I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Plano, TX
Located in northern Texas about 20 miles from downtown Dallas, Plano is a thriving city that’s ranked among the 20 safest cities in the United States, making it a great place for seniors. Of Plano’s 287,677 residents, close to 13% are seniors aged 65 and older, and by the year 2030, the city’s population is projected to plateau at 300,000.
If you enjoy a sunny, relatively mild climate, you’ll appreciate the fact that Plano sees about 229 sun-filled days each year, while the nationwide average is just 205 sunny days. In the summertime, daytime temperatures can reach about 94 degrees, while winter lows rarely dip below 33. There are over 700 restaurants to explore in Plano and the surrounding areas, as well as a number of nature preserves, museums and parks.
The city is also home to the sprawling 603-bed Medical City Plano complex, a full-service hospital that offers over 70 medical specialties and subspecialties. VA health care services are available at the Plano VA Clinic, which is affiliated with the VA North Texas Health Care System.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Plano, TX
According to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, on average, Plano seniors spend $4,385 for home care services. Rates for home health care services are the same, even though this type of care also includes some in-home medical services.
Genworth’s figures are based on 44 hours of care weekly, which works out to an average hourly rate of $23.00. You can estimate your in-home care costs by multiplying this hourly rate by the number of hours of care you expect you’ll need.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
In-home care costs in Plano are slightly above the statewide average of $4,195 for either home care or home health care. Rates vary based on location throughout Texas, with seniors in nearby Sherman paying an average of $4,195 per month for both types of in-home care, while in Houston, home care and home health care runs around $4,290 per month. In the state capital, Austin, rates are somewhat higher at $4,385 for home care and $4,576 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Plano’s in-home care costs are similar to the city’s average rate for assisted living at $4,400 per month. As is true in most places, adult day care is the least expensive senior care option at $1,571 per month, while a semiprivate room in a skilled nursing facility costs an average of $5,171 per month.
Note: Data for Plano was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Dallas, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Plano, 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 Plano, TX.
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 Plano, TX
Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Adults 50+
What You Should Know
The City of Plano’s Parks & Recreation department operates the Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Adults 50+. As a resident of Plano, you can become a member at the Center for $15 a year or pay a daily drop-in fee of $2.
The Center is equipped with a large, modern cardio and weight room, a billiards room, multiple fitness classrooms and a lounge. There’s also a cafe where you can enjoy a snack with friends. Regular activities include crafting workshops, preventative health screening clinics, movie screenings and holiday parties.
Who Is Eligible?
As a resident of Plano aged 50 or older, you’re eligible to use the facilities and services offered at the Center. Seniors who live outside of Plano can also use the Center by paying the non-resident drop-in fee of $3, or purchasing an annual membership for $25.
How to Get Started
For up-to-date programming information and Center hours, call (872) 941-7155.
City of Plano Housing Assistance Programs
What You Should Know
The City of Plano’s Neighborhood Services department offers a number of housing assistance programs that can help you keep your home safe and well-maintained.
These programs include the Housing Rehabilitation Program, which provides emergency assistance with repairs to low and moderate-income homeowners, the Emergency Repair Assistance program to help with repairs such as burst sewage pipes or broken heaters during cold weather and the Great Update Rebate Program for older residential properties. If you’ve been served with a property code violation, you can request help through Plano Code Abatement by Residents Engaged in Service, or CARES, a volunteer-based program for homeowners who need help rectifying common code violations.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility criteria vary with each assistance program, but in general, you need to own and occupy your own Plano home to qualify for any of the above programs. Some programs are geared towards low and moderate-income homeowners, so expect to be asked for your financial information when applying for help.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the City of Plano’s Housing Assistance Programs, call Neighborhood Services at (972) 208-8150.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit Paratransit
What You Should Know
Dallas Area Rapid Transit, the public transit provider for Plano, operates the regional paratransit service. This shared-ride, low-cost service is available to riders who cannot use the regular fixed-route system due to a temporary or permanent disability.
DART paratransit vehicles include wheelchair-accessible minibuses, vans and taxi cabs. Rides must be reserved in advance through the DART website or by calling DART customer service, and service is curb-to-curb. There’s no restrictions on the purpose of your trip, so if you qualify as a paratransit rider, you can book rides to travel to and from medical appointments, social engagements and to run errands.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify as a DART paratransit rider, you need to complete the Paratransit Certification process. This involves having your physician complete an eligibility form to verify your need for paratransit services.
How to Get Started
To learn more about DART paratransit services, call (214) 515-7272.
Meals on Wheels of Collin County
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels is a low-cost home meal delivery service that can help you maintain a healthy, balanced diet. This service provides you with a hot, home-delivered meal each weekday that includes a protein, fruits and vegetables, bread and milk. Your meals are delivered by a volunteer who also takes a moment to ask how you’re doing.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for Meals on Wheels, you or your spouse must be at least 60 years of age and be largely homebound.
There’s no financial eligibility criteria, though you’ll be asked to contribute a small donation towards the cost of each meal you receive. If you’re unable to pay, you won’t be denied service, although the Meals on Wheels social worker may need information about your income in order to have your meals paid for through a subsidy or donations.
How to Get Started
To learn more about Meals on Wheels, call (972) 562-6996.
Community Paramedicine Program
What You Should Know
Plano Fire-Rescue operates the Community Paramedicine Program in partnership with local health care providers and nonprofit agencies. This program is designed to help Plano seniors, people with disabilities and those with chronic medical needs remain safe and independent in their own homes.
The Community Paramedicine Program provides services to help you avoid hospitalization and placement in a long-term care facility. These services can include home visits from paramedics who will check your vital signs and help ensure that you’re taking your medications.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for assistance through the Community Paramedicine Program, you need to be a Plano resident who is at risk of hospitalization due to chronic health issues.
How to Get Started
To learn more, call the Community Paramedicine Program at (972) 941-7297.