Skip to main content

FAQs about Senior Care Costs

FAQs about Senior Care Costs in Delaware County | Neighborly Home CareFor anyone considering senior care in Pennsylvania or Delaware, one of the biggest concerns is the possible cost of care. At Neighborly Home Care, we are here to help. Below we answer some of the common most common FAQs about senior care costs that we hear.

What Are the Different Payment Options for Senior Care?

Care agencies will have multiple options for you to pay for care. A few examples of the various payment options that Neighborly Home Care accepts include the following:

  • Self-Pay
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Waiver Programs

If you want more information on these payment options and how our agency will help you with these options, click here.

What is the Most Expensive Form of Senior Care?

Many care services for seniors are available, from in-home care to assisted senior living to a nursing home. The cost of each type of service can vary depending on the level of care needed, the location, and other factors. In nearly all cases, nursing homes are the most expensive care service option, with average costs of at least two hundred dollars per day, and often exceeding five hundred. In Pennsylvania, costs vary across different regions within the state, but according to the Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PCHA) the median cost for a semi-private room in a nursing home in Pennsylvania is over $100,000. In Delaware, nursing home costs are also significant, with the average cost for semi-private accommodations reported to be nearly $100,000 annually according to Genworth Life Insurance Company.

Can In-Home Care Be Covered by Medicare or Other Government Programs?

Yes, but this varies substantially from state to state. Waiver programs are set up in states, including Pennsylvania and Delaware, to help pay for care services. If you qualify for the waiver program, choose a home care services company that accepts the waivers, such as Neighborly Home Care.

What Qualifications Must Be Met to Benefit From Waiver Programs?

Each waiver program may have different eligibility requirements, usually determined by factors such as the recipient’s age, income, current marital status, assets, and more. Explore your options to find the most affordable solution for your needs.

What Is the Process for Determining Eligibility for Waiver Programs in Pennsylvania?

Contact Us
Let us answer your questions or schedule an appointment with our in home care specialists
Are you a Home Care Worker?
If you have an interest in helping seniors or individuals with disabilities we may have the career for you
Free Dementia FAQs eBook
Our dementia eBook answers some of the frequently asked questions about dementia and dementia care

The families we serve keep saying great things.

I just wanted to tell you how grateful we are that Neighborly Home Care stepped in & took over taking care of my Dad when we really needed it, no questions asked. Our caregiver has become part of the family and we know we can depend on her being there every day & taking great care of my Dad. He misses her when she’s not there!

— Daughter of an NHC Client

Both financial and care-based criteria determine eligibility for waiver programs in Pennsylvania. An independent assessment agency will review the applicant’s resources, income, and care needs and designate a specific care level. This level will determine the services and funding for which the individual might be eligible.

Please get in touch with Neighborly Home Care anytime for further information regarding our services and options.

Can A Disabled Parent Be Considered a Dependent by Their Children for Tax Purposes?

In general, claiming a disabled parent as a dependent for tax purposes is possible if they meet certain criteria set by the IRS. The IRS specifies two types of dependents: a qualifying child and a qualifying relative. A disabled parent could potentially be considered a “qualifying relative” if they meet specific requirements. However, according to law firm Barley Snyder, many states, including Pennsylvania and Delaware, have laws on the books called “filial responsibility laws,” which can potentially cause children claiming parents as dependents to become responsible for some of those parent(s)’ debts. The application of these laws can vary widely based on specific circumstances.

Please note, we are giving NO tax advice-you should consult with a tax professional or legal advisor to understand how these laws might affect your specific situation, especially if you’re considering claiming a disabled parent as a dependent.

Can I Be Forced to Pay for My Parents’ Care?

In Pennsylvania, under some circumstances a person could be legally obligated to pay for parents’ care due to the state’s filial responsibility law. We advise caution when dealing with paperwork related to your parent’s care, and given the complexity and potential for significant financial implications, consulting with an elder care attorney if you are facing such a situation would be advisable to understand your rights and obligations fully. Generally, facilities that accept Medicare or Medicaid cannot compel a third party to pay for a resident’s costs under federal regulations. Should a care facility attempt to force financial responsibility on you, again, consider seeking advice from an elder care attorney.

Please get in touch with Neighborly Home Care today for further information regarding services and options.

What Specific Services Does Neighborly Home Care Offer for Seniors?

At Neighborly Home Care, we offer a broad spectrum of services focused on enhancing the quality of life and maintaining the dignity of our senior clients. These services include:

  • Personal Care
  • Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (meal preparation, hygiene, medication reminders, and more)
  • Disability Care
  • Companionship
  • Transportation & Errands
  • Respite Care

Each plan we offer is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual client, and our team is trained to adjust care plans as needs evolve.

Call Neighborly Home Care for Compassionate Care in Delaware and Pennsylvania

Neighborly Home Care is one of the most-trusted senior care providers in Pennsylvania and Delaware, focusing on giving seniors the most possible autonomy in a familiar environment while still providing for their needs. The professional caregivers of Neighborly Home are backed by a staff that is carefully chosen for excellence in care.

Neighborly Home Care utilizes customized approaches to ensure the best possible care for each senior. Contact us today for more answers to FAQs about Senior Care Costs or to schedule a consultation at 610-658-5822.