I. What You Should Know About Home Care in El Cajon, CA
With a population of just over 105,000 people, El Cajon has a healthy senior community, which makes up approximately 13% of the people who call the area home. The city’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average, which may make seniors feel safe. With approximately 260 sunny days per year, the city is ideal for those who appreciate being outdoors.
Several hospitals and health care facilities are in the area, including the Excel Hospital and the Sharp Grossmont Hospital, which is recognized for its board-certified orthopedic surgeons. Seniors who require knee and hip replacements or have a joint injury can recover and receive rehabilitation services. The hospital also offers outpatient surgery, therapy, cancer care and rehabilitation therapy. Other services include health education classes, help with Medicare, senior resources and skilled nursing.
With excellent health care and low crime rates, it’s easy to see why El Cajon makes an excellent place for seniors to receive home care.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in El Cajon, CA
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of home care and home health care in El Cajon is $6,387. Genworth bases this cost on 44 hours of care per week. The cost of these services isn’t always the same. In some areas, home health care costs slightly more due to the additional medical services it provides.
In El Cajon, the hourly rate for both home care and home health care is $33.50 and $33.95, respectively. To determine the exact monthly cost, multiply by the number of hours of care needed by the appropriate hourly rate.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
At $6,387 per month for home care and $6,473 for home health care in El Cajon, both services are higher than the state average of $6,101 and the national average of $4,957 for home care and $5,148 for home health care. The lowest cost in neighboring cities is in El Centro at $3,432 per month for both care types. In Los Angeles, seniors can expect to pay around $3,432, and in Riverside, the same services are approximately $6,101 per month.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
When looking for long-term care, it’s important to consider the cost of all service options. Seniors who choose to age in place will pay around $6,387 per month for assistance with personal care and $6,473 by adding skilled nursing. Adult day health is the least expensive option at $2,058 per month, and an assisted living facility is $5,475. Nursing homes provide the most comprehensive care and are the most costly at $9,384 per month for a semiprivate room.
Note: Data for El Cajon was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Diego, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, CA.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in El Cajon, CA
Meals on Wheels San Diego County
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels of San Diego County provides nutrition, well checks and companionship to homebound seniors who are unable to care for themselves or lack transportation. It delivers meals Monday through Friday around lunch by volunteers and provides up to one-third of the recommended daily allowance of nutrition. There are also four service centers for those who are able to travel to congregate meal sites. The program provides services to approximately 500 individuals per day and special dietary help.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 60 and older and disabled veterans of any age and regardless of income are eligible to receive meals. The program is limited due to the number of monthly donations, so there may be a waiting list to receive services.
How to Get Started
To receive meals, sign up online or contact the program directly at (619) 260 6110.
Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRLP)
What You Should Know
The HRLP from the City of El Cajon helps seniors make necessary home repairs to eliminate health and safety hazards. The program provides no-interest loans of up to $50,000, which are secured by a deed of trust. It defers loan repayment until the sale, rental, refinance or transfer or when the homeowners no longer live in the home. The program includes siding repairs, new gutter installation, smoke detector installation, roof repairs and furnace and water heater replacements.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible households must have incomes that are less than 80% of the area median income. Seniors must live full-time in the home that requires repairs, and the home’s value can’t exceed the program maximum. Seniors must be U.S. citizens and own no additional property.
How to Get Started
To request an application for HRLP or to find out more information about the project, contact the housing division at (619) 441-1710.
San Diego Gas and Electric Energy Savings Assistance Program
What You Should Know
The energy savings assistance program helps seniors receive free home improvements to reduce their current energy costs. Through the program, seniors may receive smart thermostat, home insulation and energy-efficient lighting installation, weatherstripping, caulking and minor home repairs.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet the program income requirements based on household size. It automatically accepts seniors who receive Medicaid, food stamps, WIC and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) into the program.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the program and whether you qualify, contact San Diego Gas and Electric at (800) 411-7343.
One-time Energy Bill Assistance
What You Should Know
San Diego Gas and Electric offers a one-time help program that provides up to $150 towards an existing energy bill through the Neighbor-to-Neighbor fund.
Who Is Eligible?
Individuals must meet the income requirements, and the program prioritizes households with seniors and children and those with permanent disabilities.
How to Get Started
To apply for this assistance, contact 211 San Diego by calling 211 on any mobile phone or applying for help online.
San Diego Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
What You Should Know
LIHEAP helps families who are struggling financially with up to $1,000 in assistance toward an existing energy bill. This federally funded program makes payments directly to the utility company and is most commonly provided during the winter. It prioritizes households with seniors and children or those who are permanently disabled.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must be legal residents of California, meet specific income requirements and provide a valid Social Security number. The applicant must be responsible for the energy cost, and the program determines the amount given based on the customer’s current energy bill. Customers may apply for assistance only once per year and must live at the residence they are applying for assistance.
How to Get Started
To apply for assistance, contact the California Department of Community Services and Development at (916) 576-7109.
Arc of San Diego Respite Services
What You Should Know
Arc of San Diego is a Community Option Program that provides respite for caregivers. Respite is available 24/7, 365 days per year, and the program can give respite either hourly or as an ongoing service. A minimum of four hours per visit is necessary to ensure that seniors receive the amount of necessary care. While the number of free hours provided is limited by the number of volunteers and donations, extra respite services are available at a low cost for those who want to purchase additional time.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants should not receive respite through the San Diego Regional Center and provide care for seniors on a full-time basis in the home.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the respite program, contact the San Diego Regional Center at (858) 576-2938 or contact the state of California Department of Rehabilitation at (916) 324-1313.