I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Novato, CA
Seniors have a number of great reasons to choose home care in Novato. With its balmy summers, snow-free winters and more than 260 sunny days per year, Novato lets residents enjoy some of the most pleasant weather conditions to be found nationwide. Livability.com ranked Novato as the 77th best U.S. place to live in 2018, largely thanks to the city’s thriving economy and quality health care, accessible through Novato Community Hospital. Crime rates in Novato are lower than average, making it safer than 29% of other U.S. cities. Retirees in Novato are part of a steadily growing senior population — nearly 21% of the city’s 55,516 residents are 65 or older.
Novato is home to several award-winning wineries, where seniors can sample fine vintages, listen to live music and take in the stunning hillside views with family and friends. San Pablo National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for nature lovers, offering opportunities for hiking, photography, fishing and hunting. The city’s upscale golf clubs welcome players of all skill levels. Arts and culture buffs may enjoy Novato’s museums, which feature exhibits from nationally recognized artists and talented local artisans.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Novato, CA
Home care and home health care both cost an average of $6,292 per month in Novato, according to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. Specific prices vary depending on the provider, amenities and services needed. Some providers may charge more for home health care because it also includes medication administration, chronic condition management and other skilled nursing services.
Genworth’s monthly figures are based on an average of 44 hours of care per week. In general, you can expect to pay approximately $33 per hour for home care and home health aide services.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care and home health care in Novato cost more than what seniors pay in most other cities in this part of California. To the south in San Francisco, both services cost $6,101 per month, or almost $200 less. Seniors can save about $430 by choosing care in Sacramento, where it costs $5,863 for both. Southeast of Novato in Santa Cruz, rates for home care and home health care are exactly the same at $6,292.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care in Novato is only about $50 more per month than what it costs for assisted living, which includes room and board, 24-hour supervision and help with activities of daily living in a community setting. Adult day care is the cheapest option, with prices averaging $2,546. A more expensive choice is a semiprivate nursing home room, which costs $10,646, or $4,354 more than home care.
Note: Data for Novato was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Napa, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Novato, 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 Novato, 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 Novato, CA
In-Home Supportive Services
What You Should Know
IHSS is a Medicaid/Medi-Cal program providing free services that can enable seniors to keep living in their homes instead of a long-term care facility. The program includes personal care (toileting, grooming and bathing assistance), shopping, meal preparation and help with chores around the home. Services are provided by an IHSS-approved caregiver of the recipient’s choosing. IHSS doesn’t include 24-hour care. If this level of care is needed, you may be able to cover the additional costs with a Home and Community-Based Waiver.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for IHSS, you must reside in your own home and be 65 or older, blind or disabled with a disability that is going to last one year or longer. You must also be a Medi-Cal recipient or qualify to get Medi-Cal benefits.
How to Get Started
To apply, complete and submit the online IHSS screening form to Marin County Aging and Adult Services. You also need to apply for Medi-Cal if you aren’t already a recipient. For questions, call (415) 473-4636.
Marin Center for Independent Living
What You Should Know
Marin County’s CIL is a nonprofit organization that provides free services, information and advocacy for seniors and people with disabilities. Under its Dignity at Home program, seniors can get assessments and no-cost modifications that make home a safer and more comfortable place to live. Modifications may include shower benches, grab bars, raised toilet seats and other equipment designed to reduce the risk of falls. Other services offered are benefits counseling, care coordination and person-centered planning that help older adults learn to live independently at home.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be over the age of 60 or disabled to be eligible for most Marin CIL programs. In general, your income can’t exceed 80% of the Marin County median income.
How to Get Started
Contact Marin CIL by phone at (415) 459-6245 or email to find out more about its programs and how to apply for services. To apply for Dignity at Home, complete and submit the online application form.
Energy Program
What You Should Know
Administered by Community Action Marin, LIHEAP provides financial assistance for low-income seniors who need help paying their home energy bills. Funding comes in the form of a one-time cash grant that’s sent directly to your utility company. LIHEAP recipients can also get referrals to free or low-cost weatherization services to make their homes more energy-efficient. These may include weather stripping, insulation and repairs to windows, walls and roofs, depending on your eligibility and need.
Who Is Eligible?
There’s no minimum age to apply for LIHEAP, but you need to meet income eligibility requirements to get assistance. For a family of one, your gross monthly household income must be at or below $2,296.93. Income maximums increase with each additional family member.
How to Get Started
To apply for LIHEAP and other Community Action Marin programs, watch the prerecorded orientation video, then fill out and submit the application form online to be contacted by a Client Intake Specialist. If you need help applying, call (415) 526-7500 or email [email protected].
Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels delivers freshly prepared, healthy meals to homebound seniors throughout Marin County. Meals are nutritionally balanced and include an entree, vegetable, grain, fruit and milk. Special dietary needs can be accommodated on request. Meals are delivered three days per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There’s a suggested donation of $3.50 per meal, but meals are still provided if you’re unable to pay.
Who Is Eligible?
You must live in Marin County, be aged 60 or above and unable to grocery shop or prepare meals for yourself. Meals can be delivered on a long-term or temporary basis, depending on your needs.
How to Get Started
Apply for meal delivery by completing the online application and emailing it to [email protected]. You can also sign up for service by calling the County of Marin Division of Aging and Adult Services at (415) 457-4636.
Marin Access
What You Should Know
The Marin Access program provides free and low-cost transportation to seniors who can’t use regular Marin Transit bus services due to age, illness or disability. Seniors can speak with a Travel Navigator to learn their transportation options and sign up for services. Marin Access includes door-to-door paratransit service, volunteer driver mileage reimbursement and a Catch-a-Ride option, which enables seniors to take up to 10 taxi trips per month at a reduced fare.
Who Is Eligible?
Marin Access is open to disabled individuals and seniors 65+ who are unable to drive or use regular bus services by themselves. Reduced fares are provided to low-income people and those enrolled in Medi-Cal.
How to Get Started
To sign up for Marin Access, fill out the application form and select the programs you’d like to apply for. Depending on the programs you choose, you’ll need to provide your driver’s license number, recent pay stubs, Medi-Cal eligibility information and other types of documentation. To get help with the application or apply by phone, call (415) 454-0902.