I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Palm Desert, CA
Located in the heart of the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert stands out for its elegant tree-lined boulevards, lush landscapes and awe-inspiring views of the San Jacinto Mountains. This popular retirement destination is home to 53,275 residents, and seniors represent 36% of the population. The climate is close to ideal with 269 warm, sunny days and just 5 inches of annual rainfall. This makes Palm Desert the perfect fit for residents who enjoy golfing, tennis, open-air shopping or outdoor recreation.
The city is home to the top-rated Desert Regional Medical Center, and several other health care facilities are located in the surrounding area, making it easy to access care for routine checkups and emergencies. If you want to age in place, you can choose from more than a dozen licensed home care organizations based in Palm Desert, and many additional resources are available through local senior centers and community partners.
Although the cost of living in this desirable area is 22% higher than the national average, Palm Desert is more affordable than California as a whole. This can help you stretch your retirement dollars further and lead the lifestyle that you desire at any age.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Palm Desert, CA
Home care in Palm Desert costs $5,716 per month. Average costs are the same for home care and home health care, but the latter includes additional medical services. Home care agencies provide attendants to assist with errands, personal care and household tasks like cooking and cleaning. They may also offer physical therapy, medication assistance and skilled rehabilitative services.
One advantage of home care is that you can choose as much or as little help as you need. Pricing estimates featured on this page are from Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, which assumes that seniors require 44 hours of weekly care. According to this study, you can expect to pay $29.98 per hour, which is about $6 higher than the U.S. median.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
If you live in Palm Desert, you’ll pay approximately $1,140 more per month of care than seniors in other parts of the country. Home care prices in Palm Desert are slightly higher than other major cities in Southern California and $187 more than the state median of $5,529. Home care in Los Angeles is similarly priced at $5,434-$5,529 per month. If you move closer to Riverside, you’ll save $663 per month. El Centro is a competitively priced alternative, with monthly rates that are $1,521 lower.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
As a senior today, you have the freedom to make long-term care decisions based on your needs, budget and personal preferences. Home care has a moderate cost averaging around $5,716. Assisted living costs $1,191 less per month and includes help with similar tasks plus room and board. Adult day health care provided at local community centers costs $1,733 per month. Nursing homes in Palm Desert cost $10,722 per month, about $5,000 more, and are best for individuals who have complex medical needs that require ongoing monitoring.
III. How to Find Home Care in Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert, CA
Riverside County Office on Aging
What You Should Know
The Riverside County Office on Aging is the Aging and Disability Resource Center and Area Agency on Aging for Palm Desert and surrounding areas. It manages more than 25 programs that benefit seniors, disabled adults and family caregivers. Trained Community Resource Specialists provide information and referrals to help you learn more about your long-term care options. They also offer utility bill assistance and intervene in cases of elder abuse or neglect. The Office on Aging manages the area’s Multipurpose Senior Services Program, which provides in-home evaluations and nurse-directed case management services to help older adults access the services they need to remain in their own homes.
Who Is Eligible
This AAA assists disabled adults, family caregivers and seniors over age 60. Free and low-cost services are available to individuals who meet program-specific criteria, which may include age, income, assets and physical need.
How to Get Started
For assistance or to learn more about the options that are available to you, call the agency’s East County Office at (760) 771-0501.
The Joslyn Center
What You Should Know
Founded in 1981, The Joslyn Center is a vibrant community organization offering an impressive array of recreational programs and social services to adults aged 50 and older. The center hosts dozens of weekly activity programs, including fitness classes, foreign language courses, arts and crafts, sports and games. It offers lessons on bridge, mahjong and pinochle for seniors who want to master these games or join a card club. The center has a movie and performing arts theater, and it manages a self-funded, fully independent Meals on Wheels program. Lunchtime deliveries are available for a daily fee of $6.50. Free and sliding-scale options are available to those in need. Seniors can also access legal advice, tax preparation assistance and social services through this organization.
Who Is Eligible
The Joselyn Center serves adults aged 50+ who live in Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and other cove communities. Membership costs $30 per year, which gives seniors access to recreational activities and many free services, including flu shots and blood pressure checks.
How to Get Started
To learn more about these programs, visit the center online or call (760) 340-3220.
County of Riverside Veterans’ Services
What You Should Know
If you’re one of Palm Desert’s 4,400 veteran residents, you can contact this county agency for free assistance. It offers information, education, benefits consultations and assistance with applications and appeals. It also engages in advocacy and outreach to promote community programs and relevant causes while working to improve veterans’ quality of life. If you need help paying for in-home care, accessing transportation to and from medical appointments or receiving the VA benefits that you’re entitled to, a specially trained veterans service officer can help. Survivors qualify for many financial benefits, including a pension supplement called Aid & Attendance that can help with the cost of hiring a personal care aide.
Who Is Eligible
This agency serves veterans, survivors and dependents living in Riverside County.
How to Get Started
You can visit the department online or call (951) 955-3060 to learn more or to request assistance.
HICAP of The Inland Empire
What You Should Know
Sponsored by the Council on Aging, this regional Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) serves Medicare beneficiaries in Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo and Mono counties, including the city of Palm Desert. Specially trained, state-registered counselors provide free, unbiased information about Medicare and related coverage options, including long-term care insurance, Part D prescription drug coverage and Medigap supplements that can limit your out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to helping you compare available plans, counselors can see if you’re eligible for financial assistance through Extra Help, and they can answer questions about billing issues, claims and appeals.
Who Is Eligible
HICAP of the Inland Empire provides general information and one-on-one services to seniors, families, caregivers and concerned friends. This regional affiliate serves residents throughout the Inland Empire.
How to Get Started
Insurance counseling is available by appointment. Call (909) 256-8369 to reserve a time with the HICAP clinic.
Inland Counties Legal Services Inc.
What You Should Know
This nonprofit organization has more than 60 years of experience providing free legal advice and assistance to seniors and low-income families in Palm Desert, Riverside County and the surrounding areas. Attorneys and staff members can assist you with wills, powers of attorney and estate planning questions. They help with health care and long-term care access, including financial assistance programs and public benefits like Medicare and Social Security. Other areas of focus include elder abuse, grandparents’ rights, disability and debt collection.
Who Is Eligible
You may qualify for advice, brief legal services or direct representation based on your age, income, assets and the facts of your case. The Inland Counties Legal Services’ Senior Intake and Outreach team focuses on serving adults age 60 and older.
How to Get Started
You can call the intake hotline at (888) 245-4257 to request assistance or dial (800) 977-4257 to reach the senior division.