Home Care in San Antonio, TX

There’s a number of reasons San Antonio earned a spot on Forbes 2020 list of The Best Cities To Retire In. The seventh-largest city in the nation, San Antonio has also seen a 60% rise in its senior population between 2010 and 2019. The city boasts warm weather year-round, a low cost of living as well as a wide variety of amenities and recreational options from which to choose. Seniors also get to hang onto their state income, Social Security and retirement income tax-free, making Texas one of the more tax-friendly states in the nation for retirees.

Known as the site of the Alamo, San Antonio is a city steeped in history and culture, and there are many sites of historical interest for residents to enjoy. It is equally well-known for RiverWalk, Texas’ number one attraction featuring restaurants, shopping and live entertainment, all within a 15 mile stretch along the San Antonio River. The city is also considered a golf destination, with more than 30 courses available. All of this is readily available when you are living at home and receiving home care. Although not a very walkable city, San Antonio provides senior transportation services to and from the senior centers for anyone who is enrolled, and VIA Metropolitan Transit provides bus service throughout the city.

According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, home care in San Antonio costs, on average, $4,290 per month. Home health care, which involves more medical care such as nursing or physical therapy, costs $4,385, $95 more per month.

Costs for home care are calculated based on 44 hours per week of care, so your monthly cost will vary depending on the specific number of hours of help you need each week. Whether you need 44 hours of care a week or 10, home care costs approximately $24 per hour, and home health care, $25.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

Seniors can expect to pay less for home care in San Antonio than in Austin but more than in smaller cities such as Victoria and Corpus Christi. In Austin, home care costs $4,385 per month, and home health care, $4,576, an increase of $95 and $190 more than in San Antonio. In Victoria, at $3,956, home care and home health cost the same and are between $334 and $429 less than in San Antonio. At $3,928 per month, home care costs are similar in Corpus Christi, running approximately $360 less than in San Antonio.

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.

Bexar Area Agency on Aging

What You Should Know
The Bexar Area Agency for Aging is the first stop for identifying relevant services and supports for you or a loved one. Anyone 60 and older can receive free benefits counseling as well as coordinating care with local agencies to support dignity and independence. Caregivers can also get support in the form of counseling and referrals for appropriate services. AACOG also can help you find transportation to medical appointments, senior centers and nutrition sites. Low-income seniors living at home or receiving home care may qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which puts measures in place to reduce energy lost and in turn reducing the cost of heating and cooling.

Who Is Eligible?
Seniors 60 and older can utilize all of Bexar AAA’s information and referral services including caregiver support. The Weatherization Assistance Program is available to more rural residents of Bexar County who meet specific income requirements.

How to Get Started
Seniors or caregivers can begin by contacting Alamo and Bexar Agencies on Aging at (210) 477-3275 or (866) 231-4922.

Meals on Wheels San Antonio

What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels San Antonio provides home-cooked meals for homebound seniors who are unable to shop for or prepare their own food. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday by trained volunteers who also provide an informal check-in on all clients. Meals can be heart and diabetic-friendly, and come in a microwave-safe container. Handouts detailing various nutritional educational topics are also included. In addition to meals, MOW provides emergency meals, dietary consultations and AniMeals, pet food for clients struggling to provide their furry friends with the necessary nutrition. Comfy Casas is another program provided by MOW, which assists with minor home repair and begins with a walkthrough and discussion regarding needed repairs.

Who Is Eligible?
If you are unable to drive, leave your home or make your own meals, you may be eligible for MOW’s services. AniMeals are available to any MOW client with pets, as is Comfy Casas.

How to Get Started
To sign up for services, complete the application online or call Client Services at (210) 735-5115. Relatives, friends or others in the community may also refer an individual by calling the same number.

San Antonio Senior Services

What You Should Know
San Antonio’s Senior Services provide a wide variety of services and programs through its 10 senior centers and nutritional sites. You can take an exercise class, have a hot lunch with friends, take an arts or computer class. Case management as well as nutritional education is also available. Seniors can choose to volunteer through the SAVolunteers program, which offers a variety of opportunities including helping at animal care centers and libraries. Transportation is also available, free of charge, to and from many of the senior centers for those who have registered.

Who Is Eligible?
Participation in Senior Services is free to any resident of Bexar County 60 and older. Spouses of individuals who are 60 and older are also invited to participate. Registration is required and includes demographics and nutritional assessment information.

How to Get Started
Seniors and their family members can learn more by calling (210) 207-8198.

Senior Grocery Programs

What You Should Know
Senior Grocery Programs are part of San Antonio Food Bank’s efforts to reduce malnutrition and hunger among low-income seniors. Project HOPE provides food that meets seniors’ specific nutritional needs, distributing 50-60 pounds of food each month to those who qualify. And the Commodity Supplemental Food Program partners with the Texas Department of Agriculture to provide packages of food to over 34,000 residents in the San Antonio area.

Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for either program, seniors must be 60 and older and meet certain income limits, which vary by program.

How to Get Started
Interested seniors can contact the San Antonio Food Bank at (201) 431-8326 or (800) 246-9121. You can also learn more about Project HOPE by emailing [email protected] and CSFP at [email protected].

Catholic Charities Senior Services

What You Should Know
Catholic Charities of San Antonio has a Senior Services division aimed at reducing isolation among seniors by encouraging community engagement. To that end, CC offers a number of programs to low-income senior residents. The Adopt-A-Senior program connects individuals with volunteers who get to know them, their needs and what resources would best serve them. Food stipends, as well as box fans for the summer months, may also be available. Seniors 55 and older can also get more involved by joining the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, which links them up with volunteer opportunities that use their talents and interests. Seniors can also act as Foster Grandparents to at-risk students at San Antonio schools.

Who Is Eligible?
Any senior 55 and older, regardless of income, is eligible to participate in RSVP or the Foster Grandparents program. Food stipends and volunteer companions are available to those who meet income requirements.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the resources available through CC, seniors or their loved ones can call (210) 226-6178.