I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Novi, MI

As a Novi resident, you have easy access to affordable healthcare services. Costs in the city are 17.3% lower than the U.S. median, and there are over twice as many physicians per person compared to the nation as a whole. You can also benefit from a lower risk of pollutant-related respiratory illnesses and cancers thanks to Novi’s clean air, which is rated at 71 compared to the nationwide rating of 58.

The city is generally peaceful in terms of its crime rates, with less than half the rate of violent crime in Novi compared to the state and country. Property crime occurs roughly 33% less often than in the greater Detroit metro area and Michigan. This should give you confidence to enjoy the many large parks scattered around town, as well as popular shopping and dining destinations such as Twelve Oaks Mall and Novi Town Center.

According to U.S. Census estimates, Novi’s population grew by 10.3% over the past decade while Michigan itself only experienced growth of 1%. There are currently 8,220 seniors aged 65 and over in Novi, out of a total population of 60,896 — an increase of roughly 2,000 seniors in a decade. The above factors and many more make Novi a great location to age in place and receive in-home care.

II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Novi, MI

Seniors in Novi pay slightly more than the Michigan average for both levels of in-home care, according to the Genworth Financial 2020 Cost of Care Survey. Home care in the city has an average cost of $4,767 per month. If you need limited medical care in addition to basic homemaker services, you might opt for home health aide assistance, which costs an average of $4,862 per month. These rates are based on 44 hours of care per week at hourly rates of $25 and $25.50. Your cost can vary depending on the type of care and number of hours of in-home assistance you need.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

Home care and home health care in Novi are reasonably affordable compared to nearby cities. Detroit averages the same as Novi for home care, at $4,767 per month, and slightly more for home health care, which averages $4,957. Monroe is more expensive than Novi, where both types of care average $4,957, while seniors in Jackson pay less at $4,385 and $4,576 per month, respectively. Michigan’s averages for these two levels of care are lower at $4,576 and $4,767, whereas the U.S. averages are even lower, at $4,481 and $4,576 per month, respectively.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

The average cost of assisted living is quite high in Novi, at $5,590, which makes home care and home health care more attractive options, at $4,767 and $4,862 per month, respectively. Adult day care provides weekday-only services in a group setting and although there was no cost data available for Novi, the statewide average is just $2,080 per month. Nursing home care, at $9,429 per month, is almost twice as expensive as in-home services in Novi.

Note: Data for Novi was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Ann Arbor, was used instead.

III. How to Find Home Care in Novi, MI

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 Novi, MI.

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.

IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Novi, MI

Area Agency on Aging 1-B

What You Should Know
The southeast region of Michigan is served by the nonprofit AAA 1-B, which uses federal and state funds to provide free services to seniors aged 60 and older. As a Novi resident who wishes to remain living independently at home, you may be particularly interested in the in-home care services that can be provided or arranged by the AAA. Through the MMAP program, certified volunteers can answer your questions about Medicaid and Medicare, help you understand your plan options and apply for cost-saving programs

Other offerings administered by the AAA include community dining, transportation services and regularly scheduled events and seminars related to aging and disabilities. The agency also coordinates health and wellness programs, which include fall prevention, diabetes and chronic pain management classes.

Who Is Eligible?
Some of the AAA’s services are only available if you meet certain level-of-care requirements and have a low income, whereas others are open to all local seniors and their caregivers.

How to Get Started
You can call the AAA’s information and assistance line at (800) 852-7795 during regular weekday business hours to ask questions and inquire about services.

Meadowbrook Activity Center and Older Adult Services

What You Should Know
The Meadowbrook Activity Center offers various programs for local seniors. The center is conveniently situated next to the Ella Mae Power Park and walking trails, near the public library and Novi High School, and it’s open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday. You can take advantage of free transportation to and from the center if you’re aged 55 or older or you have a limiting disability. The Novi transportation program can be used to get around town to appointments, shopping, dining and other activities. You can also access loans of durable medical equipment (DME) through the center, such as bathing aids, bed assist handles, walkers, canes and leg therapy pedal machines.

Who Is Eligible?
Programs at the Meadowbrook Center are offered at no or low cost. Transportation services are free within Novi city limits and to shopping areas near the border. Rides to destinations outside the city cost $5 each way and must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Loans of durable medical equipment are free, although donations are accepted.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the services offered through the Meadowbrook Center, you can call (248) 347-0414. The Novi Transportation program can be reached at (248) 735-5617 and rides can also be scheduled online.

Western Oakland Meals on Wheels

What You Should Know
Western Oakland Meals on Wheels delivers meals to Novi residents every weekday. You can receive a hot, freshly prepared meal each day, and the volunteer delivery driver will also check whether you need any other assistance. Each delivered meal provides one-third of a senior’s daily nutritional needs and is prepared under the supervision of a registered dietitian.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re aged 60 and older, or have a disability, and you can’t leave home without assistance or prepare your own meals, you can apply for Meals on Wheels services.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the Meals on Wheels program or to schedule meal deliveries, you can call (810) 632-2155 or email [email protected].

Disability Network Oakland and Macomb

What You Should Know
DNOM provides a wide range of information and services designed to help make life easier for individuals with disabilities, and in particular promote independence for those living in their own home. DNOM can also help people currently in nursing homes and other facilities who wish to transition back to their own home or that of a caregiver.

Who Is Eligible?
If you live in Macomb or Oakland County, which includes Novi, you can contact DNOM to find out more about the programs you may be eligible for, as the requirements vary based on your abilities.

How to Get Started
You can contact DNOM to learn more about available services that meet your needs by calling (586) 268-4160.

Lakeshore Legal Aid

What You Should Know
This nonprofit law firm may be able to answer your legal questions or help you solve various aging-related legal issues. The firm’s qualified attorneys provide free, professional advice and representation for a range of civil (noncriminal) matters, such as financial and physical exploitation, foreclosures and other housing issues, consumer debt and scams, income tax issues and public benefits including Medicaid, disability benefits and Social Security. They can also help with wills, estates and guardianships.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re a resident of Oakland County and aged 60 or older, you may qualify for free assistance through Lakeshore Legal Aid.

How to Get Started
To access noncriminal legal assistance, you can call Lakeshore Legal Aid’s hotline at (888) 783-8190. The hotline is staffed on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.