Home Care in Peoria, IL

Consistently listed among the nation’s best places to retire and the best retirement destination in the Midwest, Peoria is a vibrant city with a variety of recreational options and benefits for older adults. Among its biggest perks is its affordability, thanks to an overall cost of living that’s 25% below the national median. Housing is particularly affordable, but seniors may also save money on other expenses such as utility bills, transportation and groceries, which may allow them to enjoy a high standard of living during their retirement years.

Winters in Peoria tend to be very cold but the temperature is pleasant throughout the rest of the year, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy amenities such as its dynamic RiverFront District, eight local golf courses and numerous parks. The city, which is listed among the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, has a large senior population that accounts for over 15% of its 110,000 residents. These amenities make Peoria a great option for those considering home care in central Illinois.

Peoria is a relatively affordable city for receiving in-home care, with the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey reporting that local home care agencies charge $4,385 per month for services. Home health care costs the same as homemaker services, even though it also provides skilled nursing services such as medical monitoring and wound care.

This monthly rate assumes that you obtain 44 hours of care each week at a rate of $23 per hour. Your monthly cost may be lower if you need less than six hours of care per day or you obtain some services through subsidized programs or nonprofit organizations.

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

With home care and home health care fees of $4,385 per month, Peoria is one of the most affordable places in Illinois for receiving in-home care. Rates are considerably lower than in Bloomington, where seniors pay $4,862 for home care and $4,910 for home health care. In Springfield, both types of care cost $4,624 per month, and in the Champaign area, agencies charge $5,005 for services. Carbondale is among the few cities with more affordable home care rates, with local seniors paying $4,195 for both levels of care.

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.

Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging

What You Should Know
The Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging administers a variety of programs to help older adults maintain their safety and independence at home. Through this agency, you can talk to specialists who help you connect with community-based services in Peoria County, including transportation, social and recreational activities and support groups. It has licensed legal professionals who help you apply for public benefits or resolve issues such as denied Medicare or Medicaid claims and Social Security overpayments. The agency also administers the state’s Senior Health Insurance Program, which provides free, unbiased counseling to those who qualify for Medicare. Through this program, you can get one-on-one help with understanding your Original Medicare benefits, comparing Medicare Advantage plans and determining your eligibility for Medicaid, which may help you cover some home care costs.

Who Is Eligible?
You can access services through the AAA if you live in Peoria and are aged 60 or older.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the local AAA or to apply for services, you can call the office’s main line at (309) 674-2071 or toll free at (877) 777-2422.

The Center for Youth & Family Solutions

What You Should Know
The Center for Youth & Family Solutions is a local nonprofit organization that serves the Peoria area. It offers a range of services, including the New Day Senior In-Home Counseling Program, which can help you navigate mental health issues such as grief, depression, chronic illness and loss of functioning. The organization also has a friendly visitor program with volunteers who provide respite assistance for informal caregivers, socialization, transportation and referrals to community resources.

Who Is Eligible?
The center provides services to everyone aged 60 and over living in their own home or apartment in Peoria County and the surrounding areas. Services are available regardless of your income and are provided at no cost, although you’re welcome to help cover volunteers’ transportation costs.

How to Get Started
You can learn more about the center’s programs by calling the main office in Peoria at (309) 323-6600.

Peoria Vet Center

What You Should Know
The Peoria Vet Center helps veterans access the benefits and services they’re entitled to, including programs that can help cover out-of-pocket home care costs. Its specialists can help you connect with services and supports in the community, including emergency financial assistance, tax breaks, transportation, respite and social activities. It can also help you determine whether you qualify for a VA pension or Aid and Attendance, which provides a monthly pension supplement payment that can be used to help cover your in-home care expenses.

Who Is Eligible?
Services provided through the vet center are available to veterans in Peoria and surrounding cities within the county. Some programs have additional requirements regarding the amount of time spent in service, age and disability.

How to Get Started
You can make an appointment at the vet center by calling (309) 689-9708. For help outside scheduled office hours, you can call (877) 927-8387.

Neighborhood House

What You Should Know
Neighborhood House is a nonprofit organization based in Peoria. It operates a range of services for area residents, including the local Meals on Wheels program. Depending on where you live, you may receive noontime meals on a three- or five-day schedule, or you may be eligible for evening or weekend deliveries. The organization also has a Critter Meals on Wheels Program that provides pet food for your four-legged friend. Donations are appreciated but aren’t required for services.

Who Is Eligible?
Home-delivered meals are available to those aged 60 and over who are unable to shop for or prepare meals themselves. Those under age 60 who have medical conditions may also be eligible for services.

How to Get Started
To apply to receive meal deliveries through the Meals on Wheels program, you can call Neighborhood House at (309) 674-1131.

Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity, Inc.

What You Should Know
The Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity is the designated Community Action Partnership for Peoria and the surrounding region. It administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help income-qualifying individuals pay for high energy bills. It offers services under the statewide Weatherization Program, which conducts energy audits and completes jobs such as sealing cracks, repairing doors and windows and repairing or replacing furnaces to improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. The agency also offers a prescription drug assistance program and a rental and food assistance program, as well as volunteer opportunities through the Foster Grandparents program.

Who Is Eligible?
You can qualify for programs offered through the Community Action Partnership if you’re aged 60 or older and meet certain income guidelines.

How to Get Started
You can learn more about or apply for available programs by calling the Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity at (309) 671-3900.