Home Care in White Plains, NY

Known as the Birthplace of New York this city of just over 58,000 people has a large number of people aged 65 and older (17.4%). Although the cost of living is high (with the national average at 100, White Plains comes in at 162) the availability of inexpensive public transport and rail and its nearness to the many, many attractions of New York City make it an ideal place for seniors to settle.

The most pleasant months in White Plains are June, July, August and September with pleasant temperatures in the mid to low 80s. Winter can be cold and snowy, but there are several senior centers in the community if you want to get out. Westchester County is also home to several fabulous parks including the Blue Mountain Reservation, the Colonial Greenway and Croton Point Park on the Hudson. White Plains is a wonderful place for seniors who want to age in place but enjoy getting out into the community and beyond.

Average costs for home care and home health care services in White Plains are each $4,957 a month, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Study 2020. Although the overall costs are similar, you may need to pay more for home health care depending upon the location and the medical services being offered.

Genworth uses a figure of 44 hours a week to calculate the average cost of home care. Your costs may change depending upon how many hours a week or a month you require care. Genworth estimates the average cost of home care and home health care in White Plains to be $26 an hour.

Note: Data for White Plains was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, New York, was used instead.

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

Compared to White Plains, the state average for home care is lower ($4,814), while home health care is identical ($4,957). National averages are both significantly lower at $4,481 for home care and $4,576 for home health care, respectively. Poughkeepsie is also identical to White Plains, while Kingston is significantly lower at $4,385 for both. Moving further north, Albany runs significantly higher than both White Plains and the state average at $5,148 and $5,196 for home care and home health care, respectively.

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.

Office for the Aging, New York State: Food and Meals Program

What You Should Know
This program is aimed at seniors who may need help with meals because they have been recently discharged from the hospital or they can no longer prepare meals for themselves. This program delivers healthy meals to seniors up to five days a week.

Recipients can also receive up-to-date information about good eating habits and overall wellness. There is no cost for service, but participants are encouraged to donate if possible.

Who Is Eligible?
All residents of White Plains 60 years of age or older are eligible. You must also complete an interview that demonstrates you’re not able to prepare meals for yourselves and that you don’t have any assistance. This is not an income-based program. Spouses may also receive meals even if they are younger than 50, as can a younger person with a disability.

How to Get Started
Contact your local Office for the Aging or NY Connects. The local Office for Aging for White Plains is the Winchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services. Call (914) 813-6400 or visit the department’s offices at 9 South First Ave., 10th floor, Mount Vernon, NY.

Winchester County Social Services/Medical and Home Care Services

What You Should Know
There is a wide range of home care and medical programs that fall under the purview of the Department of Social Services. The department does need assessments, determines eligibility and authorizes Medicare recipients who are eligible for these programs.

These services are designed to help assist a senior in their residence. The services are ordered by a physician and supervised by a nurse. Programs include Personal Care Services, the Consumer Directed Personal Care Assistance Program (CDPAP) and the Managed Care Long-Term Program (MCLTP).

Who Is Eligible?
The Office of Medical Home Care Services determines eligibility for all homecare programs.

How to Get Started
Call the office at (914) 995-6431 or visit their offices which are located at 112 E. Post Rd., Fourth and Fifth Floors, White Plains, NY

The Center for Aging in Place

What You Should Know
Aging in Place communities are nonprofit membership organizations with the goal of aiding community members who wish to age at home. Also known as Villages, the Aging in Place White Plains (AIPWP) group offers numerous services that promote independence and healthy living designed to minimize isolation and encourage connections among seniors. Volunteers also help with transportation and grocery shopping when necessary. Annual membership in the White Plains organization is $100 per individual and $150 per household, although membership fees can be reduced for those experiencing economic hardship.

Who Is Eligible?
Any senior 60 years of age or older and who lives within the boundaries of the AIPWP.

How to Get Started
Call their offices at (914) 319-1609 or email [email protected]. The organization’s website contains a membership application form and a membership agreement.

Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services

What I Should Know
This is the main nerve center for all senior programs operated by the Westchester County government for seniors in the area. Programs include several senior centers in the area, information on livable communities and information on financial assistance and programs that are available to help seniors and community.

The department also acts as the local Area Agency on Aging, providing information on energy assistance and the weatherization of houses, transportation for seniors who can’t get around on their own, regular sessions on how to apply for Medicare or Medicare Advantage and caregiving.

Who Is Eligible?
While many of the department’s specific programs have their own eligibility requirements, most programs are open to people 60 years and above who want to apply. Many of the programs are freely available to seniors in the area. Check with the department on the eligibility requirements.

How to Get Started
The Westchester County government offices are located at 148 Martine Ave., White Plains, NY. You can also call (914) 995-2000 and ask for the Department of Senior Programs and Services.

Expanded In-Home Services

What You Need to Know
The Expanded In-Home Services Program (EISIP) is operated by the New York State Department of Health. It assists seniors with non-medical activities of daily living (ADL), like bathing, going to the toilet, dressing, eating, cooking, laundry, shopping and housekeeping, who have no family or friends to help. Every client accepted for service is required to pay according to his or her ability for any service,

Charges range from no fees to full cost, depending upon the individual’s income. All visits to a senior’s home when a plan is developed are free of charge. There is also no fee involved in finding an agency to provide services.

Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 60 and older who need help with the activities of daily living and are not eligible for Medicaid can apply for the program. Although the program does receive state and local support, recipients need to share the cost according to their income and the cost of the service.

How to Get Started
If you require further information on EISIP or if you would like to make a referral for a senior that you know, contact the Case Management Unit of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services at (914) 813-6442.