Preparing for Senior Care in Bucks County, Pennsylvania: A Family Guide
- Fuad Olowo
- May 15
- 3 min read
By 2030, one in four Bucks County residents will be 65 or older and most say they want to remain at home as they age (AARP Home & Community Preferences Survey, 2023). If you are beginning to plan care for a parent or spouse, this senior care guide breaks the process into six clear steps, from honest conversations to budgeting and choosing a provider. Follow along to create a safe, sustainable plan with Iconhearts Care Services, Newtown’s trusted homecare experts, offering compassionate support. We are here to help every step of the way.
Step 1: Assess Your Loved One’s Needs
Start by evaluating your loved one’s daily needs to determine the right care level. Use this table to guide your assessment:
Area | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
Physical Health & Mobility | Struggling with 2+ ADLs (bathing, dressing)? | Prevents falls and preserves dignity. |
Medical Conditions | Skilled care (e.g., wound care) vs personal help (meals, errands)? | Determines home health vs. companion care. |
Cognitive & Emotional Health | Memory lapses or isolation? | Dementia-trained care improves safety. |
Home Safety | Clutter, poor lighting or stairs? | Free home checks via Bucks County AAA (267-880-5700). |
This is important because according to CDC, 2023, 44% of U.S. home-care clients need personal care and not medical aid.
Step 2: Budgeting & Financial Support
Costs in Bucks County:
Average Rate: $30/hour for non-medical care.
Full-Time Care (40 hrs/week): $1,200/week.
Funding Options
Resource | What It Covers | Contact |
Medicaid Waivers (Aging Waiver) | Personal‑care aide for low‑income seniors | Bucks County AAA |
VA Aid & Attendance | In‑home help for eligible veterans/spouses | |
Long‑Term Care Insurance | Daily benefit toward care; check elimination period | Please check with your Policy provider |
Bucks County Caregiver Support Program | Respite grants & reimbursements | 267‑880‑5700 |
Private Pay | Covers most of your needs. We can help you with a care plan | Contact your licensed provider near you. |
Navigating Medicaid Waivers can be challenging. Meet with AAA’s Care Manager to assess income (typically under $2,742/month for 2025). Submit income verification and medical records. Call AAA for a free consultation to streamline paperwork.
Step 3: Start the Conversation with Empathy
Discussing care can be tough. Use these sample scripts strategies to ease the conversation:
Empathy First: “You’ve always been so independent, and this is about keeping that freedom.”
Frame as Support: “A caregiver can handle chores so you can focus on gardening or grandkids.”
Trial Run: “Let’s try two mornings next week and review together. You are in charge of the schedule.”
Trust with Support: “Dad, I have noticed cooking’s been harder lately. What if we get someone to help with meals a few times a week? It could give you more time for your walks at Tyler State Park. We can try it and see how it feels.”
Neutral Allies: Invite a family doctor or Newtown Senior Center counselor or to join the discussion.
Step 4: Why Aging in Place Works Here
Aging in place offers unique benefits in Bucks County:
Comfort & Familiarity: 77 % of seniors prefer staying home (AARP, 2023).
Cost Savings: Part‑time care(~$1,200/week) versus assisted living ($5k +/month average in PA—Genworth Cost of Care Survey, 2024).
Community Ties: Walks at Tyler State Park, memory cafés at Newtown Library, and faith communities help seniors stay socially engaged.
Explore our Companionship Care to support social engagement.
Step 5: Senior-Proof the Home (Quick Checklist)
Ensure safety with these upgrades:
Remove Hazards: Clear throw rugs and loose cords
Bathroom Safety: Install grab bars and non-slip mats
Lighting: Add motion-sensor night-lights
Emergency Prep: Post emergency contacts and use a medical alert system
Stair Aids: Add handrails or a stairlift (AAA can subsidize, 267-880-5700).
Step 6: Choose a Home‑Care Provider
Select a provider with this checklist, designed for Bucks County families:
Question | Why It Matters | Iconhearts Care Services |
Licensed & insured in PA? | Ensures state oversight and liability coverage | ✔ License and Insurance is completely important |
Transparent pricing? | Avoids surprise weekend or mileage fees | ✔ Clear prices with no hidden fees |
Dementia & fall‑prevention training? | Higher safety & satisfaction | ✔ Continuous Quality Audits |
Local reputation & response time? | Faster help and community connections | ✔ 15‑min average response |
Caregiver matching & backup plan? | Stronger bond and uninterrupted care | ✔ 96 % match rate; 24/7 staffing line |
Download: Bucks County Home‑Care Checklist (PDF)
Need a personalized roadmap? Start planning with Iconhearts Care Services. Sign up for our newsletter to receive the free checklist, caregiver tips, and Pennsylvania resource alerts.
Why Choose Iconhearts Care Services?
Iconhearts Care Services is building a team of vetted, trained caregivers to serve Bucks County at $30/hour. Our Newtown roots and 96% caregiver match rate ensure personalized care. Learn more about us.
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