I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Springfield, MO
Springfield’s climate may appeal to seniors who like four distinct seasons, as the city experiences winter days when temperatures average 21 degrees Fahrenheit and annual snowfall is around 14 inches. In summer, temperatures of a pleasant 89 degrees are typical and there are an above-average number of sunny days. Seniors comprise roughly 16% of Springfield’s 169,000-plus residents, which is around 1% below the national average. They benefit from a significantly lower than usual average cost of living, more affordable house prices, good air quality and even better water quality.
Health care in the city is of an excellent standard and easily accessible, as there are 310 physicians per 100,000 people while the U.S. average is 210. The city’s hospitals include Cox Medical Center South and Select Specialty Hospital, which treats patients recovering from critical illnesses. Springfield is also home to the high-performing Mercy Hospital, ranked seventh in the state by U.S. News and World Report. Consequently, seniors receiving home care can be assured quality medical care is always nearby.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Springfield, MO
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Springfield should expect to pay around $4,767 per month for home care services. Home health care’s median fee is the same, and both mirror the state averages. However, when compared to the national averages for home care ($4,957) and home health care ($5,148), Springfield’s seniors’ monthly savings are around $190 and $381, respectively.
These figures come from assuming the senior receives 44 hours of care per month. To help you calculate your potential costs, you should know the hourly rate for home care and home health care in Springfield is $20. You should also factor the types of services into your figures, as these will influence the fee.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care and home health care costs in Springfield mirror the state’s monthly median of $4,767, making both more affordable than the national averages of $4,957 (home care) and $5,148 (home health care). However, Springfield is costlier than the two nearest surveyed cities, which have identical costs for both services—Joplin costs $4,481, and Jefferson City costs $3,813. Springfield isn’t the costliest city on Missouri’s western side, as seniors in Kansas City typically pay $4,957 for home care and home health care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
When compared to alternative types of senior living, such as adult day care ($1,788) and assisted living ($3,250), home care’s $4,767 per month appears costly. However, it’s a fee worth paying for many who prefer to remain in their homes, which they can’t do with assisted living, and who don’t want to make frequent journeys to a center, which is required with adult day care. Home health care’s fee of $4,767 is more affordable than the nursing home’s median of $5,262, with the difference of $495 per month covering the latter’s greater levels of medical care.
III. How to Find Home Care in Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Springfield, MO
Weatherization Program
What You Should Know
Missouri’s weatherization program covers the costs of upgrading homes to make them more energy-efficient and safe for their residents. Its purpose is to make the home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Therefore, the type of work that may be carried out includes insulating attics, walls and crawl spaces and sealing sources of air intrusion and escape. The program can also cover repairs or replacement of gas heating appliances and resolve issues with gas leaks. In addition to improving the home, the program can save residents money on their energy costs.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible, the applicant must live in the home they own or rent in Missouri. The household must also have a combined income not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level.
How to Get Started
Seniors should download an application form and return a completed copy to Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) by mail, or fax it to (417) 865-7542. Alternatively, they can call OACAC at (417) 865-7797.
Homeowner Emergency Loan Program
What You Should Know
The City of Springfield’s homeowner emergency loan program can help cover the costs of home repairs and make it easier for seniors to age in place. Loans are at 0% interest. They can pay for structural improvements, the repair or replacement of windows, doors, and water and sewer lines, and the installation of accessibility and safety devices such as ramps. The loan can also pay for work that improves the home’s energy efficiency.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible, the senior must hold the title deeds for the property in Springfield, and it must have been their primary residence for at least 12 months prior to their application. The aggregate household income shouldn’t exceed 80% of the median household income for the state.
How to Get Started
To apply, the senior should contact the Community Development Loan Officer at (417) 864-1098. The program partners with four local agencies, each experienced in carrying out the work required. Once approved for the loan, the senior should contact their preferred agency to arrange a home inspection.
Home-Delivered Meals
What You Should Know
SeniorAge is the Area Agency on Aging serving Springfield residents aged 60 and older. Its home-delivered meals program is available to homebound seniors who cannot participate in the congregate meal program managed in senior centers throughout the region. Fresh meals are delivered on weekdays by volunteer drivers, who can also deliver frozen meals to see seniors over the weekend and public holidays. The drivers make a wellness check on the senior at the time of delivery. Although no senior is refused a meal, a contribution towards costs of $3.50 per meal is recommended.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible, the senior must reside in the region served by SeniorAge, be homebound and remain unable to make their own meals or have someone who can cook for them on a regular basis.
How to Get Started
To apply for home-delivered meals, seniors should call SeniorAge toll-free at (800) 497-0822.
Senior Centers
What You Should Know
The City of Springfield operates two senior centers, Northview Center at East Talmage Street and South Side Center in Ray Kelly Park. There isn’t a membership fee, although some activities may incur a small charge. Both centers offer fitness and educational classes, such as tai chi and learning sign language. They also combine activities to build strength while having fun, such as line dancing. Standard games include bingo and pinochle, and there are arts and crafts classes, including ceramics.
Who Is Eligible?
To apply for membership in either center, the applicant must be aged 55 or older and a Springfield resident.
How to Get Started
To apply to join the Northview Center, seniors should call (417) 837-5808. To join the South Side Center, the number is (417) 890-1313.
Legal Services of Southern Missouri
What You Should Know
Legal Services of Southern Missouri is a private, nonprofit law firm dedicated to helping seniors and others on low incomes in matters of civil law. It can’t assist in criminal law cases. The type of cases its attorneys and paralegals can help with include consumer law, such as a senior being threatened by a debt collector, as well as elder law, which covers a range of matters, including estate planning. The firm can also help seniors with housing concerns, those who are struggling to get the benefits they are entitled to, and those at risk of domestic or sexual violence. All legal services are free of charge.
Who Is Eligible?
Legal Services of Southern Missouri can assist adults aged 60 and older and younger adults on low incomes with issues covered by civil law.
How to Get Started
All seniors must complete an application form that will determine if the firm can handle their case before any further steps are possible. They can do this by calling the firm toll-free at (800) 444-4863, submitting an online application or visiting the head office in person at 809 North Campbell, Springfield, MO 65802.