I. What You Should Know About Home Care in New Braunfels, TX
New Braunfels is a suburban city about 40 minutes northeast of downtown San Antonio. It’s German-Texan heritage runs deep, illustrated by the traditional German architecture in the town square, which contributes to the picturesque city’s old-fashioned charm. Almost 14% of its 90,400 residents are aged 65 and older, which is a little below the national average, but don’t think seniors aren’t cared for in New Braunfels. For example, adults aged 65+ qualify for an additional $10,000 homestead exemption on their school district taxes as well as the standard $40,000 exemption for all homeowners. Economically savvy seniors will note these savings can offset some of their home care costs, as can the savings realized by the state not taxing its residents’ incomes.
New Braunfels is a healthy place to live, with above-average air quality (particularly beneficial to seniors with respiratory issues) and outstanding water quality. It’s successfully decontaminating land as part of the EPA Superfund Program, illustrating a commitment to making the city a healthy place to live. If you’re concerned about property crime and violent crime, you may be pleased to know New Braunfels is statistically safer, as crime is below the state and national averages.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in New Braunfels, TX
Home care costs can vary between agencies because there’s more at play than just their pricing policies. For example, if you require assistance during the night, you can expect to pay more than someone who doesn’t. However, seniors generally receive similar services, such as light housekeeping, meal preparation and shopping for groceries. Seniors who struggle with activities of daily living may need help getting in and out of bed, toileting, bathing and dressing. The average fee in New Braunfels is $4,576, which is based on the caregiver being with the senior for 44 hours per month. This works out at $24 per hour.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Despite home care and home health care agencies providing different services, both share an average monthly fee of $4,576. This duplicates the Texas average for both services but is more affordable than the country’s median fees of $4,957 (home care) and $5,148 (home health care). Houston also mirrors the state averages, but costs are typically higher in Austin, where both services are around $5,196 per month. If you’re looking for somewhere nearby that’s more affordable, Victoria’s median fees for both services are $4,338.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care’s nonmedical services typically cost $4,576 per month in New Braunfels. Home health care shares this median fee. However, the two services can’t be compared directly, as the latter is a medical service. So too is nursing home care, which typically costs $5,232 per month. Care comparisons are possible with adult day care (averaging $856) and assisted living (averaging $3,413). However, adult day care isn’t suitable if you’re homebound, and assisted living requires you to relocate to the facility.
III. How to Find Home Care in New Braunfels, 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 New Braunfels, TX.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in New Braunfels, TX
Texas Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
What You Should Know
WAP helps New Braunfels residents on low incomes whose energy costs are high because their homes aren’t weatherized sufficiently. A local nonprofit agency conducts the work necessary, which may include insulating floors, walls and ceilings. The agency may also weatherstrip doors and windows and patch holes. There’s no cost to the applicant.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be aged 60 or older and have an income within the program’s limits for your household size at the time of your application. You automatically qualify if you’re in receipt of a Means Tested Veteran Program or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You must also be a U.S. citizen or have proof of your Resident Alien status to receive benefits.
How to Get Started
To apply for the program, you should download the application form and return a completed copy to 2700 NE Loop 410, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78217. Alternatively, email the form or fax it to (866) 387-2280. To get more information, you should call (210) 362-5282.
Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation is a nonprofit that operates the Meals on Wheels program for New Braunfels. All meals are freshly prepared and typically include meat or poultry, seasonal vegetables, fruit and milk. The service is free, but a $6 donation per meal to cover costs is greatly appreciated. The foundation also operates an AniMeals program, which provides food for seniors’ pets and helps with veterinary care services.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is available to homebound adults aged 60 and older who can’t attend the nonprofit’s congregate meal service at New Braunfels Senior Center. It’s also open to veterans and older citizens with short or long-term disabilities. A representative of Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation will make a home visit to determine the applicant’s eligibility.
How to Get Started
To get more information and apply for either or both programs, seniors can email or call the senior center at (830) 629-4547.
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
What You Should Know
Community Action Partnership is a private nonprofit authorized to operate the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program in New Braunfels. Its purpose is to help residents on low incomes reduce their energy costs through a combination of financial assistance and education. The nonprofit reviews the applicant’s previous 12 months of utility bills to determine how much financial assistance it can provide within the program’s limits. This may be up to 12 months of support for vulnerable residents and 6 months for those who aren’t as vulnerable. The program can also cover service and repair costs for heating and cooling equipment up to $5,000.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone whose income doesn’t exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Limit, with priority given to vulnerable adults aged 60+.
How to Get Started
Seniors should download and complete the application form, and then email or fax it to (830) 625-8818. Alternatively, they can mail it to 111 West San Antonio, New Braunfels, TX. 78130. If more information is needed, call (830) 625-6268.
Veterans Financial Assistance Program
What You Should Know
The Veterans Financial Assistance Program helps vets, their spouses and dependents deal with short-term financial crises as well as assisting with more frequent costs, such as taxis and ride-shares. The program can make one-off payments to cover utility bills, including late fees, and one-time mortgage or rent payments. There’s no requirement for eligible applicants to provide evidence of their income levels, as need is determined by proof they are behind on bill payments.
Who Is Eligible?
Veterans of the U.S. military, their spouses and children are eligible.
How to Get Started
Download and complete the application form, and then, mail it to 111 West San Antonio, STE 210-3, New Braunfels, TX. 78130. For more information, call (830) 625-6268.
Home Repair Program
What You Should Know
Habitat for Humanity in Comal County can help with necessary repairs to owner-occupied homes in New Braunfels. There are no restrictions on the type of home the program’s workers can repair, including duplexes, single-family homes, condos and mobile homes. There is an array of work that can be carried out, including converting tubs to walk-in showers, installing air conditioning window units, landscaping and repairing floors and updating plumbing and electrical systems.
Who Is Eligible?
The applicant must have an income that’s between 30% and 75% of the median family income for the size of their household. They must also own and occupy the home, which must be in a substandard condition that risks the health and safety of its occupants. The applicant must be able to pay a contribution toward costs.
How to Get Started
Applicants should complete and submit the online form to register their interest. To get more information, they can call Comal County Habitat for Humanity at (830) 625-4025 or visit its offices at 1269 Industrial Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78130.