Local News
Home health care in Boone costs well below national, state averages
Home health aide costs are a bargain in Boone County.
A survey done for the MetLife Mature Market Institute found the per hour cost of a home health aide ranged from a low of $13 in Shreveport, La., to $30 in Rochester, Minn.
The $5 flat fee charged by Boone County Senior Services is cheap in comparison.
“That’s why,” BCSSI Executive Director Sue Ritz said, “we’re going to change.”
On Jan. 1, the agency will shift to a sliding fee, based on a person’s income, Ritz said. For a single person, earning less than the federal poverty level baseline of $10,830 a year, the fee will not change, she said.
A health aide’s visit here “is however long it takes to complete the necessary aid,” Ritz said. Health aides perform basic personal care such as bathing, measuring blood pressure and testing blood sugar levels.
The agency charges $10 for a once-per-month visit by a nurse, Ritz said.
The MetLife study assessed the cost of semi-private and private rooms in nursing homes, assisted living community costs, home care services and adult day care services between 2008 and this year.
Increases were found in every category, the MLMMI found.
Nationwide, the average annual cost for a private room in a long-term care nursing home was nearly $80,000, or $219 per day.
A private room’s cost at an Indianapolis-area facility ranged from $130 to $310 per day, or $47,450 to $113,150 per year.
Across the state, the average price ranged from $155 to $260 per day, the MLMMI said.
Hoosiers paid an average of $22 per hour for home health aid service, with a statewide range of $16 to $40.
Monthly assisted living costs were highest in Wilmington, Del., the MetLife study determined. There, it cost an average of $5,219. North Dakota residents averaged a nation-lowest $2,041 per month.
Indiana residents paid from $1,500 to $6,240 per month for assisted living quarters; Indianapolis-area costs were $2,075 to $3,480 per month.
An assisted living facility provides housing, meals, laundry, personal care and other services for not less than 24 hours a week, according to www.senior-assisted-living.net.
Nursing home residents require around-the-clock skilled care for nearly all daily activities.
In Lebanon, assisted living and nursing home care are available at Hickory Creek at Lebanon, Parkwood Health Care Center, Essex Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Homewood Health Campus.
More information about nursing homes and other health care options for seniors is available from the Indiana State Department of Health at www.in.gov/isdh.
- Local News
-
-
Battery reported by woman
A woman reported that her estranged husband had hit her over the head with his hand, which had a ring on it, in the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 31.
-
United Way sets new records
The United Way of Central Indiana in Boone County is raising the bar this year with several record highs.
-
Shine on
The event raised more than $10,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association. To donate, visit http://memorywalk10.kintera.org/indianapolis/lacyslightsamy, go to Akard True Value Hardware,
75 Boone Village Shopping Center or mail to Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter,
50 E. 91st St. Indianapolis , IN 46240. Put “Lacy's Lights” or Z’Sparkle Party and Drag Race” for the donation to count towards the event.
-
PAC says yes to referendum
A group of local residents have joined forces to create a political action committee to help pass Zionsville Community Schools’ operating budget referendum.
-
Logo trickles into Zionsville
Zionsville’s rebranding effort is on the move. The logo, which is now complete, is starting to pop up around town.
-
Budget hammered out as public hearing nears
As the Zionsville Town Council’s budget public hearing, set for Tuesday, Sept. 7 nears, members tried to get budget questions answered and issues resolved at its agenda setting meeting Monday, Aug. 30.
-
Zville man found guilty of selling cocaine
Frank Bearquiver, 32, may have exchanged $80 for decades in prison.
- Community calendar for Sept. 1
-
Group in infancy stages of aiding Main Street
An informal group is now starting to discuss aiding Zionsville’s Main Street businesses.
-
New station allows quick arrival to working fire
Fire crews were on the scene of a rural mobile home fire within four minutes of the alarm.
Zionsville fire Chief Jamie VanGorder said the firefighter’s response time was a critical factor in saving a significant portion of the home.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Battery reported by woman
