I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Fremont, CA
From the Mission Peak Regional Preserve to the Coyote Hills Regional Park on San Francisco Bay, Fremont residents enjoy a prime location with beautiful natural surroundings. Seniors in this East Bay community are just 20 miles from San Jose and 40 miles from San Francisco, which provides numerous opportunities for sports fans, music lovers and art aficionados. This convenient location also gives you easy access to several top-performing medical centers, including Washington Hospital-Fremont and the Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center.
Although the local cost of living is about twice as high as the national average, the area is known for its sunny climate and mild year-round temperatures that are ideal for exploring the city’s many farmers markets, historic sites and outdoor attractions. Since this city of 230,000 is home to more than 29,000 seniors, you can find a number of community-based resources to help you stay healthy and active. Plus, the city has two senior centers that offer recreational activities and social services just for older adults.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Fremont, CA
According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, which gathers pricing information from long-term care providers in more than 400 metropolitan areas, you can expect to pay $6,101 per month for home health care and nonmedical chore assistance in Fremont. Estimates assume that seniors require 44 hours of weekly services. This breaks down to $32 per hour, which is $3 higher than the state median and roughly $8 higher than the national average of $23.50-$24. However, your cost may vary considerably depending on how much care you require each week.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
In Fremont, in-home care services cost $6,101 per month, on average, which is about $570 more than the state median and about $1,500-$1,600 more than the national averages. In nearby San Jose and Santa Cruz, seniors pay about $100-$200 more per month. Moving inland, prices drop by $858 per month in Stockton. Although Fremont is more expensive than other parts of the state and the nation, you’ll pay about the same amount for home care assistance and home health care services.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Seniors who live at home typically pay $6,101 per month for homemaker or home health aide services. This is comparable to the cost of assisted living, which includes room, board and recreational activities. You can also participate in structured programming through daytime adult day care programs for just $1,950 per month. Nursing homes in Fremont cost at least $12,471 per month depending on the type of accommodations you select. Although in-home care can be costly, it’s about half as expensive as skilled nursing even though it can include similar services.
Note: Data for Fremont was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Francisco, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Fremont, 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 Fremont, CA.
Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Fremont, CA
Alameda County Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
Alameda County’s Area Agency on Aging is operated by the Social Services Agency and Department of Adult and Aging Services. This agency is part of a national service network that connects seniors, disabled adults and caregivers to public and private resources in their community. Its senior helpline can give you information about long-term care, in-home assistance, meals, nutritional programs and adult day care. State and federal funding distributed by this agency also supports area senior centers and legal aid programs that help with housing, government benefits, estate planning and other issues that affect older adults.
Who Is Eligible?
Programs sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging are designed to support residents aged 60 and older. Some programs that provide direct care may have financial and medical eligibility requirements. Veterans, disabled adults and family caregivers may qualify for additional services.
How to Get Started
To learn more about supportive services that are available in your area, call the Area Agency on Aging at (800) 510-2020 or (510) 577-3530.
LIFE ElderCare
What You Should Know
Part of Meals on Wheels of Alameda County, LIFE ElderCare serves clients in Fremont, Newark and Union City. It delivers hot food to seniors on weekdays and provides frozen meals to reheat over the weekend. Meals include an entrée, two side dishes and juice or fresh fruit. The program offers vegetarian meals and options for special diets. This program is funded by the city government and the Alameda County Area Aging on Aging with help from volunteers. Its Friendly Visitors program coordinates weekly home visits, phone calls and social outings for seniors who are homebound or at risk of isolation. Seniors in Fremont and surrounding parts of Alameda County can also sign up for paratransit services and fall prevention courses through LIFE ElderCare.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 60 and older who are unable to shop for groceries or prepare their own meals and don’t have someone who can assist them are eligible for Meals on Wheels. Seniors in this age group may also qualify for friendly home visits and fall prevention courses. The organization’s paratransit service is geared toward county residents aged 80 and older and younger individuals who are disabled.
How to Get Started
You can learn more about Meals on Wheels and apply for deliveries by calling LIFE ElderCare at (510) 894-0370.
Fremont Aging & Family Services
What You Should Know
Operating at the municipal level, Fremont Aging & Family Services connects elderly residents and their family members to supportive services that are available in Fremont and the Tri-Cities. The agency offers in-home assessments to identify your needs and match you with appropriate services to assist with daily activities. Individual and family counseling is available through peer-to-peer groups and licensed mental health professionals who can help seniors cope with age-related concerns as well as grief, loss and existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Fremont Aging & Family Services also connects residents to accessible transportation provided by Ride-On Tri-City. Additionally, referral services can help area seniors access health care, emergency assistance, legal advice and other vital services.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify for these program if you live in Fremont and are aged 60 or older. Mental health services may also be available to residents starting at age 50 or 55, depending on the program. Individuals who care for someone aged 60 or older qualify for free counseling and training through the Family Caregiver Support Program. This initiative also sponsors support groups, educational film screenings and annual retreats.
How to Get Started
If you need assistance or know someone who would benefit from these programs, call the Senior Infoline at (510) 574-2041. Operators speak multiple languages and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, Farsi or Mandarin.
Alameda County Social Services Agency In-Home Supportive Services
What You Should Know
If you want to age in place, you may qualify for In-Home Supportive Services administered by the Alameda County Social Services Agency. This program can provide assistance with household chores, grocery shopping, meal preparation and personal care, including one-on-one supervision and transportation to and from medical appointments. The application process starts with an in-home assessment to determine your medical and personal needs. You may be asked about your medications, health conditions, medical providers and upcoming appointments. If your application is approved, you can hire an aide of your choice, including friends or family members and home health care professionals who are part of the state’s Public Authority Caregiver Registry.
Who Is Eligible?
In-Home Supportive Services are available to California residents who meet medical and financial eligibility requirements and live at home or in a residential setting, excluding an assisted living facility or board and care home. You must require assistance with activities of daily living as documented by a healthcare provider, and you must meet income and asset limits established by Medi-Cal. Eligibility is reassessed annually, and you have 10 days to notify your caseworker if your needs or circumstances change due to hospitalization, a change in health or other factors.
How to Get Started
To apply for In-Home Supportive Services or to learn more about the program’s eligibility requirements, call (510) 577-1800. Applications can be submitted online, over the phone, in person or by mail.