I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Toledo, OH
With an extremely low cost of living and many health care options, Toledo has a lot to offer seniors. Of the more than 270,000 people who call Toledo home, approximately 14% are seniors who are age 65 or above.
One of the reasons so many seniors live in Toledo could be the low cost of living. Compared to the United States as a whole, overall living costs in Toledo are almost 30% cheaper. One major factor in this is the cost of housing, which is 70% cheaper in Toledo than the rest of the country as a whole, but you can also save significant money on everything from groceries and transportation to health care costs. These savings can give you more room in your budget every month — a real benefit if you’re living on a fixed income.
Health care is another big check in the pros column for Toledo. The city has 295 doctors per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the U.S. average of 210 doctors per 100,000 people. Area residents have access to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, ProMedica Toledo Hospital and University of Toledo Medical Center, among others.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Toledo, OH
In Toledo, the average cost of home health services and homemaker services are the same, coming in at $4,553 according to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey. However, home health care costs can and do vary depending on where you’re located within the city and what services you’re looking for.
To get these numbers, Genworth assumes that you’ll need 44 hours of care per week. This means if your needs require more or less care, the price will adjust accordingly. If you break this cost down per hour, home health care in Toledo costs $23.88 on average.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
The cost of home care and home health care in Toledo is on par with the state and national averages and is comparable to several nearby cities. Care in this city is less than $100 cheaper than the Ohio and U.S. averages. Cleveland has slightly less expensive rates, coming in at $4,362 for homemaker services and $4,410 for home health care, respectively. Mansfield is also cheaper at just $4,004 for both types of services. Care in Lima, at $4,576, is just $23 more expensive than the same home care options in Toledo.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In Toledo, the cost of home care is relatively the same as assisted living options, with assisted living costing around $200 more per month on average. Nursing home care is much more expensive, however. Toledo residents can expect to pay an average of $7,604 per month for a semiprivate room at a nursing home. A private room can cost even more, at $8,456.
III. How to Find Home Care in Toledo, OH
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 Toledo, OH.
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 Toledo, OH
Area Office on Aging of NWO – Home Repair Program
What You Should Know
The Home Repair Program run by the local Area Office on Aging can help provide seniors with home repair services. This can include safety issues and modifications needed for the person to be able to stay in their home independently.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors must be 60 years of age or older, and they must own and currently occupy the home that is going to be repaired. All property taxes must also be current or be subject to a payment plan. Applicants must be on a fixed income and can only receive home repair services once every five years.
How to Get Started
To apply for this program, you will need to call and request an application at (419) 382-0624. When you submit the application, you will need to self-declare your age, provide proof of homeownership and proof that the property taxes are current.
Ohio Home Weatherization Assistance Program
What You Should Know
The Home Weatherization Assistance Program is a way for Ohio seniors to get help making their homes more energy-efficient and better able to withstand the Ohio weather. Services include adding insulation throughout the home, performing repairs or replacements on heating systems, checking for and repairing air leaks, testing and inspection of systems and educating homeowners on how they can reduce energy use. All services are provided based on needs identified in an on-site energy audit.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors over the age of 60 are eligible to participate in this program, as are households with at least one member with a disability or a child and low-income families. If you are currently receiving SSI income, you are automatically eligible.
How to Get Started
To apply for this program, you can download the application online. Or you can call (800) 282-0880 to ask for an application to be sent to you.
Homestead Exemption Program
What You Should Know
The Homestead Exemption Program is a way for Toledo seniors to save some money on their property taxes. If granted, the exemption lets you set aside up to $25,000 of the value of your home before it’s assessed for property taxes. So, if your home is worth $150,000, you would only be taxed as if the value was $125,000.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the Homestead Exemption Program, you need to be 65 or older or considered “totally and permanently” disabled. You must also be the owner of the house or currently have an ownership interest in it, and you have to actually be living at the home. Applicants must also have a family household income of less than $34,200, not including any Social Security income. Veterans may also qualify.
How to Get Started
To apply for the Homestead Exemption Program, you will need to request an application from the County Auditor. You can call (419) 2130-4406. Applications are available starting in January and must be submitted by the first Monday in June.
Pathway Senior Brokering Program
What You Should Know
The Senior Brokering Program is designed to help seniors in Lucas County live in their own homes as long as possible and as independently as possible. Program offerings include in-home visits, assistance with nutrition services and some medical care. Workers can also help seniors understand and fill out forms and paperwork for Medicaid, Medicare and other resources.
Who Is Eligible?
To participate in the Senior Brokering Program, you must be at least 60 years old or be disabled. You must also reside in Lucas County.
To be eligible you must be 60 years of age or more, or disabled. Contact us and a Program Representative will be happy to assist you.
How to Get Started
To find out more about the Senior Brokering Program and what services it offers, you can visit the website or call (419) 242-7304 to talk to a representative.
Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
What You Should Know
If you’re having trouble paying your utility bills, the Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program may be able to help. This is a federally funded program that is dependent on income level. If approved, you will receive a one-time payment toward your utility bill or a bulk fuel bill.
Who Is Eligible?
Because HEAP is an income-based program, the only requirement is that your household income be less than 175% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. This amount varies by the number of people in your household, but for one person, it’s less than $22,540. For two, it’s $30,485.
How to Get Started
To apply for HEAP, you can apply online through the website, set up an in-person appointment through your utility company or send a paper application to:
Energy Assistance Programs
P.O. Box 1240
Columbus, Ohio 43216