I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach makes an excellent choice for retirement thanks to its pristine beaches and pleasant climate. It has a population of 37,100, 20.9% of whom are seniors aged 65 and older. Ranked the nation’s 25th best place to retire, Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for seniors who desire a stunning coastal location, tax benefits and small-town charm.
The city is listed on the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, showing that it has a variety of positive features for retirees. Myrtle Beach enjoys a relatively low cost of living when compared to the state and national average. With low housing prices and transportation costs, it may be a good fit for seniors looking to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.
Seniors can take advantage of three quality health care systems that offer a wide array of medical services across the city. Top hospitals include Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital and McLeod Health Carolina Forest. Myrtle Beach also offers beautiful nature at its doorstep whether seniors prefer to relax on a white sand beach or take a stroll in the scenic Myrtle Beach State Park.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Myrtle Beach, SC
According to the Genworth Financial’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of home care is $4,576 per month or $24 per hour. Comparatively, the average price of home health care is $4,767 per month and $25 per hour. Home health care is typically more expensive because it includes medical services, such as wound care and help with injections, not just assistance with household tasks.
The cost of care is calculated based on 44 hours of assistance per week. As a result, your monthly costs may vary depending on the exact number of hours that care is required.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
The average cost of both home care and home health care is higher in Myrtle Beach than the South Carolina averages of $4,433 and $4,481 per month and the U.S. averages of $4,957 and $5,148 per month. Columbia is one of the cheaper cities for care in the state, costing around $4,385 for both types of care. In Charleston, care is more expensive, costing $5,005 per month on average. Hilton Head Island has some of the least affordable home care in the state with an average of $5,577.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In Myrtle Beach, the cost of home care is more affordable than some senior living communities but less affordable than day care. By far, the least expensive option is adult day care, which typically includes weekday care and costs around $1,300 per month. Assisted living care is also less expensive than home care, costing around $4,070 per month on average. The most expensive type of care in Myrtle Beach is nursing home care; a semiprivate room typically costs $6,372 per month. Nursing home care is the most comprehensive type of care since it includes 24/7 medical support.
III. How to Find Home Care in Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach, SC.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Myrtle Beach, SC
Meals on Wheels of Horry County Inc.
What You Should Know
This Meals on Wheels program provides homebound, elderly and terminally ill seniors in Horry and Georgetown counties with home-delivered meals. The organization’s goal is to share nutrition, hope and compassion to those who need it most through meals and fellowship. It aims to educate the community on the importance of tackling senior isolation and empower those in need.
Five freshly made meals are delivered weekly by a friendly volunteer. Meals consist of a meat, starch and fruit or vegetable. Clients choose a specific day for delivery. Meals are delivered between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible, applicants must be homebound, elderly or terminally ill and living in Horry County or Georgetown County. The program is available to those who have no reliable means of obtaining groceries or preparing meals regardless of their financial situation.
How to Get Started
To apply for the program, applicants should complete an application. For extra assistance, seniors can call (843) 970-2330 to speak with a client intake coordinator who can help with any questions. You can also email [email protected] to arrange an appointment to fill out the application online with a representative.
Weatherization Assistance Program
What You Should Know
The Weatherization Assistance Program provides home improvements to low-income families in South Carolina, particularly the elderly, people with disabilities and children. It’s a federally funded program that’s coordinated by community action agencies. These services improve the energy efficiency of homes and ensure residents’ health and safety. Eligible services include replacing cracked windows, repairing water heaters and installing insulation.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible, you must be a resident of South Carolina and meet the income criteria. Special preference is given to seniors over the age of 60, households with a disabled member and families with children. Income guidelines differ depending on the number of people living in the household. For a one-person household, your income must not exceed $27,180 per year.
How to Get Started
To apply for the program, contact your local Community Action Agency, or call (843) 234-4100.
Horry County Council on Aging (HCCOA)
What You Should Know
The HCCOA is a nonprofit corporation that provides in-home assistance, seniors care services and recreational activities to older adults in Horry County. It provides meal assistance for seniors who are unable to buy or prepare their own meals and housekeeping assistance to seniors who find it hard to do chores around the home.
There are seniors centers around the county that host meals and a wide variety of activities. These activities are designed to keep seniors healthy, active and part of the community. Senior centers offer opportunities for companionship and counseling along with transportation services and health promotion programs.
Who Is Eligible?
All seniors aged 60 and older in Horry County are eligible, and they do not need to meet any income requirements unless there are restrictions for a specific program.
How to Get Started
Seniors can visit their nearest senior center to find out what services are available.
South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
What You Should Know
SNAP is a nationwide program that aims to end hunger and improve the nutrition of low-income individuals. The program supports low-income seniors aged 60 and older as well as low-income families and people with disabilities. Households receive money towards their food bills to decrease the amount that they need to spend on groceries. Successful applicants receive a EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card that’s loaded with benefits monthly and is authorized for use at 254,000 retailers nationwide.
Who Is Eligible?
In general, to be eligible, applicants must be at or below 130% of the poverty line. However, for households with a member over age 60, these criteria usually do not need to be met.
How to Get Started
To see if you’re eligible for SNAP, you may apply in person at your local SNAP office, complete an online application or mail your application. Applicants must take part in an eligibility interview and provide some additional documentation.
The Salvation Army of Horry County
What You Should Know
The Salvation Army serves low-income individuals across South Carolina. There are various programs and services to assist seniors, such as a housing assistance program for seniors who are about to lose their home due to rent problems. The program provides short- and long-term shelter. The crisis assistance program provides financial and material assistance to help individuals with utility bills, rent, mortgage payments, prescription drug costs, food and clothing.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the housing assistance program, applicants must be living in an emergency shelter or a transitional house or be at risk of being evicted within a week. For the crisis assistance program, each local Salvation Army office has different requirements, but usually, you must provide a valid photo ID, a Social Security card and documents to support your claim.
How to Get Started
To apply, contact your local Salvation Army office by phone or in person.