I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Spartanburg, SC
Located in Upstate South Carolina, Spartanburg has a lively downtown, a family-friendly atmosphere and a large number of physicians who accept Medicare. The Spartanburg Medical Center provides a variety of services, including behavioral health treatment, cancer care, critical care and emergency room services. The hospital also offers several clinical research trials to help discover new ways to treat and prevent diseases.
The city has approximately 54,000 seniors that make up about 16% of the total population. The cost of living in the city is lower than both the state and national averages, and you can expect to pay less in Spartanburg than other parts of the state or the nation for groceries, housing and transportation. The state also has no tax on Social Security, and there’s a $10,000 deduction on other forms of retirement income.
Spartanburg’s amenities make it easy to see why many seniors prefer to remain in their homes for as long as they’re able. Home care is one option that makes this possible.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Spartanburg, SC
According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, home care and home health care in Spartanburg cost $4,076 and $4,172 per month, respectively. The exact cost of care can vary depending on the services needed and the number of hours an individual receives care.
The average cost reported by Genworth is based on 44 hours of care per week. Seniors can estimate their exact costs by multiplying the number of hours that home care needed by the cost per hour. This is $21.38 for home care and $21.88 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
The cost of home care and home health varies throughout South Carolina. In Spartanburg, home care and home health cost less than both the state average of $4,433 for home care and $4,481 for home health care as well as the national average of $4,957 for home care and $5,148 for home health. Greenville, Columbia and Sumter all have costs that are greater than the average in Spartanburg at $4,671, $4,385 and $4,957 per month. Home care and home health cost the same for both services in all three cities.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
There are other options for long-term care in Spartanburg. Home care costs $4,076, and home health is $4,172 per month. Assisted living communities cost less at $3,600, which includes housing and care. Adult day care is the least expensive option at $1,408 for those who need assistance only during the day. Nursing homes offer the most comprehensive care and are also the most expensive option at $6,692 per month for a semiprivate room.
III. How to Find Home Care in Spartanburg, SC
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 Spartanburg, SC.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Spartanburg, SC
South Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
What You Should Know
Also referred to as the General Emergency Assistance Program (GEAP), WAP is offered by Piedmont Community Action. It helps seniors in the area make upgrades to their homes to improve their overall energy efficiency. Once accepted into the program, a home assessment is performed on the property to determine what upgrades need to be made. This can include installing air sealant, insulation and energy-efficient appliances. Additional services may include replacing windows and HVAC systems.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors must be at least 60 years of age, a resident of South Carolina and need help reducing their current energy costs. Individuals must also meet specific income requirements. Seniors who receive Supplemental Security income are automatically eligible.
How to Get Started
To apply for WAP, contact your local Community Action Agency office at (864) 707-5029.
Spartanburg Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
What You Should Know
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income seniors and households pay for heating and cooling when the family has received a disconnection notice or has already been turned off due to nonpayment. Funds are limited, so not everyone who applies and is eligible receives help. The amount of money available may vary depending on the county. Eligible seniors can apply twice a year and receive a maximum of $500 per application.
Who Is Eligible?
A single applicant must meet the income requirements set by the state, which should be 60% of the state’s average income. The applicant must also be a resident of South Carolina and be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien.
How to Get Started
To apply for LIHEAP, seniors should visit or contact their local LIHEAP county office at (864) 707-5029.
Spartanburg County Homestead Tax Exemption
What You Should Know
The county homestead exemption helps to reduce the tax liability for seniors aged 65 and older. Under the exemption, the first $50,000 of the value of the home isn’t counted. Seniors are also fully exempt from school-related property taxes.
Who Is Eligible?
The criteria for the homestead tax exemption includes the following. Applicants must:
- Hold the complete fee simple title to the property
- Be a legal resident of South Carolina
- Be 65 years of age or older, permanently disabled or legally blind
How to Get Started
Interested seniors should submit an application to the county auditor’s office along with a copy of their birth certificate, Medicaid or Medicare information and a government-issued ID. For more information, contact the office at (864) 596-2600.
Mobile Meals
What You Should Know
Mobile Meals provides nutritious meals and fellowship to homebound seniors throughout Spartanburg County. The program is provided by a nonprofit organization administered by several local churches. It delivers free meals Monday through Friday with the exception of some holidays, and it employs lay pastors to help with the spiritual needs of homebound individuals. The program has approximately 150 volunteers that deliver over 1,500 hot meals. It also delivers food and grocery items donated by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is determined on an as-needed basis with preference given to those with medical conditions that prevent them from preparing their own meals.
How to Get Started
To apply for the program, contact Mobile Meals at (864) 573-7684, or submit an online application.
South Carolina Family Caregiver Support
What You Should Know
The Family Caregiver Support Program provides free services to caregivers of chronically ill, disabled or frail seniors throughout Spartanburg County. The program offers respite, counseling and support to help caregivers set aside time daily, weekly or monthly to address their own personal needs while caring for others. The program also offers caregiver training and provides referrals to additional community resources.
Who Is Eligible?
Any caregiver may contact the agency or search the online database to locate support and assistance. Eligibility depends on the particular program.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the available programs and services, contact the South Carolina Department on Aging at (800) 868-9095.
South Carolina Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
What You Should Know
PACE is designed to help seniors live in their homes and communities for as long as possible by providing supports and services. Covered services include adult day care, dentistry, emergency services, home care, meals, nutritional counseling, physical, speech and occupational therapy, transportation, prescription medications, laboratory services and social work counseling.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 55 and older who require skilled nursing and live within the county where they’re applying are eligible to receive services through PACE. Individuals must also be able to live on their own without jeopardizing their own health or safety.
How to Get Started
To apply for PACE, seniors should contact their local Health and Human Services Community Long-Term Care office at (864) 587-4716.