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It is clearly understood that most of us hope to live out our days in our long-time home. More and more often, however, it takes at least part-time support of family caregivers, especially as the dynamics change from a household of two to living alone. At some point, full-time care becomes an essential need and the family caregiver can become overwhelmed and exhausted, miss important health visits, or impact family dynamics. Being willing to allow either part- or full-time care services to come into the home, or trying respite, adult day, or adult night care may allow you to stay in your long-time home for more months or years. Finally, moving to a facility may be the best next step for everyone involved. The challenge is covering the cost for care. In this case, it is never too early to prepare; it is key. Covering Costs for In-Home Health and Personal Care %u2013 This type of care can be very valuable for both the care receiver as well as the care provider and considered money well spent. It can be very affordable, depending on the hours and services needed. In the state of Michigan, the average hourly cost is $34/hour for a home health aide who provides medical services and $33 an hour for homemaker services (the non-medical side of taking care of someone), according to Genworth and Carescout%u2019s 2024 Cost of Care Survey. That number varies based on location and services. While a private hire is often less of a cost, the advantages of hiring a home health care agency comes with comprehensive management, professional oversight, and reliable backup care.Generally, in-home care is privatepay made possible by pooling attained resources, but may also be covered by insurance or other programs. Keep in mind that in-home care may also be tax deductible for your loved one. The monthly in-home average cost in Michigan is $5,529 for professional care each week, which can be expensive for a family but manageable with support. As a higher commitment of time and service are needed, in-home care can reach over $12,000 per month. At that point an HFA, assisted living, or skilled nursing facility might be a better option for physical, mental, and financial health and aroundthe-clock care or supervision. See the list of in-home care providers on page 17.You might also consider a combination of professional in-home care along with support from other community services for other activities of daily living such as county millages, insurances, and employer programs. Furthermore, many local grocery stores offer deliveries for needed supplies. Your church may offer volunteer support to allow you to take a break. Consider paying a teen neighbor to mow the lawn or do house cleaning so you can spend your time with your loved one. Extended family may be able to help. Supplemental Security Income %u2013 The Social Security Administration runs an income supplement program for lowincome blind, aged, and disabled people. This program is called Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you qualify for SSI, you are paid a monthly check to bring your total income up to the SSI limit. Aging adults can use Social Security, SSI, and SSDI benefits to help cover in-home care costs. However, Social Security amounts likely won%u2019t cover the full cost of those services. You apply for SSI online at ssa.gov/apply/ssi. Additional information can be obtained from the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. If you qualify for SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid. Veterans Administration %u2013 The Veterans Administration provides pension benefits to Veterans, their spouses, and widows or widowers with limited incomes. If you%u2019re a wartime Veteran and you%u2019re at least 65 years old, or if you have a permanent and total disability, you may be eligible. Your income and net worth need to be within certain limits. Information can be obtained by calling the Veterans Administration at 1-800-827-1000. or your local regional benefit office or visit va.gov/pension/eligibility.Aid and Attendance (A&A) is a special pension offered by the VA, which provides benefits for Veterans and their spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in their activities Long-Term-CarePrepare toCover Your CostsSENIOR HOUSING DIRECTORY | 202630