Home Care in Vermont
Vermont is a state known for its small towns and historic buildings. With beautiful lakes, breathtaking mountains and plenty of covered bridges, life in Vermont can feel like stepping back in time. For many retirees, this quaintness is appealing. Though the state is a smaller one with a population of 625,741, 20% of its residents are age 65 and older, which shows the appeal of the community.
Vermont's SeniorScore of 71 is close to the national average of 72. This score rates the city's friendliness to retirees based on Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances, and General Quality of Life. The state scored highest for Recreation & Leisure with a score of 67. The state's 70 golf courses and a fair number of municipal parks led to this rating. High property taxes, very high cost of living and high costs for senior care caused Finances to be the lowest-scoring category with a score of 58.
For seniors living in Vermont who wish to remain at home, this guide will cover the resources and options they have to pay for home care, while also providing insight into other care options and the overall costs for care in Vermont.
Top Home Care Agencies in Vermont
Rutland Area VNA & Hospice is a senior home healthcare company based in Rutland, VT at 7 Albert Cree. They provide in-home health care along with home care to senior clients. For nearly 51 years, they have been helping ...
Located in Colchester, Vermont at 1110 Prim Rd, Visiting Nurse Association is a senior home care company that offers in-home medical services and personal home care. For almost 52 years, they have been helping customers throughout the Colchester area. They ...
Located in White River Junction, VT at 205 Billings Farm Road 5, VNH for Venice & New Hampshire is an in-home care service provider that offers in-home care along with in-home medical services. They have been serving clients in the ...
Located in Barre, Vermont at 600 Granger Rd, Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice is a senior home healthcare service provider that offers in-home health care and also personal care. Since 1966, they have been providing care to customers throughout ...
Located at PO Box 1224 in Manchester Center, Vermont, Manchester Health Services, Inc. (MHS) is a senior home care provider offering personal home care services and also in-home health care. They have been providing care in Manchester Center for nearly ...
Caledonia Home Health Care is a senior home healthcare service provider located in St Johnsbury, VT at 161 Sherman Dr. They provide personal home care and in-home health care to senior clientele. For nearly 50 years, they have been ...
Located in Middlebury, VT at PO Box 754, Addison County Home Health and Hospice Inc is a senior home health care provider offering personal home care services and also home health care. They have been serving seniors in Middlebury ...
Located in Morrisville, Vermont at 54 Farr Ave, Lamoille Home Health and Hospice is a home healthcare provider that offers in-home nursing services along with personal home care services. Since 1971, they have been serving customers in the Morrisville area. ...
Located at 3 Home Health Circle Suite 1 in St Albans, VT, Franklin County Home Health Agency, Inc. is a senior in-home care provider that offers home care and in-home medical care. They have been in business in the area ...
Bennington Area VNA & Hospice is a in-home care provider located in Bennington, VT at 1128 Monument Ave. They offer in-home nursing services and also home care services for senior clients. For nearly 47 years, they have been helping ...
Orleans Essex Vna and Hospice is a senior home health care service provider based in Newport, Vermont at 46 Lakemont Rd. They provide in-home health care along with home care services to senior clients. Since 1974, they have been ...
Bayada Home Health Care is a senior home healthcare provider located in Essex Junction, VT at 80 Pearl St. They offer home health care as well as personal care services to senior clientele. For almost 13 years, they have ...
Located at PO Box 754 in Middlebury, VT, Addison County Home Health and Hospice Inc is a home healthcare service provider that offers personal care services along with home health services. For nearly 48 years, they have been helping ...
Located at 3038-3 Shelburne Rd in Shelburne, VT, Home Instead Senior Care is a senior home care company that offers personal care services and in-home health care. They offer different personal services such as assistance with toileting, spiritual companionship, help ...
