I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Snellville, GA
Snellville is a small city of nearly 21,000 people, with the 65 and over community making up 17% of residents. It has a thriving arts community and is home to the Gwinnett Ballet Theater. The city’s proximity to Atlanta gives residents access to the dining, arts and popular green spaces. Snellville is also in the top half of the AARP livability index, and Atlanta is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.
Emory Healthcare Medical Center is in Snellville, and residents receive cutting-edge care at nearby Emory Heart and Vascular Center. Two other major hospitals, Northside Hospital Gwinnett and Concentra Medical Center, are just 10 miles from downtown Snellville. The city’s health care costs are 95.5% of state costs and 90.6% of the national average, making Snellville an affordable city for seniors.
The cost of living in the Snellville area is 97.7% of the U.S. average, and home prices are just 85%. The city is also a safe place to live, with violent crime 33% lower than the U.S. average. These are good reasons why many seniors want to remain in their homes here while enjoying the greater Atlanta area’s amenities and services.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Snellville, GA
In the Snellville area, seniors can expect to pay an average of $4,290 monthly for home care and $4,576 for home health care, according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. This survey bases costs on an average of 44 hours per week. Home care costs are identical to the state average, while home health care is about $200 higher. Home care costs seniors $22.50 per hour, and home health care is $24 per hour.
Note: Data was not available for Snellville, so the cost of care for the Atlanta area was used instead.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Snellville’s monthly average home care cost is $4,290, the same as the state average, but home health care prices in the city ($4,576) are slightly higher than the state average ($4,385). However, the national averages for both care types are more: $4,957 for home care and $5,148 for home health care. In Macon, the cost of home care and home health care are both lower than in Snellville by $477 and $572 per month, respectively. In Athens and Rome, home care costs are a few hundred dollars higher than in Snellville but home health care costs are about the same.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Depending on how much assistance you need, home care can be an inexpensive option compared to other types of support. Assisted living and nursing home care are full-time options that cost an average of $3,845 and $7,528 per month. At $1,327, adult day care is quite affordable compared to other types of care, but it requires seniors to travel to a community center each day for activities and meals.
III. How to Find Home Care in Snellville, GA
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 Snellville, GA.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Snellville, GA
Gwinnett County Senior Services
What You Should Know
Gwinnett County Senior Services helps seniors stay in their homes by providing them with the tools to stay healthy and independent. These tools include mobility support and nutrition assistance and support for senior caregivers. A care manager gives each senior an assessment to determine their ability to function in various areas and develops an individual care plan for them. Senior Services’ mission is to foster a high quality of life for older adults with free or income-based services. These services include:
- Home care
- Home-delivered meals
- Assisted and curbside transportation
- Caregiver respite
Who Is Eligible?
Gwinnett County residents aged 60 or older and their spouses are eligible for senior services. A care manager works with each person in the program to determine what kind of assistance they need.
How to Get Started
You can call (678) 377-4150 for more information and enrollment assistance. Seniors are also welcome to speak to a team member in person at the Gwinnett Senior Services Center on 567 Swanson Drive in Lawrenceville.
Snellville Senior Center
What You Should Know
The Snellville Active Adult Center hosts many Senior Services programs and activities for Snellville-area seniors. The Congregate Senior Program encourages a sense of community for senior participants. To promote a healthy and safe environment, the center’s services may include daily breakfast and lunch, fitness, art and education classes, and other activities. For a nominal, income-based fee, seniors can also participate in off-campus activities such as day trips, recreational activities and senior volunteer opportunities.
The Snellville Parks and Recreation Program also offers activities and programs through the senior center, and these are open to all adults aged 50 and up. Activities sometimes take place at local parks, and seniors can enjoy participating in exercise classes, card groups, billiards, quilting classes and much more.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 60 and up are eligible to participate in programming offered by Senior Services. In addition, residents aged 50 and older can join in activities and programs sponsored by the Snellville Parks and Recreation Department. Senior Center membership for Snellville residents costs $15 per year for one senior and $25 for a couple.
How to Get Started
To find out more about the Snellville Satellite Senior Program, call (678) 232-9448. For information about membership at the Snellville Senior Center, call (770) 985-3535.
Area Agencies on Aging
What You Should Know
The Georgia Division of Aging Services funds a variety of services designed to help older adults continue to live at home as they age. It partners with the local Area Agencies on Aging for Gwinnett County to provide assistance. Services include:
- Chore service
- Home care
- Friendly visits
- Home health care
- Skilled nursing
It also provides nutrition and wellness services for seniors. Seniors can eat group meals at many senior centers or receive home-delivered meals. Nutrition education and counseling are available to help seniors remain healthy and continue to live independently in their homes.
Who Is Eligible
Area Agency on Aging programs are available to people aged 60 and older and their caregivers.
How to Get Started
The Atlanta Region AAA serves Gwinnett County. You can call them at (866) 552-4464 or (404) 463-3333. Empowerline is a website that helps people find these and other services provided by the Area Agencies on Aging.
Gwinnett County Transit
What You Should Know
Gwinnett County Transit includes bus service and MARTA rail service. The Half Fare program offers seniors transportation at a reduced cost. Bus and rail Half Fare customers also receive free transfers from one service to the other service. The Half Fare Gwinnett County Transit Breeze Card makes it easy for seniors to upload transportation credits.
Who Is Eligible?
Any person aged 65 or over or who has a disability is eligible for Half Fare, as well as all Medicare card holders.
How to Get Started
Call Gwinnett County Transit at (770) 822-5010 to learn more about Half Fare eligibility and the Breeze Card.
State and County Homestead Exemptions
What You Should Know
In Georgia, the state bases the yearly property tax assessment on a home’s value. The state homestead exemption deducts $2,000 from that amount before assessing taxes on the property. In Gwinnett County, people aged 65 and over who make less than $105,280 also receive a school tax exemption. The program grants disabled veterans and surviving spouses a homestead exemption of up to $145,645.
Who Is Eligible?
Any homeowner is eligible for a homestead exemption. The program doubles the amount of the exemption to $4,000 for people aged 65 and over who make $10,000 or less per year, and it does not count retirement, pension and disability payments as income.
How to Get Started
You can apply online, email [email protected] or call (770) 822-8800 for more information.