Your Support Keeps Them In Their Home

Many elderly individuals and adults with disabilities live on fixed incomes, which often come from sources like Social Security, pensions, or retirement savings. These fixed incomes can make it challenging for them to cover all their living expenses. As individuals age, their physical and cognitive abilities may decline, making it more difficult to manage daily tasks and home maintenance. Home safety becomes a critical concern, as modifications might be needed to prevent falls or accommodate mobility issues. Additionally, managing health care needs and accessing support services in the home can be complex and costly.  78% of SCHAS clients live solely on Social Security. They need assistance in order to continue to live in their homes but cannot afford a full fee rate and they and their famlies cannot afford an acute facility.

SCHAS stands out among caregiving organizations in East Tennessee due to its commitment to providing financial aid to clients who cannot afford the full fee rate. This unique approach allows SCHAS to serve a broader range of individuals in need of caregiving services. Here’s a closer look at how SCHAS supports its clients:

Affordable Rates: SCHAS offers competitive rates for caregiving services, with a standard fee of $29 per hour for visits of 4 hours or more, and $31 per hour for shorter visits. These rates are notably lower than those charged by many for-profit caregiving agencies, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

Financial Aid Options:  SCHAS provides financial assistance through several avenues to ensure that cost is not a barrier to receiving care.  SCHAS collaborates with government programs such as National Family Caregiver and Options for Family Caregiving. These programs are designed to help clients who meet specific income and need criteria. SCHAS supports these clients by covering $2 per hour of their caregiving service costs, reducing the financial burden for those eligible.  For clients who do not qualify for government assistance and still struggle to afford the full fee, SCHAS offers a sliding scale fee fund. This system adjusts the rate based on the client’s net income, with rates ranging from $8 to $14 per hour. SCHAS covers the difference between the sliding scale rate and the standard fee, making caregiving services more affordable for those in financial need.

SCHAS’s ability to offer these financial aids is supported by a combination of  grants, fundraisers, and contributions from the United Way. These funding sources are crucial for sustaining the organization’s mission to provide accessible care to those with the greatest need.

By offering these financial aid options, SCHAS ensures that more elderly individuals and their families can access high-quality caregiving services without the added stress of financial strain. This dedication to affordability and support is a core part of SCHAS’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors in East Tennessee.