I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Norfolk, VA
The coastal city of Norfolk offers cultural amenities, high health care access and warm weather year-round, making it a prime option for retirees. Of this city’s nearly 240,000 residents, those aged 65 and over account for about 11% of the population. Norfolk supports comfortable retirement living with access to a reliable public transportation system and beautiful parks and shopping and dining amenities. There are approximately 305 physicians per capita compared to the national average of 210, which may make scheduling primary and specialty care easier. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Sentara Leigh Hospital are located within Norfolk, and there are two dozen more health care facilities within driving distance.
Despite its numerous benefits, Norfolk’s overall cost of living is well below state and national averages, which may enable older adults to conserve their income and savings throughout retirement. Also, Virginia’s income tax laws are friendly toward retirees. This, combined with relatively affordable home care costs, makes the city a prime option for older adults who want to age in place.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Norfolk, VA
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, home care agencies in the Norfolk region charge approximately $4,767 per month for services, which include nonmedical care such as companionship, meal preparation and help with personal grooming. This monthly rate assumes 44 hours of weekly care at $25 per hour. This breaks down to 8.8 hours of care per weekday. For seniors who need care outside of normal business hours, including assistance on evenings and weekends, monthly home care costs may be considerably higher. On the other hand, you may be able to reduce out-of-pocket costs by accessing care from nonprofit agencies and programs, including volunteer-based transportation or government-subsidized home care services.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Norfolk seniors pay $4,767 per month for home care as well as for home health care, which is similar but includes specialized services such as diabetes management and physical therapy. In Richmond, care costs are a little higher, with residents paying $5,148 for home care and $5,243 for home health care. In Charlottesville, rates are among the highest recorded in Virginia at $6,292 per month for both types of care. In Roanoke, rates are competitive at $4,195 for home care and $4,385 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home-based care is among the costlier long-term care options in Norfolk at $4,767 per month for both services. Assisted living is slightly cheaper at $4,690 and includes housing, meals and recreational activities, making it a budget-friendly option for many. Home-based care may be an affordable alternative to nursing home care at $8,410 per month. Seniors who want to live in their own homes but reduce their personal care expenses may opt for adult day care, which is affordable at $1,690 per month.
Note: Data for Norfolk was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Virginia Beach, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Norfolk, VA
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 Norfolk, VA.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Norfolk, VA
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia
What You Should Know
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia (SSEVA) is a local nonprofit organization that helps older adults access the care and services they need to remain independent at home. It operates the Senior Cool Care program, which provides fans and single-room air conditioners to qualified individuals having difficulties keeping their homes comfortable during the warm months. Its Senior Companion Program matches homebound individuals with screened volunteers who provide regular visits or phone calls, and through its Care Transitions program, the agency helps those in nursing homes move back to their home environment. The agency also operates the Homemaker Program and the Personal Care program to provide low-cost in-home care services to qualified individuals.
Who Is Eligible?
All Norfolk area residents aged 60 and over are eligible for assistance through the agency. You may have to meet additional income or need-based requirements for certain services such as home-delivered meals.
How to Apply
To obtain services through SSEVA, you can call the main office at (757) 461-9481. Alternately, you can visit the Norfolk office in person at 2551 Eltham Avenue, Suite Q. The office is staffed on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia
What You Should Know
Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia is a faith-based nonprofit organization that administers assistance programs and supports to qualified individuals in Norfolk. Through its In-Home Respite Care program, it provides low-cost respite services for unpaid caregivers. All respite workers undergo a thorough criminal background check and provide companionship, while regular caregivers tend to other responsibilities. The organization also operates the Companion Care Program, which offers affordable services such as transportation, meal preparation, light housekeeping and safety monitoring to participating seniors. Overnight assistance is available for an additional fee.
Who Is Eligible?
In general, services through the Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia are open to everyone in the Norfolk region. Some services, such as the Companion Care Program, are only open to those aged 60 and over.
How to Apply
You can learn more about these programs, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, by calling the administrative office at (757) 456-2366.
Hampton Roads Community Action Program
What You Should Know
The Hampton Roads Community Action Program is an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides assistance programs to help older adults maintain their financial stability. It operates a food pantry where older adults can access basic cooking staples, and through its Emergency Service Program, it provides emergency assistance to those at risk of evictions, foreclosure or disruptions in utility services. The organization also offers free tax preparation assistance for seniors, helping them access state and federal deductions that may let them retain more of their retirement income.
Who Is Eligible?
Services through HRCAP are open to Norfolk area residents who meet income guidelines.
How to Apply
You can get comprehensive information on the eligibility requirements for these programs and apply for services by calling the corporate office at (757) 247-0379. The office is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also apply for services by filling out and submitting the online form.
Primeplus Senior Center
What You Should Know
Primeplus Senior Center is a nonprofit center run by United Way. This center provides a range of social and recreational programs for seniors, helping them avoid isolation and boredom. It hosts more than 50 activities throughout the week, including age-friendly fitness classes and wellness classes to help older adults remain safe and independent at home. It also provides affordable adult day services, which may help you reduce what you pay for in-home care.
Who Is Eligible?
Services and activities at the senior center are open to Norfolk area residents aged 60 and over.
How to Apply
To become a senior center member, you can call the Norfolk office at (757) 625-5857.
Real Estate Tax Relief Program
What You Should Know
The Real Estate Tax Relief/Deferral Program reduces what seniors pay for property taxes, which may help them afford expenses related to homeownership and remain in their homes throughout retirement. Through this program, you may be able to exempt up to $203,386 of your home’s value, cutting down on what you pay in property taxes. There is also an exemption for veterans with a service-connected partial or total disability.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for this tax relief program, you must own a home in Norfolk and either be at least 65 years old or totally disabled. Your total household income can’t exceed $67,000 annually, and your net worth, not including the house, can’t exceed $350,000.
How to Apply
To apply for the tax relief program, you can fill out the application and mail it to the Department of Human Services at 741 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510. The department accepts applications between February 1 and June 1 for the following year. If you have any questions, you can call the main office at (757) 823-1130.