I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Modesto, CA
As the seat of Stanislaus County, Modesto is a vibrant, upscale city that’s known for it’s incredible year-round weather and deep roots in California’s agriculture industry. Each year the city gets an average of 260 sunny days — that’s 45 more than the U.S. average. The abundance of sunshine combined with warm year-round temperatures makes Modesto a great place to enjoy your retirement years.
About 14.3% of Modesto’s 215,196 residents are seniors aged 65 and older. People who identify as Hispanic or Latino make up 40% of the city’s population, and many in the area are fluent in Spanish and English. Modesto is known for hosting dozens of car shows, festivals and special events, and throughout the summer, free concerts are held each Thursday evening in the downtown core.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll find there’s plenty of beautifully maintained walking trails and parks throughout the city to explore. There are also dozens of wineries in the region that offer tours, including the renowned E. & J. Gallo Winery.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Modesto, CA
The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey shows that on average, seniors in Modesto pay about $5,148 per month for 44 hours of weekly home care. Despite the fact that home health care adds some limited medical care to the services provided through home care, median home health care rates also run $5,148 per month.
If you don’t require full-time home care, you can estimate your costs by multiplying the number of hours of support you need each week or month by the average hourly rate in Modesto, which is $27.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
In-home care rates in Modesto are well below the statewide average of $5,529 for either home care or home health care. Seniors in neighboring Merced can expect to pay $5,529 per month for home care or home health care, while in Stockton, both types of in-home care cost an average of $5,243. In nearby San Jose, rates are notably higher at $6,197 for home care and $6,292 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
At $5,148 per month, Modesto’s home care and home health care costs are $1,148 greater than the average cost of assisted living in the area. Rates for adult day care, which involves social and recreational programming in a communal setting, aren’t available for Modesto, but this type of care is usually the least-expensive long-term senior care. A semiprivate room in a nursing home is the most expensive type of long-term care at $10,783 per month.
III. How to Find Home Care in Modesto, 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 Modesto, 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 Modesto, CA
Modesto Senior Citizens Center
What You Should Know
Located just off Scenic Drive near Acacia Memorial Park, the Modesto Senior Citizens Center is a community center geared towards adults aged 50 and older. Owned and operated by the City’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department, the center offers a wide variety of free and low-cost social, recreational and educational events.
You can also visit the center to learn about community-based services for seniors, such as home repair programs and meal delivery for those who are housebound.
Who Is Eligible?
As a Modesto resident, you’re welcome to participate in any of the programs offered at the Senior Citizens Center. You can sign up for a weekly fitness class, drop by for an afternoon movie screening, or enjoy a holiday meal with your friends and neighbors.
How to Get Started
For the latest programming information and operating hours, call the Center at (209) 577-5344.
Modesto Area Dial-A-Ride
What You Should Know
Modesto Area Dial-A-Ride is a low-cost, on-demand transportation service for seniors and people living with disabilities. The service operates seven days a week, 365 days a year throughout Modesto within 3/4 mile of all Modesto Area Express bus system routes. You can use the service to travel to any destination in the city, including shopping areas, medical centers, churches and museums.
MADAR vehicles are ADA-compliant and equipped with a mechanical lift for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Rides should be reserved at least 24 hours in advance, and priority is given to riders traveling to and from medical appointments. Because MADAR is a shared-ride service, you can expect to make one or more stops for other passengers before you reach your final destination.
Who Is Eligible?
As a Modesto senior aged 65 or older, you’re eligible to use the MADAR system. If you’re under the age of 65 and you struggle to ride the regular, fixed-route bus system due to disability, you can also apply to become a MADAR rider.
How to Get Started
To register to use the MADAR service, call (209) 232-5092.
Stanislaus County Veterans Services
What You Should Know
The Stanislaus County Veterans Services Office helps veterans, dependents and survivors obtain their maximum entitlements through all county, state and federal programs. There’s no cost to use these services.
The staff of the Veterans Services office are fully accredited as veteran service officers by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, as well as the California Department of Veteran Affairs.
Who Is Eligible?
If you’re a veteran, a survivor or dependent, you’re eligible for free assistance through the Stanislaus County Veterans Services office. VSOs can help you file applications and appeals for VA benefits that can be used towards your home care costs, such as the Aid and Attendance and Housebound enhanced pension programs. VSOs can also help you arrange transportation to VA medical centers, secure your service records and apply for a reduction on your property taxes.
How to Get Started
To set up an appointment with a VSO, call (209) 558-7380. Walk-in appointments are also available Monday through Thursday, and if you’re unable to travel to the office, a VSO can meet with you in your home.
Stanislaus County Senior Information Line & Assistance
What You Should Know
Stanislaus County’s Aging and Veteran Services department operates the Senior Information Line, a free service that can help you find the help you need to stay independent.
The county staff provides information in Spanish and English. They can tell you about local food security programs, such as the Farmer’s Market Coupon Program, and the congregate meal program. You can also learn about Medicare and Medicaid counselling, find out how to get assistance with critical home repairs, and sign up for a senior’s fitness class by calling the info line.
Who Is Eligible?
Any senior living in Stanislaus County can use the free information and assistance line. Your caregivers and family members can also call the info line to find out about programs and services for seniors.
How to Get Started
To learn more, call the Senior Information Line at (209) 558-8698.
Senior Advocacy Network
What You Should Know
The Senior Advocacy Network is a registered nonprofit organization that works to ensure that low and moderate-income senior citizens have easy access to legal information and assistance.
You can get your will and power of attorney completed at no charge through the network. Staff also assist with elder abuse issues, guardianships, consumer and housing issues, all at no cost. Assistance with deed transfers, probate, trusts and conservatorships is available at a significantly lower cost than what you’d pay at a for-profit law firm.
Who Is Eligible?
Any Modesto senior with a low or moderate-income can use the services of the Senior Advocacy Network.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the Senior Advocacy Network, and to schedule an appointment with a legal professional, call (209) 577-3814.