I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Raleigh, NC
According to SmartAsset, older adults are flocking to Raleigh; nearly 2,000 seniors moved to the area in 2019. Like other popular retirement destinations, Raleigh offers residents mild winters and plenty of warm weather with an above-average number of sunny days. Although Raleigh has a thriving economy and plenty of attractions and amenities, the cost of living is very close to the U.S. average, which moderates the cost of in-home care and related services.
Raleigh is a diverse community of 464,485 residents, which makes it the state’s second-largest city. Although seniors represent just over 10% of the population, the area is home to nearly 50,000 older adults. As a resident aged 50 or older, you have access to the city’s Active Adult Centers, which offer a wide range of recreational programs and clubs.
Local aging agencies can assist with Medicaid waivers that pay for personal care, and many charitable organizations provide friendly visits and related services to help you age safely and independently while maintaining strong social connections. Since dozens of home care providers are based in Raleigh, it’s easy to select the best option for your needs based on flexibility, affordability, condition-specific expertise and other considerations.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Raleigh, NC
If you live in the greater Raleigh area, you can expect to pay $4,004 per month for home care or $4,195 for home health care. Prices for each service are slightly higher than the state median but well below the national average. Home health care includes housekeeping and personal care as well as breathing treatments, IV infusions, wound care and skilled therapy.
Estimates are based on data from long-term care providers who responded to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. This study assumes that seniors require 44 hours of weekly care. However, if you only need occasional assistance, you could spend significantly less based on average hourly rates of $21 for homemaker services and $22 for home health aides.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Raleigh is an excellent location if you’re considering home care. The average prices of $4,004 per month for homemaker services and $4,195 for home health care are each $191 higher than the state median prices of $3,813 and $4,004. Raleigh is more expensive than some major cities like Charlotte and Greensboro. However, Raleigh is significantly cheaper than nearby Durham, where home care costs $381 more per month and home health care costs $572 more. While Raleigh isn’t quite as affordable as other parts of the Tar Heel State, residents save $477 on the U.S. median for home care and $381 on home health care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Residential care gives you the freedom to age in the comfort of your own home, and it can provide a very good value when compared to alternatives. Homemaker services cost $796 less than assisted living, and full-time home health care costs $605 less per month. Skilled nursing facilities charge $2,953 more per month for the same services that home health agencies provide. Seniors may also consider one of Raleigh’s adult care programs, which cost $1,463 per month on average. These programs provide recreational activities and personal care, though you’ll have to travel to a senior center to participate. When compared to alternatives, home care is convenient, cost-effective and suitable for individuals with varying needs.
III. How to Find Home Care in Raleigh, NC
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 Raleigh, NC.
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 Raleigh, NC
Triangle J Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The Triangle J Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging is part of a federally mandated service network that connects seniors and caregivers to support in their area. Staff members can assist with nursing home placement, long-term care and needs assessments. The TJAAA offers a number of programs to help you age in place, such as the Medicaid Community Alternatives Program, which pays for personal care attendants and home health aides. Experts can also direct you to programs that offer utility bill assistance, weatherization services, home repairs and other helpful support.
Who Is Eligible?
The TJAAA serves caregivers, disabled adults and seniors aged 60 or older. You may qualify for assistance if you live in Raleigh, Durham or the surrounding seven-county area. Income limits apply for some programs, such as Medicaid personal care waivers.
How to Get Started
Visit the AAA online or call (800) 310-9777 to learn more about the programs and services that can help you remain in your own home.
Resources for Seniors
What You Should Know
Previously known as the Council on Aging of Wake County, Resources for Seniors has supported older adults in Raleigh and Wake County since 1973. It connects residents to home- and community-based services that promote healthy, independent aging to help seniors avoid institutionalization. The organization can connect you with direct care, including services provided by home health aides and personal care attendants, and supportive services, such as home repairs, weatherization assistance, transportation and prescription medication assistance. It also publishes a comprehensive resource guide that provides more information about programs available in your area.
Who Is Eligible?
This nonprofit serves seniors and caregivers in Wake County.
How to Get Started
Call Resources for Seniors at (919) 872-7933 for referrals, information or assistance. You can reach the agency’s helpline by calling (919) 713-1556.
Wake County Tax Relief Programs
What You Should Know
Wake County offers several property tax exemptions for senior citizens and disabled adults who meet certain income requirements. The state-authorized Homestead Exemption eliminates taxes on the first $25,000 or 50% of your home’s value, whichever is greater. The Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment Program limits your taxes to 4% or 5% of your income. Any additional taxes are waived. However, you may be responsible for repaying the deferment plus interest for the past three years if your income increases or you experience a disqualifying event. Disabled veterans also qualify for property tax exemptions.
Who Is Eligible?
You can apply for the Homestead Exemption or Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment Program if you are permanently and totally disabled or are aged 65 or older. Both programs have an income requirement. For the homestead exemption, you and your spouse must earn no more than $31,500 annually. You may qualify for the circuit breaker credit if your household income is $47,250 or less. Annual applications must be submitted by June 1.
How to Get Started
To request an application or to learn more about these programs, call the Wake County Department of Tax Administration at (919) 856-5400.
Five Points Center for Active Adults
What You Should Know
One of three senior-specific recreational facilities located in the city, the Five Points Center for Active Adults features more than 20,000 square feet of indoor activity spaces, including classrooms, reading areas, a fully equipped fitness center and a 4,000-square-foot ballroom. You can visit the center for exercise classes, arts and crafts workshops, educational seminars and table tennis tournaments. It’s also home to a congregate dining site and senior resource center, and it sponsors more than two dozen day trip and travel opportunities annually.
Who Is Eligible?
Raleigh’s Active Adult Program, which includes more than 30 interest-based clubs, is geared toward seniors aged 50 and older. You must be 60 or older to qualify for some services, such as congregate meals.
How to Get Started
Visit the center at 2000 Noble Road or call (919) 996-4730 to get started. Additional information about the facility’s programs is available online.
Meals on Wheels Wake County
What You Should Know
If you’re homebound, live alone or have difficulty shopping for groceries or preparing your own meals, you may qualify for food deliveries from Meals on Wheels Wake County. Every day, the organization prepares 1,300 meals to help seniors meet their daily nutritional needs. This nonprofit provides five weekly meals for a suggested fee of $4.75 per serving. It also offers free short-term deliveries for up to 10 days to individuals who are 60 or older and have recently been discharged from the hospital.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be disabled or aged 60 or older to participate this program. Eligibility is based on need, including your ability to shop for groceries and prepare meals, your medical status and whether you have access to an in-home caregiver.
How to Get Started
To learn more or to apply for Meals on Wheels, (919) 833-1749 weekday mornings between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. You can also submit an application online.