I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Springfield, IL
As one of the most affordable major cities in the state and the nation as a whole, Springfield can’t be overlooked as a potential option for seniors looking to cut costs during retirement. The overall cost of living in the capital city is roughly 25% lower than that of the United States and 18% lower than the state average. The most significant reduction is Springfield’s housing cost, which is 54.4% lower than the national average. This provides a great incentive for those moving here from out of state or from Illinois’ more expensive cities. However, Springfield’s cost of health care is slightly higher — 4.2% over the U.S. average. All other cost categories are lower than average.
According to U.S. Census estimates, Springfield’s population contains a higher percentage of seniors than the state and the United States overall. Data shows that 17.6% of Springfield residents are aged 65 and over, compared to 16.1% in the state. Springfield also has a considerably larger percentage of seniors than Illinois’ biggest city, Chicago. This is great news for Springfield retirees and seniors in need of home care and other amenities, as the older population attracts more of the relevant resources and services.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Springfield, IL
Seniors in Springfield pay an average of $4,624 per month for both levels of in-home care, according to the Genworth Financial 2020 Cost of Care Survey. Those levels are homemaker services, which include help with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning and other chores, and home health aides, which provide more personal care and medical services by certified staff. The monthly costs stated in this guide assume 44 hours of care per week. Costs for homemaker services and home health aides average $24.25 per hour.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Springfield’s costs for both levels of home care are slightly cheaper than average for Illinois, with savings of $143 and $238 per month for homemakers and health aides, respectively. However, the city’s costs are higher than those of the United States overall, which has average costs that are lower by $143 and $48 per month for homemakers and health aides, respectively. Decatur’s costs are roughly in line with U.S. averages; Peoria is the most affordable nearby city. Champaign is the most expensive area in the state, with averages just over $5,000 per month.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In-home care and home health care are among the least expensive options for seniors who need help in Springfield, and the costs for these levels of care are easier to cover via Medicaid and/or Medicare. Adult day care is generally much cheaper than all other options, although there was insufficient cost data for Springfield in this survey. The state average, however, is $1,636 per month. Assisted living is slightly more expensive but significantly more difficult to cover with financial assistance programs. Nursing home care is the most expensive option, at almost $7,000 per month, although eligible residents can receive financial support.
III. How to Find Home Care in Springfield, IL
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 Springfield, IL.
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 Springfield, IL
Senior Services of Central Illinois
What You Should Know
SSCI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping seniors aged 50 and over in Sangamon, Menard, Logan and Mason counties. SSCI’s primary goal is to promote independence in the aging population by connecting seniors with the services they need to remain safe and healthy in their own homes.
Springfield residents can use the Senior Transport program every weekday to reach the Springfield Senior Center and appointments anywhere in Sangamon County; the suggested donation is $2.50 per ride, but payment is not required. The Care Coordination Unit offers expert assistance and advice for seniors, caregivers and family members who are unsure of their options, which may include Medicaid, Medicare and other health insurance programs.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for the various services and discounts is based on your age or disabilities and where you live. Springfield and the greater area is covered, including rural locations. The age of eligibility is generally 50, although some services and discounts are only available for those 65 and over.
How to Get Started
Residents can contact SSCI at the Springfield Senior Center by calling (217) 528-4035 or (217) 528-3882. Menard County residents should call (217) 632-3208.
Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland (AgeLinc)
What You Should Know
AgeLinc is the Area Agency on Aging for Sangamon County and 11 other counties in central Illinois. The purpose of an AAA is to provide services, guidance and referrals to seniors and people with disabilities. As a nonprofit agency that receives funding from state and federal governments, AgeLinc offers its services at no cost to eligible residents. Services include help accessing benefits, Medicaid and Medicare, caregiver support, senior-related education and the Friendly Caller Program.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility requirements vary for each of the programs and services provided by AgeLinc. Generally, you must be aged 60 or over and be a resident of Sangamon County or one of the other central counties listed on the website.
How to Get Started
Seniors and people with disabilities can contact AgeLinc at (217) 787-9234 or toll free at (800) 252-2918. The office is located at 2731 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL 62704.
Meal Delivery and Congregate Dining
What You Should Know
Senior Services of Central Illinois operates the Meals on Wheels program and congregate dining sites in Sangamon and Menard counties. Together, these services are referred to as the Daily Bread program. Hot meals are delivered every weekday to homebound seniors; able seniors can get together at one of the 13 locations for congregate dining and socialization.
Who Is Eligible?
Residents of Sangamon and Menard counties who are aged 60 and over and have no dietary restrictions are eligible for congregate dining via the Daily Bread program. Meal delivery is only available to seniors who are unable to prepare their own meals or get out to one of the congregate dining locations. The suggested donation amount is $3 per meal.
How to Get Started
Reservations should be made at least one day in advance by calling (217) 528-4035, ext. 123 or by emailing [email protected].
United Way of Central Illinois
What You Should Know
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping the most vulnerable members of the Springfield community and central Illinois as a whole. It’s responsible for the 211 phone service and online database of local resources, which includes health and human services, utility assistance, nutritional programs, senior care, housing and more.
Who Is Eligible?
The requirements vary a great deal depending on the resource or service. Many services are available only to low-income residents while others are offered to people over 60 or 65 years of age. Some services have no eligibility requirements.
How to Get Started
Call 211 or (888) 865-9903 or visit the website to search the online database of services and resources.
King’s Daughters Organization
What You Should Know
The Springfield, Illinois KDO consists of nine small groups known as circles of friendship, which are open to new members and the creation of new circles if needed. Each group sets its own schedule and agenda, with meetings at local restaurants, country clubs, historic sites and members’ homes.
Although each circle is different, the general goal is to meet people, socialize with new friends and help the aging population of Springfield through various volunteer opportunities, including help at local churches, Meals on Wheels and the Fair Hills Residence senior care community.
Who Is Eligible?
Residents of any age are welcome to join one of the circles of friendship that suits their schedule and interests. If none of the existing circles are suitable, you can ask about creating a new one.
How to Get Started
Each group has its own contact person, with details listed on the website. You can also contact the KDO Membership Chair by calling (217) 306-3037 or emailing [email protected].