I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Chico, CA

Chico is a fast-growing town of more than 101,000 people in northern California. Despite its reputation as a college town, it has a senior community that makes up about 13% of the population. It offers a range of benefits to retirees, including one of the lowest costs of living in the state. On a 100-point cost-of-living index, Chico rates 117, about 30 points lower than the state median, which may help older adults maintain their standard of living throughout retirement. Housing costs are particularly affordable, but groceries, transportation and miscellaneous expenses cost less here than in most other California cities. Retirees also seek out the city for its warm, comfortable climate, and its low violent crime rate may provide peace of mind to those who live alone.

Chico also offers affordable, accessible health care services. Enloe Medical Center, a 298-bed facility, is located within the city proper and provides a range of services and treatments. Accessible health care, as well as the comfortable climate and general affordability, may make Chico a good option for seniors who want to remain at home throughout their retirement.

II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Chico, CA

Home care costs vary considerably across geographic regions and providers, but on average, Chico seniors pay $5,720 per month for home care. This rate assumes 44 hours of weekly care and breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

If you require care outside of normal business hours, you may pay considerably more for services, particularly if you need care on holidays and weekends. However, you may be able to reduce what you pay for services by accessing community-based services and programs, such as those available through the Area Agency on Aging.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

Chico seniors pay $5,720 per month for home care. Home health care has the same monthly rate despite including skilled nursing services such as medication management and wound care. Nationally, seniors pay $4,957 for home care and $5,148 for home health care, and in California, both levels of care cost $6,101. In Visalia, seniors pay $5,339 for services, and in Sacramento, fees exceed Chico’s median at $6,292. In San Jose, rates are among the highest in the state at $7,102.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

In Chico, seniors pay $5,720 per month for both home care and home health care. Assisted living, which features similar services to home care in a residential community environment, is considerably cheaper at $5,106. Older adults who want to save money on care expenses while continuing to live at home pay $2,676 for adult day care, making this the cheapest long-term care option in Chico. Nursing home care is the costliest long-term care option at $9,201 per month for semiprivate accommodations.

III. How to Find Home Care in Chico, CA

Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Chico, CA.

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Chico, CA

Chico Meals on Wheels 

What You Should Know  

Chico Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit organization that delivers fresh, healthy meals to older adults unable to obtain their own meals. The meals rotate every six weeks and are planned by a registered dietician to ensure they provide necessary nutrients for seniors. The regular meals are typically low in fat and sodium and are delivered hot and ready to eat. In addition to the regular meals, there are special meals to accommodate various diets, including ADA renal, heart-healthy, puree, gluten-free, soft and vegetarian. The Enloe Hospital kitchen prepares all meals, and the program delivers them 365 days per year.

Who Is Eligible? 

Meals on Wheels is available to anyone unable to shop for or prepare meals themselves. You only pay the cost of the meal, which is currently $5.25, but it does not deny anyone food due to an inability to pay. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for a subsidy to help cover some or all of the meal costs.

How to Get Started 

To arrange home-delivered meals, contact the Operations Manager by calling (530) 343-9147 or emailing [email protected]. The manager will contact you to conduct an assessment of your needs and arrange for delivery times and payment.

Passages 

What You Should Know 

Passages is the Area Agency on Aging for the Chico region. It administers a range of programs for seniors and caregivers to help older adults remain independent at home for as long as possible. Its Information and Assistance Program promotes access to community-based services such as transportation, food and meals, legal assistance, bill assistance and housing. Its Care Management program helps prevent nursing home placement through one-on-one assistance with assessing your care needs, connecting you with free and low-cost programs and services and monitoring your well-being through regular home visits. The agency also provides Medicare options counseling to help older adults understand their health insurance coverage and find ways to pay for home care.

Who Is Eligible? 

Services through Passages are available to Chico area residents aged 60 and over. Some programs have additional eligibility requirements based on income or functional needs.

How to Get Started 

To get more information on these programs, you can call the main office toll-free at (800) 822-0109 or at (530) 898-5923.

Community Action Agency of Butte County, Inc. 

What You Should Know 

The local Community Action Agency serves economically vulnerable seniors in the Chico region, providing assistance that may enable them to age in place. Its Energy and Environmental Services Program includes the Weatherization Program and Utility Assistance, which can help older adults improve their homes’ safety and comfort and cut down on what they pay for utilities. The organization also provides nutrition services and annual free tax preparation services.

Who Is Eligible? 

Eligibility for services through CAA is generally limited to those with low incomes. Some services, such as VITA Tax Preparation Assistance, are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

How to Get Started 

For more information on eligibility requirements or to get started with receiving services, call the automated phone service at (530) 712-2600 and select the appropriate option for the correct department.

211 Butte County 

What You Should Know 

211 serves as a single entry point for community-based services, assistance programs and wellness services in the Chico region. It has a helpline staffed with trained individuals who can listen to your needs and challenges and make referrals to services in the region. Through 211, you can get help with finding volunteer-based transportation services, home-delivered and congregate meals, friendly phone calls/visits, home care services and social and recreational programming.

Who Is Eligible? 

This free service is available to all Chico residents, regardless of age or income. Eligibility requirements for the programs vary considerably.

How to Get Started 

To speak with an information specialist, dial 211 from your phone or submit an online contact form.

Property Tax Exemptions and Exclusions 

What You Should Know 

Homeowners in Chico have several options for reducing what they pay in property taxes, which can help them remain in their homes throughout retirement. There are three programs available that may be relevant to seniors, including the general Homeowner’s Exemption, the Veterans’ Exemption and the Senior Citizen’s Exclusion, which provides replacement property tax relief.

Who Is Eligible? 

Eligibility requirements differ across the various exemptions and exclusions. The Homeowner’s Exemption is available to all homeowners in the Chico region. To qualify for the Veterans’ Exemption, you must be totally disabled, blind in both eyes or have lost the use of more than one limb as a result of injury during military service. This exemption is also available to unmarried surviving spouses of qualified veterans, as well as widows and widowers of veterans who died in combat. The replacement property tax relief is open to those aged 55 and over who move to a residence of equal or lesser value than their original home.

How to Get Started 

To learn more about these programs, you can contact the Butte County Assessor by calling (530) 552-3800 or emailing [email protected].