Home Care in Fresno, CA

With an average of 271 sunny days each year, no snow and summertime temps reaching the high 90s, it’s easy to see why Fresno seniors want to stay in the city. Of Fresno’s 531,576 residents, 11.1% are aged 65 and older, and that number is predicted to grow over the next decade.

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll find there are plenty of parks and affordable public golf courses to explore in Fresno. The city maintains over 1,500 acres of parkland, much of which is accessible via level walking trails. There are also a number of well-known museums and cultural attractions, including the Fresno Art Museum, Kearney Mansion and African-American Historical & Cultural Museum, many of which offer senior discounts.

In terms of health care, acute services are available at the 685-bed Community Regional Medical Center. Specialized cardiac care is offered at the Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital, along with bariatric surgery services. Veterans can access VA health care services through the VA Central California Health Care System.

According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, you can expect to pay around $5,034 per month for either home care or home health care in Fresno. In some locales in California and other areas of the country, home health care services are more costly because of the medical care that’s provided.

It’s important to know that Genworth’s figures are based on 44 hours of service a week, which may be more support than you might need right now. The average hourly rate for in-home care is $26.40, so your actual costs could be far less than the rates quoted in the Genworth Survey, depending on the amount of care you need each week.

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

Home care and home health care costs in Fresno are below the state average of $5,529. Rates in nearby Bakersfield are lower at $5,077 for home care, and $5,125 for home health care, which adds limited medical care such as assistance with medications and vital sign monitoring. In Visalia, you’ll find that the average rates are even less expensive at $4,767 and $4,805, respectively. In-home care costs more in Merced, where both types of care run about $5,529 per month.

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.

Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging

What You Should Know
The Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging coordinates area resources for seniors aged 60 and older who want to remain active and independent. The Agency can help connect you with a wide range of local, state and federal programs, including Meals on Wheels and congregate dining, CalFresh food benefits, and health insurance counseling.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re a senior aged 60 or older living in either Fresno or Madera County, you’re eligible for services and supports through the Area Agency on Aging regardless of your income.

How to Get Started
To connect with the Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging, call (559) 214-0299 or (800) 510-2020.

Fresno Handy Ride

What You Should Know
Fresno Area Express is the local city bus system. All FAX buses are equipped with either a lift or ramp to improve accessibility for riders who have difficulty navigating steep bus steps. In addition to operating ADA-compliant buses, FAX also offers Handy Ride, an on-demand, door-to-door transit service for riders with transportation needs that can’t be fully met through the regular fixed-route service.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re unable to use the regular, fixed-route public bus service due to a temporary or permanent disability, you can apply to use the FAX Handy Ride service.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the FAX Handy Ride program, call (559) 621-7433.

Fresno County Veteran Service Office

What You Should Know
The Fresno County Veteran Service Office provides up-to-date information on local, state and federal programs for vets and their families. The Office can also help vets apply for benefits that can be used toward home care costs, such as the VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound enhanced pension programs.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re a veteran, survivor or dependent, you can get free information, assistance and support through the Fresno County Veteran Service Office.

How to Get Started
To schedule an appointment with a veteran service representative, call (559) 600-5436.

Fresno Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

What You Should Know
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, better known as PACE, provides comprehensive community-based services to help older adults remain independent in their own homes. In Fresno, this program is housed in the historic downtown, and the PACE center offers daily social and recreational programs, medical and therapy services, meals and transportation.

The PACE program includes a wide range of services that are geared to your particular needs, such as home care, rehabilitation and nutritional support. Once enrolled in PACE, all of your medical care is delivered through PACE-affiliated providers.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re a Fresno County resident aged 55 or older who needs support to remain in your home, you can apply to PACE. Elders who are eligible for Medi-Cal and Medicare can enroll in PACE at no cost, while Medi-Cal share-of-cost beneficiaries can sign up for PACE while continuing to pay their share-of-cost fees. You can also enroll in PACE on a private-pay basis.

How to Get Started
To learn more about Fresno PACE, call Innovative Integrated Health at (559) 400-6420 or toll-free at (855) 630-7223.

Senior Companion Program 

What You Should Know
The Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno operates the Senior Companion Program, a program designed to help frail seniors remain independent in their own homes. Companions can help with a variety of nonmedical tasks, such as light housekeeping, meal prep and assistance with errands for up to 20 hours a week.

This program matches low-income senior volunteers aged 55 and older with frail seniors throughout Fresno. The program volunteers are carefully screened and background-checked, and complete a comprehensive training program before being matched with a client. Volunteers receive an hourly stipend of $2.65, which isn’t considered to be a wage or income.

Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for assistance through the Senior Companion Program, you must live in either Fresno or Madera County and need nonmedical help to continue living in your own home. You should also have a low income and few countable assets.

How to Get Started
For more information, you can call the Senior Companion Program at (559) 498-6377.

Central California Legal Services

What You Should Know
Central California Legal Services is a private, nonprofit legal firm focused on providing free and low-cost legal information, representation and advocacy to low-income individuals, including seniors. The firm maintains an office in Fresno near the Fresno County Courthouse, and operates a toll-free legal information line.

CCLS lawyers help seniors with advanced healthcare directives, wills and estate planning, as well as issues related to consumer law and financial exploitation. Seniors who have been exploited, abused or neglected can get assistance through CCLS.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re a senior aged 60 or older, have a low or moderate income, and you need legal assistance with a noncriminal matter, you may qualify for free legal advice or representation through CCLS.

How to Get Started
To contact CCLS, call the toll-free Legal Advice Line at (800) 675-8001.