I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Richardson, TX
Richardson is a thriving city of 120,000 that truly has it all. The community was listed among the 100 best places to live in America by Livability, and it was named one of the nation’s five best retirement locations by Niche.
As one of the city’s 17,500 seniors, you can enjoy a pleasant suburban lifestyle with access to amenities throughout the Metroplex. Excellent schools and low crime rates have contributed to the city’s steady growth. Residents can take advantage of Dallas Area Rapid Transit routes as well as local transportation options that cater to seniors and adults with limited mobility.
Above all, Richardson offers residents a high quality of life, which is why the cost of living is slightly higher than the state and national averages. The community hosts various events, including live concerts, craft shows, food fairs, parades and art festivals. Along with recreational activities offered at local senior centers, these events can help you stay active and engaged in the community, and they add to the appeal of Richardson as an ideal location to age in place with the help of home care services.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Richardson, TX
If you’re looking for home care or home health care services in Richardson, you can expect to pay $4,385 per month on average. This is based on an average of 44 hours of weekly care. Along with basic home care services, home health care includes skilled nursing and therapy services, so it may cost more in certain geographic areas.
According to data from Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the area’s average rate for in-home care is $23 per hour, which is within $1 of the national median. You can calculate your estimated cost for either home care or home health care by multiplying this rate by the number of hours of assistance you expect to require.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home health care prices in Richardson are $190 higher than the state median of $4,195 and $191 lower than the national average of $4,576. For nonmedical home care services, such as help with cooking, grocery shopping and dressing, the price difference is the same on the state level, but it decreases to $96 in comparison to the U.S. average. If you’re looking for care in Tyler or Sherman, you’ll save approximately $600-$670 on a monthly basis, and Waco’s below-average rate of $4,004 could save you about $380 per month.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Budgeting is an important step in long-term care planning. To reduce your costs, you can sign up for an adult day health care program that provides recreational activities, meals and other services for just $1,571 per month. Home care rates average $4,385 per month, which is very close to the cost of assisted living ($4,400). If you need skilled nursing care, you can expect to pay $5,171 per month. Although this is lower than the national average, nursing home care is still quite expensive.
Note: Data for Richardson was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Dallas, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Richardson, 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 Richardson, 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 Richardson, TX
Dallas Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The Dallas Area Agency on Aging is the most comprehensive resource for seniors in Richardson. It administers federal funding that supports local senior centers, nutritional programs and a range of essential services. In addition to promoting healthy, active aging, the AAA can coordinate in-home care and chore assistance if you have a medical need, and case managers can help you qualify for Medicaid waivers if you meet certain financial requirements. Benefits consultations can help you learn more about Medicare, long-term care insurance and financial assistance programs. Caregivers training and extra help is available as well. Seniors also qualify for free legal services, including help preparing wills and other documents.
Who Is Eligible?
The AAA’s primary goal is to provide informational assistance and community-based services to seniors aged 60 and older, as well as disabled adults and family caregivers. Eligibility varies by program, so intake starts with a personalized consultation.
How to Get Started
You can learn more or schedule a benefits consultation by calling (214) 871-5065.
Richardson Senior Citizen Center
What You Should Know
Richardson is home to a state-of-the-art senior center that offers recreational activities, social events and health screenings as well as ways to stay involved in the community. The center features a billiards room, dance studio, fitness center, courtyard and community dining room and kitchen. Games are scheduled through the week, including bridge, pinochle, canasta and cribbage. You can also try your hand at mahjong and bingo or visit the center for live music or an educational presentation. Additionally, the center hosts country and square dances on Friday and Saturday nights. Buses are available to take you to local shopping areas, and the center can refer you to organizations that offer senior transportation and other helpful services.
Who Is Eligible?
The senior center serves Richardson residents aged 50 and older. Membership fees vary by age, and nonresidents pay a higher rate.
How to Get Started
For details about the current schedule, call (972) 744-7800, or visit the center online.
Visiting Nurse Association Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas operates the Meals on Wheels program for Richardson and Dallas County. More than 4,600 homebound seniors receive meals through this program each year. Volunteers deliver hot meals Monday through Friday around lunchtime. Monthly menus are posted online and include nutritionally balanced entrees such as alfredo chicken, glazed ham, hamburgers and barbecue pork. If you have a pet, you may qualify for monthly pet food deliveries through the organization’s Pet Care Program. Additionally, the Visiting Nurse Association is a licensed hospice provider, and it offers a library of caregiver resources.
Who Is Eligible?
Meals on Wheels is designed for individuals who are unable to shop for groceries or prepare their own meals due to age, disability or an injury or illness. This typically means that you must be aged 60 or older and unable to drive or leave home to qualify. Subsidized meals are available to most seniors, but self-pay clients are asked to contribute $6 per meal.
How to Get Started
To make a referral or see if you’re eligible for Meals on Wheels, complete the online application form, or call (214) 689-2639.
Seniors’ Net
What You Should Know
Operated by the Network of Community Ministries, a nonprofit faith-based consortium, Seniors’ Net serves elderly residents of Richardson and 14 Dallas-area ZIP codes. It operates a call center and information and referral hotline that connects callers to in-house services and programs sponsored by other community-based agencies. These resources include nutritional support, home repairs and help with utility bills or other expenses. Its Handyman Program offers minor home repairs to area seniors with no income limits. Volunteers are available to deliver food pantry items as well as canned goods, produce and nutritional staples. You can visit the network’s facility in Richardson every Thursday for lunch and fun events, including games, art, fitness classes and educational seminars.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors’ Net serves 20,000 seniors aged 60 and older annually. It supports seniors who receive Social Security Disability benefits, are homebound or have unmet needs. There are income limits for some services.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in these programs or want to apply for assistance, call the Network of Community Ministries at (972) 234-8880 to schedule an appointment.
First Richardson Helpers
What You Should Know
First Richardson Helpers is a volunteer handyman program sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Richardson. The organization can help you with safety-related home repairs and maintenance tasks, such as installing grab bars, replacing smoke detectors, sealing air leaks and fixing electrical problems or leaky faucets. Volunteers focus on repairs that take three hours or less, and they’re also available on a limited basis to resolve code violations or complete large projects. Additionally, the organization provides a directory of local resources.
Who Is Eligible?
This faith-based group is dedicated to serving disabled adults and seniors aged 55 or older. Home repairs are available to individuals who live in Richardson or the Richardson Independent School District, as well as church members. There’s no charge for repairs, but you’re welcome to make a donation to offset the cost of materials.
How to Get Started
Assistance is available 24 hours a day by calling the organization’s hotline at (972) 996-0160. You can also complete an online service request.