Do you need some help around the house?- Senior Resource Connect

Do you need some help around the house?

September 18, 2024

According to a report from AARP, most older adults (71%) want to age in place in their own homes. Unfortunately, as we age it can become more difficult to keep up with basic home maintenance and upkeep. We’ve covered home repair programs on the blog in the past, but today we’re going to focus on a huge need in the county: regular assistance with chores.

Community Resources

CSSW Home Maintenance and Safety Services (734) 971-9781, Ext. 8
- Can assist with basic household repairs & routine maintenance, as well as some outdoor chores.
- Please note that there are waitlists, and we are not able to provide recurring chore services.

Easter Seals/MORC (248) 475-6300
- Serves Washtenaw County
- Must be eligible for the MI Choice Waiver Program.

EHM Senior Solutions’ LifeChoice Solutions program offers light housekeeping (734) 295-9292
- Please note there is a membership fee.

State Resources

Community Living Program (800) 852-7795
- AgeWays partners with vulnerable seniors and their families to help them understand their long-term care options and come up with a plan to help older adults stay living safely in the community. The program may also provide in-home services such as personal care, homemaking services, respite care and personal emergency response systems (fall buttons).
- Cost: Participants are asked to share in a portion of the cost of services, based on a sliding scale.
- Eligibility:
  - Must be over 60.
  - Must require assistance with some aspect of daily living.

MI Choice Waiver Program (800) 852-7795
- Eligible adults who meet income and asset criteria can receive Medicaid-covered services like those provided by nursing homes but can stay in their own home or another residential setting. Services include chore services and other community living supports.
- Administered through AgeWays and Easter Seals in Washtenaw County.

MDHHS Home Help Services (734) 481-2000
- This program provides funding for qualified individuals to hire someone to assist them with their daily activities (with the exception of family and MDHHS staff).
- May also receive assistance with light housekeeping.
- Intake required.
- Eligibility:
  - Must have active Medicaid.
  - Must need physical assistance to perform at least one activity of daily living to qualify.

Companion Care

Aging at home can become overwhelming and if you need assistance with chores, chances are you may need help with other facets of aging in place. Some agencies provide companion care, which is when a trained staff member provides non-medical care, engaging seniors in “social, physical or mental activities, and ‘protection,’ which means monitoring their safety inside and outside of the home.” Companions can help with activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, etc.), helping seniors run errands, playing games or socializing with them, and helping the with light housekeeping. “Light housekeeping” can include dusting, washing dishes, taking out the trash, and/or making the bed. When looking at services, you’ll want to look under companion care or non-medical care for this option. You may not be able to qualify for the program if you are only looking for chore services. Please note that these programs usually require some intake prior to receiving services.

Pros:
- Provides socialization for older adults who live alone.
- Companion services can help older adults age in place in their home.
- Helpful for older adults who don’t have family nearby to assist them. It also provides peace of mind for long distance caregivers and family members who live far from their loved ones.
- Can take stress off family so they can spend visits enjoying their loved one’s company instead of spending time cleaning and doing other small tasks.

Cons:
- There is no standardized training for companions.
- Companion care can be expensive- the average cost is around $30 per hour.
- These services aren’t usually covered by insurance and are paid for out of pocket
  - In-home care may be covered by some Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care insurance, or VA benefits.

Companion Care Agencies

(all agencies listed below are members in good standing of Washtenaw County Senior Leaders, a nonprofit networking group consisting of agencies that offer senior-related services for older adults and their families in and around Washtenaw County).

CareYaYa
- This new model partners students at the University of Michigan (some of whom are pre-health) with adults needing companionship care.
- Seniors pay the students directly, which makes this a more affordable option.
- Please note, at this time, CareYaYa caregivers cannot provide transportation.

ComForCare (734) 739-2273

Comfort Keepers (734) 234-8277

CuraVitae (800) 796-2273
- Enhanced Home Care Services include assistance with activities of daily living (showering, etc.), light housekeeping, and social support.
- In Home Concierge Coordination Services include taking notes during a doctor visit, assistance with pet chores, assistance with choosing landscaping providers, and assistance navigating long-term care insurance.