The Cost of Home Care in Vermont
In the state of Vermont, seniors who need a little extra help to live safely at home pay an average of $5,196 for home care, according to the 2019 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. The cost of home health care, which includes medical intervention and support, is the same. This is higher than the national averages of $4,290 for home care and $4,385 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care in Vermont Compared to Nearby States
Vermont's cost of home care is higher than average, but it's close to the average for nearby states. Only New York, with a cost of $4,765 for home care and $4,957 for home health care, is significantly less. Massachusetts has averages of $5,186 for home care and $5,243 for home health care. New Hampshire is just a little more at $5,243 and $5,386, respectively. Maine has a cost of $5,117 for both care types.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Vermont | $5,196 | $5,196 |
The United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
New Hampshire | $5,243 | $5,386 |
New York | $4,767 | $4,957 |
Massachusetts | $5,186 | $5,243 |
Maine | $5,117 | $5,117 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Vermont
Vermont seniors have additional options for care. While home care costs an average of $5,196, adult day care is significantly less at $3,033. This care level provides access to services at a senior center during the day, while seniors live at home at night. Living in an assisted living facility costs an average of $5,338. Care in a nursing home in a semi-private room is the most costly at $10,722.
- In-Home Care: $5,196
- Home Health Care: $5,196
- Adult Day Care: $3,033
- Assisted Living Facility: $5,338
- Nursing Home Care: $10,722
The Cost of Home Care in Vermont's Top Cities
The cost of home-based care varies from city to city. While the state average in Vermont is $5,196, it costs about $50 more in Burlington. In Glens Falls, NY, the cost is $5,005 for home care and $5,100 for home health care. It's a little less in the Albany, NY area at $4,957 and $5,030. In Manchester, NH, the cost is just $100 more for both types of care.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Vermont | $5,196 | $5,196 |
Burlington Area | $5,243 | $5,243 |
Glens Falls, NY | $5,005 | $5,100 |
Albany Area, NY | $4,957 | $5,030 |
Manchester Area, NH | $5,291 | $5,291 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Vermont
Choices for Care
Choices for Care is a Medicaid program for adults who need nursing home level care but wish to receive that care at home. Through Choices for Care, adults receive an allowance and budget for their care, and a case manager helps them coordinate care in the environment they prefer. Through Choices for Care, eligible seniors can receive 24-hour care, if needed, while still living at home.
Contact Information
Seniors can apply for Choices of Care by calling (800) 479-6151 or downloading the application online. Completed applications are mailed to DCF/Economic Services Division, Application and Document Processing Center, 103 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05671-1500.
Choices for Care Moderate Needs Program
For seniors who do not yet need nursing home level care, the Choices of Care Moderate Needs program may provide financial assistance for home care. This is another Medicaid program available for adults in Vermont who have functional limitations due to a physical condition or the aging process but do not need 24-hour nursing care. To qualify, seniors need to require help at least three or more times every week.
Contact Information
To apply, seniors need to download the Moderate Needs application form CFC900 online, fill it out and send it to the Area Agency on Aging in their community.
Attendant Services Program
Adults living in Vermont who need personal care for at least two activities of daily living can pay for it through Medicaid using the Attendant Services Program. This program allows the senior to hire a personal attendant for home care needs and pay them through Medicaid-funded ARIS payroll services.
Contact Information
To learn more about the Attendant Services Program, seniors can call the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living at (802) 241-0298.
Adult High Technology Services
Seniors who are dependent on medical technology to survive can get help coordinating treatment and ordering medical supplies and equipment through the Adult High Technology Services program. This is available to seniors who need skilled nursing care and who wish to live at home. The program is funded through Medicaid.
Contact Information
Seniors can fill out the Adult High Tech Nursing Program Referral Form and fax it to (802) 241-0385. They can also call (802) 241-0294 for help.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
Vermont Home Care Rules and Regulations
Home care and home health care agencies are subject to the oversight of Vermont's Agency of Human Services. The agency publishes the Regulations for the Designation and Operation of Home Health Agencies, which governs the rules for these professionals.
