I. What You Should Know About Home Care in The Woodlands, TX

As one of the premier master-planned developments in Texas, The Woodlands is a great retirement option thanks to its modern amenities that are set among 28,000 acres of natural scenery. This growing community is home to 114,436 people, and 13.5% of them are seniors aged 65 and older. Residents of The Woodlands enjoy living in a safe community where their medical needs are met in up-to-date hospitals, such as St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital and the Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center. As a bonus, health care prices in the area are below the national average.

During the summer, temperatures can rise to up to 93 degrees, and township residents enjoy about 203 days of sunshine per year. Winters in The Woodlands are mild, and it never snows, so there’s no need to worry about slipping and falling on the ice. Aging in place in The Woodlands can be a financially sound option thanks to the township’s generous homestead tax exemption for seniors and its below-average cost of home care services.

II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in The Woodlands, TX

According to the Genworth Cost of Care 2021 Survey, the average rate for home care providers in The Woodlands of $4,576 is the same as the average price for in-home health aides. The monthly rate for in-home care services in the area is in line with the Texas norm, and it’s significantly lower than the U.S. median. The Genworth Survey has been collecting cost data for senior care services for nearly two decades. Home care rates published in the survey assume that the average senior receives 44 hours of weekly care, equating to a median hourly rate of $24.

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

While home care and home health care prices in The Woodlands match the Texas average, the area is more expensive for in-home senior care than surrounding cities. In College Station, home care providers charge $4,429 each month, while the home health care rate is $4,572, so both types of care cost more than in The Woodlands. Areas like Beaumont and Victoria are more affordable than The Woodlands for both types of care by a few hundred dollars.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

The median monthly rate for assisted living in The Woodlands of $4,245 is lower than the cost of in-home care by $331 per month. Seniors who need the high level of care provided by nursing homes pay $5,262 on average each month, which is much more than home care. Adult day care facilities charge around $1,099 each month, making them the most cost-effective option for seniors in The Woodlands.

Note: Data for The Woodlands was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Houston, was used instead.

III. How to Find Home Care in The Woodlands, TX

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 The Woodlands, TX.

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in The Woodlands, TX

The Houston-Galveston Area Agency on Aging

What You Should Know 

Your regional Area Agency on Aging has an array of services to help you continue living independently in the comfort of your own home. The AAA can help you identify local financial assistance benefits. You can use the agency’s information and assistance line to find out if you’re eligible for low-cost care, such as in-home services, home repair work, dental assistance, hearing assistance and financial aid for prescriptions. Seniors may benefit from health and wellness classes, such as tai chi, A Matter of Balance and the Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop.

Medicare beneficiaries can receive free health insurance advice from the in-house Texas Health Information Counseling and Advocacy Program. This program can guide you through the complexities of the Medicare system and help you make informed decisions about your coverage. You can speak to a certified counselor about topics related to Medicare parts A to D, Medicare supplements and health care enrollment.

Who Is Eligible?

The Houston-Gavelston Area Agency on Aging provides services to older adults in 12 counties, including Montgomery.

How to Get Started

To learn more about the supportive services that are available locally, you can contact the Area Agency on Aging at (800) 437-7396.

Interfaith of The Woodlands Senior Services

What You Should Know

Interfaith has been providing social services to people in The Woodlands since 1973. The nonprofit’s senior services department has a range of helpful programs for local older adults. You may benefit from a full assessment of your needs followed by referrals to local services, if applicable. The agency’s free senior transportation service ensures that you can run errands and attend your medical appointments on time. For homebound seniors, Interfaith has a grocery delivery service. Community volunteers may help you with home renovation work.

As a community-centered organization, Interfaith operates a senior center where you can socialize with other older adults while enjoying fun events. You can also sign up for day trips to local attractions.

Who Is Eligible?

Interfaith of the Woodlands Senior Services serves Woodlands residents aged 60+.

How to Get Started

Senior residents in The Woodlands can get in touch with this nonprofit and learn more about its services by dialing (281) 367-1230.

Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Program and Weatherization Upgrades

What You Should Know

For low-income seniors, this program offers low-cost home repairs and weatherization services. Repairs, such as window replacements, roofing and plumbing, are handled by both licensed professionals and Habitat volunteers. The price you pay is based on your household income, and the nonprofit allows you to set up an affordable payment plan.

Weatherization upgrades can make your home more efficient and lower the price of your utility bills. Repair services may include wall insulation, weatherstripping and the replacement of appliances, such as your A/C unit.

Who Is Eligible?

This program is open to Montgomery County homeowners who live primarily in the house needing repair work. To be eligible for assistance, seniors should be up-to-date with payments on their mortgage, HOA dues and property taxes. This program is open to residents whose total household income isn’t higher than 60% of the county’s median.

How to Get Started

You can check to see if you’re eligible and apply for this program by calling (936) 441-4663, ext. 211, or via email at [email protected].

Meals on Wheels Montgomery County

What You Should Know

Meals on Wheels helps homebound older adults continue to live at home while not missing out on the nutrition they need. Volunteers can deliver fresh lunches to your door every weekday. There are plenty of meal options to ensure that seniors enjoy variety in their diet. The nonprofit provides supplemental meals, such as breakfast bags, frozen food and pet food. Meals on Wheels also has a low-cost curb-to-curb transportation program.

Who Is Eligible? 

To be eligible for Meals on Wheels, you need to be aged 60+ and unable to leave your home without assistance. This program serves older Montgomery County residents.

How to Get Started

Seniors and their family members can get in touch with Meals on Wheels by calling (936) 756-5828.

The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program

What You Should Know

This is a utility assistance program for low-income Texans. Seniors can apply for financial aid that may cover six to eight of their highest annual utility bills. You may be eligible for help with the cost of your propane, natural gas and electric bills.

Who Is Eligible?

CEAP is open to Texas residents who meet the state’s total household income cap. If you’re already receiving other benefits, such as SSI, you should automatically be eligible for energy assistance.

How to Get Started

Call your local Utility Assistance Office at (936) 856-7036 or toll-free at (855) 856-3980 for more details on the program and to check your eligibility.