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Does Iowa Pay For In-Home Care?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Iowa does pay for in-home care in some circumstances. Iowa seniors may be eligible to receive help with the cost of in-home care through the Iowa Medicare program, and additional support is available for low-income seniors via Medicaid waivers. These programs offer support for seniors who require help with the activities of daily living.
In-home care in Iowa typically costs around $5,529 per month, compared to a national average of $4,957. This covers the cost of a caregiver who visits the senior in their home to provide help with housekeeping and other day-to-day tasks, as well as personal care. Home health care services are also available from approved providers. However, the average fees for these services are slightly higher due to additional training required to provide health care.
Iowa Medicare Covers a Variety of Services
Homebound seniors can access a variety of in-home care services in Iowa, depending on their needs. Medicare can cover the cost of visiting nurses, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapists for those who need them. Seniors also have the option of attending sessions at day centers. They can find out about local senior center options and transport services to help them attend those centers via the free 2-1-1 Iowa service.
Seniors May Also Qualify for Help With Home Modifications
Homebound seniors may be eligible to receive help with the cost of home modifications to make it easier for them to remain in their homes. This could range from adding a ramp or stair lift to making home improvements to help reduce energy bills. The Iowa Department on Aging provides information about the home modification programs available in the state.