I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Pasadena, CA
Situated in Los Angeles County at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena is a beautiful city that’s received awards for its innovative government services and excellent parks and recreation department. According to U.S. Census estimates, more than 22,500 of the almost 140,000 residents here are aged 65 and older, and the senior population in Los Angeles County is expected to grow by 173% in the coming decades.
As a resident of Pasadena, you can enjoy a highly desirable climate that makes outdoor activities, such as golfing, hiking, swimming, bike riding and walking, possible year-round. There are 120 golf courses, 27 parks and several mountain resorts in or nearby the city. If you enjoy cultural activities, you may appreciate Pasadena’s renowned museums, playhouses and theaters.
In addition to recreation, you can benefit from close proximity to high-quality medical care. Huntington Memorial Hospital is rated as high performing in geriatrics and nationally recognized as one of the top 50 hospitals in orthopedics. Pasadena also offers quality home care options, which helps make living in your own home a viable alternative to assisted living or other forms of long-term care.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Pasadena, CA
According to Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey 2020, seniors in Pasadena pay about $5,434 per month for home care services and $5,529 for home health care. These figures are almost identical to the California statewide averages and based on 44 hours of care per week, and you may pay more or less depending on your needs. Using the number of hours of care you expect to require, you can estimate your weekly or monthly costs based on the hourly rates of $28.50 for home care and $29 for home health care services.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Compared to other cities in Southern California, in-home care costs are midrange in Pasadena. The most expensive city in the region is San Diego, where the costs of home care and home health care services are the same at $5,716 per month. In Riverside, situated inland from Pasadena and San Diego, the average cost of both types of care is $5,053 per month. To the northwest in Oxnard, the estimated costs for home care and home health care are identical at $5,339 per month.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In Pasadena, home health care ($5,529) is slightly more expensive than home care ($5,434). The extra cost is due to the addition of limited medical services delivered by a trained professional. Assisted living communities offer personal care services along with room and board at an average cost of $5,000 per month. Adult day care provided in a group setting costs $1,647 per month, on average. Nursing homes provide the highest level of care available to seniors, resulting in an average cost of $8,060 per month.
Note: Data for Pasadena was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Los Angeles, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, CA
Pasadena Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
If you live at home but are unable to obtain or prepare your own meals, you can contact Pasadena Meals on Wheels to arrange regular meal deliveries. Hot and cold meals are brought directly to recipients’ doors Monday through Friday by friendly volunteers who can provide a brief wellness check and a connection to the community. Pasadena Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteer drivers and financial contributions from the community. It provides more than 36,000 meal deliveries for Pasadena residents every year.
Who Is Eligible?
If you live in Pasadena and can benefit from home-delivered meals due to age or disability, you can sign up for Pasadena Meals on Wheels. Hot and cold meals are delivered for just $7 per day.
How to Get Started
To sign up for meal deliveries or learn more about the program, call (626) 449-6815.
Pasadena Senior Center
What You Should Know
The Pasadena Senior Center is an activity and event hub for older adults that also offers a wide range of services you might benefit from as a senior aging in place. The case management program staff can assess your needs and coordinate the delivery of supportive services in your home. Free health insurance counseling is available to help you understand your options for Medicare and other health insurance coverage. Through the Help with Zoom service, you can learn how to stay in touch with friends and family online. The center also offers a telephone reassurance program, conflict and dispute resolution assistance and elder abuse support, among other programs.
Who Is Eligible?
Membership at the Pasadena Senior Center is open to local residents aged 50 and older. Membership has a low cost, but it’s not required for all programs.
How to Get Started
You can learn more about membership and the various programs available at the Pasadena Senior Center by calling (626) 795-4331.
Homeowner Rehabilitation Programs
What You Should Know
The City of Pasadena has several home rehabilitation programs available to help you make your dwelling more energy-efficient and livable. The program directed specifically at seniors is Maintenance Assistance and Services to Homeowners (MASH). The MASH program covers a number of services, such as painting, exterior work, minor interior repairs, weed abatement and the installation of mobility improvements. It may also bring your home up to code if necessary. Under One Roof and HOME Enhancement Loan Program (HELP) are two other programs available to low-income Pasadena residents.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for MASH, you must own and occupy a single-family home in Pasadena that needs repairs or improvements. Income guidelines vary by neighborhood, so you should contact the program’s staff to learn about the requirements in your specific area.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the available assistance or apply, you can contact the City of Pasadena’s MASH program at (626) 744-7620.
USC Family Caregiver Support Center (FCSC)
What You Should Know
The USC FCSC offers a comprehensive set of services designed to promote the well-being of seniors living in their own homes. Through the support center, you or your family members can learn about local home care options and community resources that promote independent living. The FCSC can also empower your caregivers through consultations, education, training and respite assistance so that they can provide the best care possible. Many of these services are available online through the FCSC’s CareNav portal, making it more convenient for you or your family caregiver to access the help you need without leaving home.
Who Is Eligible?
Support and resources are available to caregivers and individuals living with chronic cognitive conditions or physical disabilities.
How to Get Started
You or your caregiver can call (800) 540-4442 to learn more about the services available through the USC FCSC.
Pasadena Village
What You Should Know
Pasadena Village is a member-run organization that empowers local seniors to age better in their own homes. It can help you achieve your goal of living independently through a variety of offerings, including educational seminars, support groups, social activities and transportation to local destinations. Through Pasadena Village, you can also access assistance with temporary pet care, periodic meal deliveries, minor home repairs and help completing benefits applications. It also partners with law, financial organizations to give you access to legal help and investment advice. Programs and services are funded by membership fees and community donations.
Who Is Eligible?
If you’re aged 55 or older, you’re welcome to join Pasadena Village. While there’s a membership fee, if you’re living on a low income, you may be eligible to get part of all or part of your fee waived through the Membership Fee Assistance Program.
How to Get Started
Contact Pasadena Village at (626) 765-6037 to learn more about becoming a member or how the organization works.