Situated in Northern Orange County, Garden Grove has a population of 170,488, and 14.1 percent of residents are seniors aged 65 and older. As is typical in Southern California, the climate in the area is sunny, dry and mild throughout the year, making Garden Grove a great option for seniors who enjoy plenty of sunshine and snow-free living.
The region’s desirability makes it a relatively expensive place to retire, and the overall cost of living is well above the national average. California does offer two tax relief programs to help improve affordability for seniors, and Garden Grove’s home care rates are below the statewide average. These factors, combined with the numerous senior support programs in the region, can make Garden Grove a good option for retirees who need home care services.
Although home care doesn’t include medical services, there are several top-ranked health care facilities in the city. The 167-bed Garden Grove Hospital Medical Center features a 24/7 emergency department as well as a dedicated Geriatric Emergency Department accredited by the American College of Emergency Physicians.
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly home care and home health care costs in Garden Grove are $5,911. Non-medical home care services include assistance with light housework, cooking, errands and personal care, while home health care focuses on medical services and rehabilitation.
The survey bases the monthly average rate on 44 hours of care weekly, which works out to a weekly rate of $1,364.08 or an hourly cost of $31. You can estimate your actual home care expenses by multiplying the average hourly rate by the number of hours of support you expect you’ll need.
At a monthly average of $5,911, home care and home health care rates in Garden Grove are higher than in nearby Bakersfield, where seniors pay $5,506 for either type of home care. In San Diego, home care costs around $6,387 per month, while home health care is $6,473 per month. To the east of Garden Grove in Riverside, average rates are higher at $6,101 per month for either type of in-home care.
When compared to other types of senior care, in-home care rates in Garden Grove are significantly lower than rates for nursing home care, which costs an average of $9,125 per month for a semiprivate room. Assisted living care costs an average of $5,250 per month, while adult day care services are $1,652 per month.
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 Garden Grove, CA.
What You Should Know
Orange County’s high property values can make it hard for seniors to keep up with their property taxes, especially if they are living on a fixed income. To provide relief to older homeowners and renters, the State of California sponsors two property tax programs that can help limit the tax liability borne by retirees.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for property tax deferral on your house, condo, or mobile home if you’re a senior homeowner aged 62 and older and meet the state government’s current income limits.
If you are a low-income tenant aged 62 and older, you may be eligible for reimbursement of a portion of the property taxes paid on your rental residence.
How to Get Started
For more information on California’s property tax assistance programs, contact the Orange County Assessor at (714) 834-2727.
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels Orange County is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure all Orange County seniors have access to nutritious, affordable prepared meals.
If you are having difficulty shopping for groceries or preparing your own healthy, balanced meals, you may be interested in Meals on Wheels OC Grab & Go Meals. This program provides seniors aged 60 and older with low-cost, ready-to-heat meals distributed through participating senior centers. The organization also operates a home meal delivery service and a friendly visitor program that pairs screened volunteers with socially isolated housebound seniors.
Who Is Eligible?
All Orange County seniors aged 60 and older are eligible to participate in the Grab & Go Meals program. Participation in the home meal delivery service and the friendly visitor program is limited to seniors unable to participate in programs at their local senior center due to poor health or mobility issues.
The program encourages seniors to make a small donation for each meal they receive through Meals on Wheels to cover food and program administration costs, but no senior is turned away due to an inability, or unwillingness, to contribute.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the nutritional support and friendly visitor programs offered by Orange County Meals on Wheels, call (714) 220-0224.
What You Should Know
The Orange County Office on Aging is a government agency that works to improve services and accessibility for seniors. The office staff provides free information to seniors aged 60 and older who need help connecting with local community programs, long-term care resources and government benefit providers.
Who Is Eligible?
Any senior aged 60 and older, as well as family and community caregivers, can contact the Office on Aging.
How to Get Started
The Office on Aging’s call center is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (800) 510-2020 or (714) 480-6450.
What You Should Know
Garden Grove seniors aged 55 and older can sign up for a membership at the H. Louis Lake Senior Center, a city-owned and operated multipurpose community center.
Free and low-cost programming at the center helps retirees connect with other seniors as well as local community services. Members can sign up for free health screening workshops and fall prevention classes, participate in a daily congregate lunch program and take advantage of the center’s free case management services. During tax season, the AARP operates a free seniors’ tax clinic at the center, and free legal aid appointments are available on the fourth Wednesday of each month. There’s also a free local transportation program for seniors that operates out of the center.
Who Is Eligible?
All Garden Grove seniors aged 55 and older are eligible to use the programs and services at the H. Louis Lake Senior Center.
How to Get Started
For up-to-date programming information, call the H. Louis Lake Senior Center at (714) 741-5253.
What You Should Know
The Garden Grove Home Repair Program provides low- and moderate-income homeowners with up to $5,000 in home repairs. These repairs can include work to rectify outstanding code violations, improve the overall condition of a property and make a home safer and more accessible for those living with mobility limitations.
You may be able to use this program to install a wheelchair ramp, widen your doorways to accommodate mobility devices or add safety bars to your bathroom.
Who Is Eligible?
If you are a homeowner in Garden Grove who lives alone and your annual income is no greater than $71,750, you may be eligible for free assistance through the Home Repair Program. If your household consists of two adults, the household income limit is $82,000.
How to Get Started
For more information on the Home Improvement Program, call the City of Garden Grove’s Neighborhood Improvement Division at (714) 741-5000.