I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Vero Beach, FL
Vero Beach is a beautiful city on Florida’s Atlantic Coast that’s known for its peaceful beaches, cultural attractions and historic downtown. While its amenities make it a popular destination for vacationers, it has over 16,000 residents and a large senior community that makes up nearly 30% of the population. The most recent FBI data shows that violent and property crime rates in this city fall below state and national norms, providing peace of mind to those who live alone. The area’s low cost of living combined with Florida’s lack of state income tax makes it an affordable option for many retirees.
Health care is affordable and accessible to Vero Beach residents. The costs for many services, such as hospital stays and dental care, come in lower than national norms. There are 234 doctors per capita, about 10% more than the nationwide average, and the city is home to Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. These features may make Vero Beach a good option for home care for those with current or anticipated health needs.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Vero Beach, FL
The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey shows that home care agencies in Vero Beach charge $5,100 per month for nonmedical services. Depending on your needs, this may include companionship, transportation, meal preparation and help with personal grooming. The monthly rate for home health care is the same although it includes specialized services, such as medication administration and disease management.
The average monthly cost for home care is based on an hourly rate of $26.75, assuming 44 hours of weekly care. This breaks down to a little less than nine hours of care per weekday. You may be able to reduce monthly care costs if you qualify for affordable services through local nonprofit organizations, such as your Area Agency on Aging.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care costs in Vero Beach are relatively high at $5,100 monthly. By comparison, agencies statewide charge $4,767 for services. Nationally, home care rates are slightly lower than in Vero Beach at $4,957, but home health care is comparably priced at $5,148. In Palm Bay, fees are $300 less than in Vero Beach at $4,767, and in Port St. Lucie, residents pay $4,671 for home care and $4,767 for home health care. In Deltona, both types of care average $4,576.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In Vero Beach, home care and home health care costs are among the costliest long-term care options at $5,100 monthly. Only nursing home care, which includes medical services and monitoring in an institutional setting, is more expensive with rates starting at $8,334. Assisted living is considerably cheaper than home care at $3,350, and seniors who live at home and opt for adult day care pay $1,300 for monthly services.
III. How to Find Home Care in Vero Beach, FL
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 Vero Beach, FL.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Vero Beach, FL
Senior Resource Association
What You Should Know
The Senior Resource Association administers a range of programs and services to help you live safely at home. It operates the region’s Meals on Wheels program, which provides home-delivered meals to qualified individuals, and it provides information on local public transportation options. It has respite services for those who rely primarily on family caregivers, and it operates the Emergency Home Energy Assistance program to help you handle high energy bills.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for services through the Senior Resource Association, you must be at least 60 years old and live within the agency’s service area. Some services have additional eligibility requirements related to financial resources and functional limitations.
How to Get Started
You can learn more about these services by calling the agency at (772) 569-0760. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also submit questions by emailing [email protected].
Senior Collaborative of Indian River County
What You Should Know
Senior Collaborative is a regional nonprofit organization that connects you with opportunities, services and resources in the community to help you age in place. Through the organization, you can connect with health and medical services, nutrition services, affordable housing and age-friendly social and recreational opportunities to help you avoid loneliness and boredom. The organization also provides referrals for volunteer-based transportation services and promotes financial security through counseling and assistance programs.
Who Is Eligible?
Assistance through this organization is available to everyone aged 60 and over who lives within Indian River County. There may be additional eligibility requirements for those seeking affordable housing, nutrition services or financial assistance.
How to Get Started
You can get started by contacting the main office at (772) 469-2270. You can also request more information on available services through the online contact form.
Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast Inc.
What You Should Know
The Area Agency on Aging for the Vero Beach region operates a free helpline and provides a broad range of services to help older adults maintain their independence and safety at home. It contracts with local providers to offer affordable in-home services, such as companionship, escorts for medical appointments, medication management and housekeeping services. It provides home-delivered and congregate meal services as well as specialized medical equipment, and it has evidence-based programming, such as Matter of Balance, to help you maintain optimal functioning. It also distributes subsidies that can be used toward home care expenses through the Home Care for the Elderly program.
Who Is Eligible?
Everyone aged 60 and over can get information regarding community-based services through their AAA. Certain programs the agency provides, such as home-delivered meals, in-home care and housing improvement services, may have additional requirements related to functional or financial needs.
How to Get Started
You can learn more about these services by calling the AAA Helpline at (866) 684-5885 or the local office at (561) 684-5885. The office is open on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can also reach the agency through its online contact form.
2-1-1 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast
What You Should Know
2-1-1 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast is a free information and referral service for those in Vero Beach and neighboring areas. It can help you connect with a range of senior services in the region, including a free telephone reassurance program and Elder Crisis Outreach services. Advisers can refer you to community-based services and programs, including veterans’ assistance, prescription drug assistance, transportation and congregate meals. It also has a caregiver program for those providing unpaid care to older family members. This program provides crisis counseling, needs assessments and referrals for services in the community.
Who Is Eligible?
All Vero Beach residents can get information and assistance through 2-1-1 regardless of their age and income.
How to Get Started
To speak with a specialist, you can dial 2-1-1, (561) 383-1112 or the toll-free line at (866) 882-2991 during normal business hours. You can reach out to the agency on the web through the Chat Online tool, which is available daily between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., or you can text your zip code anytime to 898211. You can also email the agency at [email protected].
Indian River County Human Services Department
What You Should Know
The Human Services Department provides services and assistance to qualified individuals in Vero Beach and the rest of Indian River County. Through the county, you can obtain supplemental food through the on-site food pantry and access prescription vouchers that may make necessary medications more affordable. The department provides rental and utility assistance programs to those with limited incomes, and it provides information and referrals for services in the community to help you find solutions for other needs.
Who Is Eligible?
Supports through the Human Services Department are available to those living in Indian River County, including residents of Vero Beach. Some services may be limited to those who meet financial or functional requirements.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the programs and services available through the county, you can call the Human Services Office at (772) 226-1423. You can also print and fill out the Indian River County Human Services Application for Services and submit it to the local office, which is located at 1900 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.