Preparing for Senior Care in Bucks County, Pennsylvania: A Family Guide
- Fuad Olowo
- May 15
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
By 2030, one in four Bucks County residents will be 65 years or older and most say they want to remain at home as they age according to AARP Home & Community Preferences Survey, 2024. If you are beginning to plan care for a parent or spouse, this senior care guide breaks the process into six (6) clear steps, from honest conversations to budgeting and choosing a provider. Follow along to create a safe, sustainable plan with Iconhearts Care Services, a licensed and 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+ activities of daily living (ADLs such as bathing or dressing)? | Prevents falls and preserves dignity. |
Medical Conditions | Skilled care (e.g., wound care) vs personal help (meals, errands)? | Determines home health vs. companion / home 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). |
These are very important as they help to evaluate what you or your loved one really need to continuously live a safe and healthy life. Older adults thrive when their environment and neighborhoods make everyday life easy regardless of their physical and mental status. These supportive social environments do not just offset age-related losses, they actively promote recovery, adaptation, and continued personal growth according to World Health organization.
Step 2: Budgeting & Financial Support
Costs in Bucks County:
Average Rate: $33/hour for non-medical care.
Full-Time Care (40 hours/week): $1,340/week.
Funding Options
Resource | What It Covers | Contact |
Medicaid Waivers (Aging Waiver) | Personal‑care aide for low‑income seniors. | |
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. Iconhearts Care Services team are ready to assist with your needs. |
It is also important to note that navigating Medicaid waivers can be challenging. Meet with AAA’s Care Manager to assess income (typically under $2,742/month PA DHS, Jan 2025). Submit income verification and medical records. Call AAA for a free consultation to streamline paperwork and for more local resource.
Step 3: Start the Conversation with Empathy
Discussing care can be tough. Use these sample scripts strategies to ease the conversation:
Empathy First: “You have 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 has 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.”
These conversations can be tough sometimes but engaging your family doctor or Newtown Senior Center counselor to join the discussion might help.
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 ($800/week - $1,000/week) versus assisted living which is about $5k +/month average in Pennsylvania. The cost of homecare has been increasing year over year since 2023. This is increasingly due to the increase in demand from seniors.
Community Ties: The seniors have lived most of their lives in their communities and usually stay socially engaged with their social networks, business partners and faith organizers. It is always beneficial for them to continue enjoying the stability they have created a routine around in their own home as it offers.
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 | |
Licensed & insured in PA? | Ensures state oversight and liability coverage. | ✔ Licensed and Insured. |
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. |
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 Us?
We are composed of a team of vetted, trained caregivers to serve PA counties. Our Newtown roots and 100% caregiver match rate ensure personalized care. Please click here to learn more about us.
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