I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Saint Louis, MO
With a cost of living that’s 13% below the national average, Saint Louis is an ideal Midwestern retirement location. It’s a vibrant metropolitan area that 300,576 people call home, and 13.1% of them are aged 65 or older. The senior demographic is projected to make up 19.1% of the population by 2025.
Home to the iconic Gateway Arch, the MLB Cardinals and the NFL Chiefs, Saint Louis features a wealth of fascinating attractions to keep you active and engaged in the community. The Ruth Park Golf Club is one of over 100 championship golf courses here. Gardens and museums showcase the city’s breathtaking natural beauty and inspiring history, and more amazing sights lie under the surface in expansive underground caves.
Sports, music, food and shopping experiences have the power to constantly expand your world and enrich your golden years in Saint Louis. For nature lovers, plentiful hiking trails, lakes and beaches present unending reasons to enjoy the great outdoors.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Saint Louis, MO
In Saint Louis, the average costs of home care and home health care are the same at $4,481 per month as the Genworth Financial 2020 Cost of Care Survey estimates. However, home health care could cost more than home care in some instances due to the added medical services provided.
The Genworth survey calculated the average cost of home care and home health care based on 44 hours of service per week. Your actual monthly cost may differ according to the number of hours of care you’ll need each week. Your average hourly rate could run about $23.50 for these services in Saint Louis.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care and home health care are more expensive in Saint Louis than in some other cities throughout Missouri. Seniors in Cape Girardeau pay around $1,000 less for these services, and those in Jefferson City pay approximately $430 less than Saint Louis residents. In Columbia, though, home care and home health care cost about $100 more than Saint Louis on average.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
The average costs of home care and home health care are higher than other types of long-term care available in Saint Louis. Adult day care is the least costly type at $1,842 per month, which is $2,600 less than homemaker and home health options. Assisted living costs $700 less than home-based care at $3,750 per month. Nursing home care is the priciest option at $5,355, almost $900 more expensive than home care and home health care here.
III. How to Find Home Care in Saint Louis, MO
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 Louis, MO.
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 Saint Louis, MO
St. Louis Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The St. Louis Area Agency on Aging is a federally designated aging information and assistance portal for the elderly population in this region. It coordinates community-based services to support the dignity and independence of seniors living at home. Programs include disease management, memory care support, congregate and home-delivered meals, senior transportation and light housework. Basic home modifications, such as handrails and ramps are available, as well as minor home repairs, including basic electrical and plumbing work. The agency also helps seniors apply for health insurance and the Property Tax Credit or Circuit Breaker Rent Rebates. Seasonal tax preparation assistance is available at no charge through the AARP Tax-Aide Program for Seniors.
Who Is Eligible?
The St. Louis Area Agency on Aging serves individuals who live within the boundaries of St. Louis and are aged 60 years and older. The agency also assists people with disabilities aged 18-59 years. The Memory and Aging Program is designed for residents aged 65 and older. Tax assistance applicants must be 65 or older or aged 18-64 and receiving SSD, SSI or Veterans Disability benefits.
How to Get Started
To find more information on this agency’s services, call (314) 612-5918.
Catholic Charities of Saint Louis
What You Should Know
Catholic Charities of Saint Louis provides services that help area seniors remain independent, socially connected and physically and mentally fit as they age at home. The agency offers case management, counseling and emergency financial assistance. An adult day care program is available at some locations. The Catholic Legal Assistance Ministry provides legal aid, support and representation to veterans and low-income individuals at no cost. At the Southside Center, Spanish-speaking and Vietnamese seniors can access bilingual assistance for primary health care, disease management and financial education.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be at least 60 years of age to qualify for many of this agency’s services. You must meet income requirements for some programs.
How to Get Started
Catholic Charities of Saint Louis invites you to contact their office for details at (314) 367-5500.
St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation
What You Should Know
St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation offers guidance and a wide range of free resources for local seniors with limited means. The Circle of Care program helps seniors continue living independently with in-home clinical assessments and comprehensive care plans that address their short- and long-term care needs. Clients also receive caregiver services, including personal care, light housekeeping, escorted transportation and friendly visits. This organization can connect you with programs for home repairs, safety modifications and financial resources for utilities and medications.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be over the age of 65 to take advantage of St. Andrew’s senior resources. You must be residing in the greater metropolitan St. Louis area and prove economic need. Most seniors have average weekly incomes of $233 for individuals or $316 for couples.
How to Get Started
Learn more about St. Andrew’s programs by calling (314) 726-0111.
Lutheran Senior Services
What You Should Know
Lutheran Senior Services supports older citizens living in the Greater St. Louis area, central Missouri and southern Illinois regardless of religious preference. Aging Answers is a free call-in resource staffed by professional Elder Care Specialists who provide personalized, confidential assistance with age-related concerns, including counseling, respite services, benefits and transportation. Sometimes, a phone consultation leads to a home visit and assessment for further care needs. The Good Neighbor Program partially funds nonmedical services, such as personal care, meal preparation and chores. LSS also offers financial assistance for elderly people who have dedicated their lives to faith-based work.
Who Is Eligible?
Aging Answers is available for people aged 60 and older or 50 and older with a disability. Good Neighbor Program applicants are subject to income eligibility criteria.
How to Get Started
Contact the LSS main line at (314) 968-9313 for general information or call Aging Answers at (314) 446-2475.
LifeWise STL
What You Should Know
LifeWise STL runs the Senior Resiliency Fund, a financial and wellness education program for low-income seniors. The SRF includes six months of financial coaching, personal development workshops, end-of-life planning and collaboration with the SLAAA. Upon completion, participants receive a 2-to-1 match on the financial goal set at the beginning. LifeWise is also the sponsoring agency for the Senior Companion Program in St. Louis, which screens, arranges opportunities for and trains individuals age 55 and older who want to volunteer in the community.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the SRF, you must be at least 55 years old and live in the City of St. Louis. Your income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
How to Get Started
For further information on the SRF, call LifeWise STL’s Director of Senior Programming at (314) 627-1242.