I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Los Angeles, CA
The largest city in California and second-largest in the nation, Los Angeles’ population of nearly 4 million is made up of approximately 490,000 seniors 65 and older. Its beautiful weather, nearby beaches and endless amenities make Los Angeles a desirable retirement destination. Warm year-round weather means you can choose from many outdoor forms of entertainment. From golf courses and numerous local parks to the picturesque beaches, Los Angeles offers something for all activity-seekers.
In addition to the many world-class attractions, many more off-the-beaten-path experiences are available. Seniors can spend a day discovering native flora at Descanso Gardens, pursuing local produce at the LA Farmers Market or catching a flick at the Electric Dusk Drive-In movie theater. For those needing to run errands on foot, Los Angeles is walkable, and LA Metro offers discounts for seniors 62 and up. There’s also plenty of opportunities to study subjects you’re interested in: At California State University Long Beach, if you’re 60 or older, you can choose from the same courses as regular students for just $3.00 per semester. And if you’re looking for the best in health care, Los Angeles has you covered, with three of the highest-ranked hospitals in the state nearby.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Los Angeles, CA
Home care, according to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, costs $5,434 per month for homemaker services and $5,529 for home health aides. These rates, which reflect 44 hours of care per week, or roughly six hours each day, vary widely, depending on the total number of hours. If you or your loved one needs only intermittent homemaker services, say, 20 hours per week, or four hours for five days, costs will be $2,470 per month for homemaker services and $2,513 for a home health aide, a difference of only $43. However, for those who need more on-going care, costs can be much higher. For instance, homemaker services for approximately eight hours, seven days a week, or 60 hours total, costs $7,410 per month.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care in Los Angeles is less than California’s average of $5,529 but is still higher than the national average of $4,481 for homemaker services and $4,576 for home health aides. In nearby cities, costs fluctuate. Oxnard ($5,339), closest to Los Angeles, is roughly $190 less, while further inland, costs in Bakersfield ($5,077/$5,125) are even lower, approximately $350 less. However, in other similarly-sized cities such as San Diego ($5,716), costs are higher than in Los Angeles.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Other forms of care in Los Angeles may be more or less expensive, depending on the type. Adult day care, which runs $1,647 a day, quickly outpaces home care if used on a regular basis. While assisted living ($5,000) costs between $434 and $529 less each month, it also requires that you or your loved one move away from the relationships, routines and surroundings that are both comforting and familiar. What’s more, the care provided by assisted living, which generally includes assistance with daily living tasks, can be provided at home, tailored to your specific needs. This, in turn, can make home care potentially less expensive. And skilled nursing, which is significantly higher ($8,060), can similarly be provided at home for less.
III. How to Find Home Care in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA
Area Agency on Aging of Los Angeles County
What You Should Know
Part of California’s Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services, the AAA of Los Angeles County connects seniors and their loved ones with all the services, programs and supports for which they are eligible. A number of programs are run through the AAA, including the Aging Mastery Program, which teaches you how to live your most vibrant and independent life, and the Elderly Nutrition Program, which can help you find group dining (for a small donation) or home-delivered meals. And if you’re considering home care, AAA can help you find the care you need, from homemaker services and personal care to case management.
Who Is Eligible?
AAA of Los Angeles County’s services are designed for seniors 60 and older, their loved ones and caregivers.
How to Get Started
To access AAA’s range of programs and supports, call (800) 510-2020 or (888) 202-4248.
City of Los Angeles Department of Aging
What You Should Know
The Los Angeles Department of Aging provides a host of services, activities and assistance to seniors and their caregivers. In addition to maintaining an up-to-date listing of the dozens of multipurpose senior centers, the DOA connects individuals to free door-to-door transportation. Social clubs are available, as is health insurance counseling and advocacy. The evidence-based programs can help you address how to manage chronic disease, prevent falls and receive memory training. The DOA also partners with Bet Tzedek Legal Services to provide legal assistance for a range of issues. And for caregivers, the DOA can connect you with the LA Caregiver Resource Center’s services and support groups.
Who Is Eligible?
Any senior living within Los Angeles, as well as their loved ones and caregivers, can receive LA DOA’s services.
How to Get Started
You can reach the DOA by calling (213) 482-7252 locally or statewide at (800) 510-2020.
Meals on Wheels of West Los Angeles
What You Should Know
Founded in 1976, Meals on Wheels of Los Angeles provides meals and companionship to those who are unable to shop or prepare their own food. Delivered Monday through Friday, a hot lunch and cold dinner are dropped off by volunteers to seven Los Angeles zip codes. While delivering meals, volunteers can connect with individuals, helping them minimize feelings of isolation and loneliness. Many dietary restrictions can be accommodated, including low salt, diabetic and vegetarian, and diets for certain medical conditions may also be available. Volunteers can bring food right into the kitchen, and service can be suspended temporarily for special circumstances such as hospitalization.
Who Is Eligible?
Although there are no age requirements to be eligible for Meals on Wheels, individuals must be unable to shop or prepare food for themselves due to age or illness.
How to Get Started
Apply for the program by phone by calling (310) 208-4028.
Los Angeles Senior Citizen Centers
What You Should Know
Operated by the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Los Angeles Senior Citizen Centers include 29 locations across the city. Providing a wide variety of classes, programs and support services, senior centers bring seniors together for socialization, education, wellness and fun. Some of the many offerings include lunches, classes in English and Spanish, yoga, clubs and games. Many centers offer special seminars on topics both interesting and diverse, as well as specially-themed trips and outings. Others have art classes, chorus singing, peer counseling and knitting and crocheting. Most of your interests, passions and concerns can be met at one of these local senior centers.
Who Is Eligible?
Any senior, regardless of age, can participate in the many activities the senior centers offer.
How to Get Started
Visit the Department of Recreations and Parks Senior Citizens Center page to find a listing of all centers. Links for each center provide more details about its specific offerings.
Purposeful Aging Los Angeles
What You Should Know
Part of a partnership between LA County, the city of Los Angeles and other cities, AARP, universities and the private sector, Purposeful Aging Los Angeles is intended to create a senior-friendly city, with special emphasis on empowering marginalized and low-income communities. Seniors can participate in creating better solutions to meet their needs, and PALA can connect individuals to wellness resources, including meditation programs, arts and culture and museums. PALA also maintains a link to the Jewish Free Loan Association, which can provide interest-free loans for home health care, medical and dental health care (both preventative and urgent) and emergency loans. And for those seeking food for their pets, PALA has a link to Los Angeles Animal Services’ Pet Food Pantry.
Who Is Eligible?
Access to PALA’s Resources for Seniors is open to any senior, regardless of age or income. Eligibility requirements for loans through the Jewish Free Loan Association include a steady income source and one or two guarantors, and Pet Food Pantry services are available to low-income individuals.
How to Get Started
Start by visiting PALA’s website and going to the Resources for Seniors tab at the top of the page. For more information regarding either services or membership submit an online form.