I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Rockville, MD
Rockville is part of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and the seat of Montgomery County. It’s home to around 68,000 people, and 16% of the population is aged 65 and over. Seniors in the area have access to world-class medical facilities, such as Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital, and healthcare costs in the city are lower than the national average. Rockville is known as a retail hub, so you won’t need to leave the city limits for great shopping and dining opportunities.
Rockville is ideal for anyone seeking an active retirement. You can enjoy the fresh air at Rock Creek Regional Park or play a round of golf at one of the area’s courses. History buffs may also appreciate living in one of the state’s oldest communities, surrounded by historic buildings and districts, such as Beall-Dawson House. Montgomery County is a member of the AARP, which means it’s actively working to become an age-friendly community and offer you a comfortable place to retire and receive home care.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Rockville, MD
According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of home care in Rockville is $4,601 per month. The cost of home health care is slightly higher at $4,767 per month, which reflects the skilled nursing and medical services it can provide.
When Genworth calculates its average cost of home care and home health care, it assumes that 44 hours of care is provided per week. This means the actual cost may be lower or higher depending on the amount of care you need. The average hourly cost of home care in Rockville is $24.13, while home health care’s hourly rate averages $25, which may help with your budget planning.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
When compared to nearby cities, Rockville’s home care costs are among the most affordable. Hagerstown has lower prices, with a cost of $4,576 for both home care and home health care. This means seniors in Rockville pay $31 more for home care and $191 more for home health care. In Cumberland, the price is $4,767 for both types of care, while Baltimore has the highest costs among the closest cities. Seniors there pay $4,671 for home care and $4,957 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care is among the more affordable options in Rockville when compared to other types of care. Adult day care is the least expensive, with an average cost of $1,744 per month. At the other end of the scale is nursing home care, which costs $11,726 for a semiprivate room. Assisted living in Rockville is also more expensive than home care, at a cost of $6,000 per month.
III. How to Find Home Care in Rockville, MD
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 Rockville, MD.
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 Rockville, MD
Rockville Senior Center
What You Should Know
Rockville Senior Center is a large facility that has a wide range of services and amenities available to older adults within the community. Seniors can access educational classes and workshops, arts programs, sports leagues and fitness and wellness programs. In addition, the center is the point of contact for support programs including counseling, financial assistance and snow shoveling. Lunches are available daily in the cafeteria and other amenities include community garden plots and a fitness room. The center runs positive aging programs that help seniors with specific needs. Ongoing programs including women living alone, brain games and fostering relationships.
Who Is Eligible?
The Rockville Senior Center is open to both residents and nonresidents aged 60 and over. A small fee is required for some services.
How to Get Started
Those interested can register with the Senior Center online, contact the center at (240) 314-8800 or email [email protected] for more information.
Montgomery County Aging and Disability Resource Unit
What You Should Know
The Montgomery County Aging and Disability Resource Unit (ADRU) provides information and assistance to older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. The service helps connect people with local resources, identifies benefits that callers may be eligible for, provides eligibility screening and can help people complete applications. The ADRU is also responsible for providing seniors with a File of Life. This free resource compiles important information such as allergies, medical conditions and emergency contact information and stores it in a magnetic file that attaches to your refrigerator. This is recognized by emergency services in the county and can help emergency medical personnel provide quick treatment.
Who Is Eligible?
Aging and Disability Resource Unit staff are available to speak to all residents of Montgomery County.
How to Get Started
Seniors can call (240) 777-3000 to speak to a staff member. The unit is open on weekdays, with staff available until 7.30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Connect-A-Ride Transportation Resource Center
What You Should Know
The Connect-A-Ride Transportation Resource Center provides assistance to seniors and disabled adults to help them find transportation. It’s staffed by certified information and mobility specialists who take into account your individual needs and provide information about schedules, benefits and eligibility. The center also hosts Ride Smart workshops to help seniors use and navigate public transportation in the Washington, D.C. area and provides escorted transportation to low-income people who are unable to travel alone due to physical, cognitive or emotional impairments.
Who Is Eligible?
Connect-A-Ride is a free service available to seniors and disabled adults in a number of counties and cities close to Washington, D.C., including Montgomery County.
How to Get Started
Seniors can contact Connect-A-Ride at (301) 738-3252 or (703) 323-6494 for transportation assistance.
In Home Aide Services (IHAS)
What You Should Know
In Home Aide Services (IHAS) is a state program administered at the county level. It’s designed to help seniors and adults with disabilities remain living safely in their homes or the community. Aides can help you with activities and instrumental activities of daily living. This includes personal care, such as bathing, dressing and eating, as well as homemaker services such as cooking, laundry and errands. The number of hours of help provided is based on your level of need and determined with the help of a caseworker. The program also provides case management and self-care training. Waiting lists may exist, and enrollment in the program is based on priority of need, rather than the order the applications are received.
Who Is Eligible?
IHAS is available to residents aged 18 and over who have a disability that means they need assistance to remain at home. There are no financial eligibility requirements, but your finances are considered when determining your priority level and the potential cost of services, which are based on a sliding fee scale.
How to Get Started
Interested seniors can contact ADRU at (240) 777-3000 to apply for services.
Accessible Homes for Seniors
What You Should Know
Accessible Homes for Seniors is a statewide program that helps seniors modify their homes to improve accessibility. The program provides interest-free deferred loans for a term of 30 years to help finance these improvements. These loans must be repaid when the home is sold, transferred or refinanced. Grants of up to $25,000 are also available if you don’t qualify for a loan. Any improvements that make the house more accessible or functional are eligible for the program, including installing grab bars or ramps, or widening doorways. Home additions that accommodate a first floor bathroom or laundry may also be considered.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is available to households that have at least one resident aged 55 or older and meet the income requirements. The property must not have outstanding liens, an open bankruptcy or foreclosure and be structurally sound. Usually, the house being modified must be owned and occupied by the senior applying to the program. Seniors living with relatives may be eligible, but this is decided on a case-by-case basis.
How to Get Started
You can apply through the local Maryland Access Point by calling (240) 777-3000. More information can be found by calling the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development at (800) 638-7781.