Scope of Care | Home care involves caring for basic physical needs, such as housekeeping, transportation and help with activities of daily living. Home care professionals cannot administer medical care or medications, but they can oversee the self-administration of medications. Home health care provides care for basic medical needs. This might include catheter care, wound dressing and medication administration. Home health care follows recommendations from the senior's physician. |
Care Plan Requirements | Home care professionals must develop a plan of care written, so it is understandable to non-medical people and accessible to the patient and patient's family. It must consider the patient's preferences for services and caregivers when appropriate. Under Medicaid regulations, this plan must be reviewed by the patient's physician and the home health care agency every 62 days or when the patient's condition changes. |
Medication Management Requirements | Medication administration is only allowed with home health care and is only based on the recommendations and prescriptions of the patient's doctor. |
Staff Screening Requirements | All employees of home health agencies must undergo a background check. In addition, home health aides must have supervisory visits by an RN or therapist every 62 days. |
Staff Training Requirements | Home health aides in Vermont have to be Licensed Nursing Assistants. This requires 80 hours of training, including 30 hours of clinical training. They must also pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program test. |
Medicaid Coverage | Medicaid can be used to cover the services of home health agencies, including home care and home health care. The Choices for Care program helps cover these costs. |
Reporting Abuse | Families can report suspected abuse of a senior to Adult Protective Services. This can be done online, via email at [email protected] or over the phone at (800) 564-1612. |
Free Home Care Resources in Vermont
Seniors in Vermont have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Area Agencies on Aging
Vermont adults ages 60 and over can find the services and supports they need through one of the state's five Area Agencies on Aging. These agencies provide case management, coordinate nutrition services, help educate about disease prevention, provide legal assistance and support family caregivers. This is often the first resource to turn to in search of help and senior services.
Contact Information
Seniors can find their local AAA online or by calling the HelpLine at (800) 642-5119.
Older Vermonter's Nutrition Coalition Meal Programs
Seniors who struggle to get adequate nutrition can receive nutritious food through Older Vermonter's Nutrition Coalition meal programs. These programs deliver nutritious food to Vermont seniors in their homes. The food delivery also comes with a safety check and conversation. The program also provides congregate meals at senior centers and dining halls throughout the state, which provides an opportunity for socializing in addition to nutritious food.
Contact Information
For more information about meal programs for seniors, families can call (800) 642-5119.
State Health Insurance Program Counseling
Through the AAAs, seniors have access to State Health Insurance Program counseling staff who can help them understand their Medicare options. Through SHIP, seniors can find out what programs they qualify for and how to apply. They can also get help understanding their coverage and how to maximize their use of it.
Contact Information
Seniors age 65 and over can get help applying for Medical through their local AAA, or by calling (800) 642-5119 to talk to a SHIP coordinator.
Vermont Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides help for seniors living at home or in residential care homes. This office investigates and resolves complaints on behalf of seniors. The Ombudsman serves as an advocate to protect the rights and health of seniors in the state.
Contact Information
To get help from the Ombudsman Program, seniors need to call Vermont Legal Aid at (800) 889-2047.
Vermont Legal Aid Legal Clinics
Vermont Legal Aid hosts free legal clinics for seniors age 60 or over that have civil legal questions. Through these clinics, legal professionals can also help seniors connect with healthcare options, Social Security payments and housing options. The clinics offer individual seniors free 20-minute consultations.
Contact Information
Seniors can schedule an appointment at the free legal clinic by calling (802) 318-4169.
Vermont Senior Centers
Vermont has multiple senior centers throughout the state that provide social engagement and access to support for area seniors. Through meals, wellness activities and social activities, all provided without cost to seniors, senior centers help Vermont's aging population avoid isolation and the problems it causes. These centers also help keep more seniors at home rather than moving into an institution.
Contact Information
Seniors can call the HelpLine at (800) 642-5119 to find their local senior center.
Vermont Public Transportation Association
The Vermont Public Transportation Association offers mobility options for seniors through local transportation providers. This includes transportation to medical appointments and therapy, personal needs and shopping, senior meals, adult day care and employment. This helps seniors who can no longer drive access services in the community.
Contact Information
Seniors can find transportation resources through their local public transit provider or by calling (833) 387-7200.