I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Saint George, UT
One of the first things you should know about St. George is it has a relatively senior-friendly climate. Rainfall is low, so seniors with weaker respiratory systems may be pleased to know humid days aren’t common, and air quality is better than average, as is the city’s water supply. Consequently, it probably isn’t surprising that 23.8% of St. George’s almost 95,400 residents are seniors — a significant increase from the national average of 16.8%.
If crime is a concern, you may be pleased to know property crime in St. George is below the U.S. average, and violent crime is around 50% of the country’s norm. If you’re planning to buy a home in the city, you’re more likely to pay less than your peers across the state, as the median home cost is almost 8% below Utah’s average — which could offset some of your home care expenses. Another way homeowners save money is Utah’s 45% homestead exemption based on the home’s taxable value. Homeowners and renters aged 66+ with qualifying incomes can also get tax relief from the Utah Circuit Breaker.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Saint George, UT
You should expect to find home care costs varying greatly in St. George because monthly fees aren’t all-inclusive, unlike in some assisted living facilities. Instead, they are a reflection of the specific services provided. For example, you should expect to pay more if you require visits from a caregiver during the night. According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly fee for home care in St. George is $5,148. This figure assumes the senior receives 44 hours of care per month. Home care’s median hourly rate is $27, which can help you calculate your likely costs.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
At $5,148, St. George’s home care is above the U.S. average ($4,957) but below Utah’s ($5,625). The city’s home health care is another $48 per month, making it slightly costlier than the country’s norm ($5,148) but lower than Utah’s ($5,720). You should expect to pay more up north. In Provo, both services average $5,720, and in Salt Lake City, home care is $5,625 and home health care is $5,661. Both services in nearby Las Vegas, Nevada, average $4,767.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care is a nonmedical service, as are adult day care and assisted living, both of which are more affordable ($3,792 for the former and $3,500 for the latter). However, homebound seniors can’t travel to adult day centers, and assisted living residents must relocate. Home health care’s median fee of $5,196 is more than home care’s $5,148, but it’s a medical service (albeit a limited one). Nursing home care costs $1,316 per month more than home care but provides near-hospital levels of support.
III. How to Find Home Care in Saint George, UT
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 Saint George, UT.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Saint George, UT
St. George Utah Senior Citizen Center
What You Should Know
St. George Utah Senior Citizen Center is the hub of the city’s elder community. There are no membership fees, and most activities are free. A particular feature that may appeal to seniors using home care services is the nutritionally balanced lunches served from Tuesdays to Fridays, with free transportation available for seniors with no other means of travel. There are plenty of activities suitable for seniors with restricted movement, such as bingo, party bridge and a movie of the month. The center also conducts blood pressure and sugar screening and has a grief support group.
Who Is Eligible?
The center welcomes all St. George residents aged 60 and older.
How to Get Started
To become a member, you can call the center at (435) 634-5743 or visit in person at 245 North 200 West, St. George, UT 84770.
Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Seniors unable to join in the congregate lunches served at the St. George Utah Senior Citizens Center may apply for the Meals on Wheels program. All meals follow the dietary guidelines of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U. S. Department of Agriculture to ensure they’re nutritionally balanced for the recipient’s age group. Meals are delivered from Tuesday to Friday, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with two meals delivered on Fridays upon request. The suggested donation per meal is $3.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible, you must be a Washington County resident who is at least 60 years old and unable to drive or leave your home without assistance.
How to Get Started
To apply for the program, you should call the center at (435) 634-5743. You should expect an outreach worker to visit your home within 2 weeks of your acceptance to the program to ensure you’re getting the services you require.
Weatherization Assistance Program
What You Should Know
The Weatherization Assistance program’s purpose is to help St. George residents on low incomes make their homes more comfortable and reduce their energy costs. The type of work conducted depends on the results of the home appraisal. Consequently, it may include weatherstripping windows and doors, repairing holes, insulating ceilings, walls and floors and repairing inefficient HVAC units. Ductwork may also be necessary, as well as small repairs to issues that risk the residents’ health and safety. On average, the work carried out saves Utah residents around 35% on their home energy costs.
Who Is Eligible?
Utah residents whose incomes are no more than 200% of the current federal poverty level are eligible. Priority goes to seniors and those with disabilities.
How to Get Started
To apply, you should contact Weatherization Works, the agency authorized to provide weatherization assistance in St. George. You can email or call the service department at (435) 586-0585.
Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) Program
What You Should Know
The HEAT program supports St. George residents on low incomes who might otherwise struggle to pay their utility bills. It can assist year-round and provide one-off support if the person’s utility company is threatening disconnection. You can apply for the HEAT program and the water assistance program simultaneously.
Who Is Eligible?
Any Utah resident whose combined household income doesn’t exceed 150% of the federal poverty level may apply. There should be at least one U.S. citizen in the household, or a qualified non-citizen, who is responsible for paying the utility costs. Priority is given to those aged 60 or older and persons with long-term disabilities.
How to Get Started
The program works on an annual cycle, so you will see references to applications having to be submitted between October 1 and September 30 (effectively the entire year, but the budget for each year may impact availability). You can apply by going online, calling the HEAT helpline at (866) 205-4357 or downloading an application and mailing it to Five County AOG HEAT Program, 1664 S Dixie Drive, Unit L-104, St. George, UT 84770. If you are at risk of being cut off, you should call St. George’s local office at (435) 652-9643.
Senior Legal Clinic
What You Should Know
The Senior Legal Clinic is a free service based in the St. George Utah Senior Citizens Center. Volunteer attorneys who specialize in civil law provide one-on-one consultations for an array of issues. These include consumer debt, wills, estate planning, elder abuse and government benefits (including some who can assist with home care costs, such as Medicaid). If the attorney present isn’t familiar with that practice area, they will refer you to an appropriate lawyer. Consultations typically last 15 minutes.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible, you must be aged 60 or older, reside in Washington County and require assistance with a civil law matter only, as the service can’t help with criminal law cases.
How to Get Started
As the service is by appointment only, you’ll need to call (435) 634-5743 to book and then attend in person at the senior center. Its address is 245 North 200 West, St. George, UT 84770.