carolina resident by December 31 of the year before your application. You must own the home to qualify.
How to Get Started
You need to go to the dedicated online portal to apply for the homestead exemption. If you want to know if you’re eligible or have questions about the application process, call (843) 958-4220.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
What You Should Know
LIHEAP helps households on low incomes heat and cool their homes using from funds from a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant. Homeowners and renters don’t need to repay the costs, which are typically paid directly to the energy provider, although exceptions can be made in some cases, such as an applicant whose energy costs are included in their rent. The amount paid depends on multiple factors, but it can be up to $1,000. LIHEAP can pay for all types of fuels, including gas, propane, electric, coal and wood.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible, you must be a Charleston County resident whose income doesn’t exceed Federal Poverty Guidelines.
How to Get Started
Applications are by appointment only and must be completed in person at one of the Palmetto Community Action Partnership’s offices. You can schedule an appointment online or call (844) 769-6448. You’ll need to present Social Security cards for all household members, evidence of all income for 30 days prior to the application and your three most recent energy bills.
Weatherization Program
What You Should Know
The Weatherization Program makes homes more energy efficient to save the householder money on their energy costs and make the home more habitable and safe. The program can cover an array of home improvements, such as insulating attics, walls and floors and sealing sources of air intrusion and leaks. It can also cover the costs of tuning up furnaces and insulating water heaters. Successful applicants get weatherization services free of charge. Although not strictly a weatherization issue, the program will resolve some health and safety concerns related to carbon monoxide and combustion.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is open to Charleston County residents residing in single-family dwellings whose incomes are at or below Federal Poverty Guidelines. Although residents of all ages can apply, seniors receive priority.
How to Get Started
To find out if you qualify, you should call Palmetto Community Action Partnership at (843) 720-5336. You’ll need to provide a South Carolina state-issued ID and evidence of your household’s total income for the 30 days prior to your application date. If applicable, this must include Social Security benefits and retirement income.