I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Redding, CA

Redding is considered the civic and economic hub of the region of California north of Sacramento. It’s home to nearly 20,000 adults who are aged 65 and older. The density of seniors in Redding is about 3% higher than the national average, which may be explained by the city’s relatively low cost of living compared to the state average, mild year-round weather, and an above-average number of physicians per capita. The city also has high-performing hospitals, including Mercy Medical Center Redding and Shasta Regional Medical Center.

The quality health care options in Redding are complemented by reputable home care services that allow seniors in the city to stay at home even if they’re disabled or temporarily unable to do some daily activities. The cost of home care in Redding is a bit high compared to state and national averages, but seniors may be able to offset these costs with favorable tax policies and financial programs.

II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Redding, CA

The average price that families in Redding pay for both in-home care and home health care is $6,673 per month. This monthly cost, which comes from the Genworth Cost of Care Survey for 2021, is based on 44 hours of caregiving per week. Seniors who need more or less care per week can estimate their own home care costs using Redding’s hourly average, which is $35. While the survey lists both types of home care at the same rate, you may find that home health care is a bit more expensive due to the medical services it provides.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

In-home care and home health care costs in Redding are higher than the average costs for California and significantly higher than the average costs of the United States. Among other cities in Northern California, Redding’s home care costs are in the upper end of the range. San Francisco has an average rate of $6,864 for in-home care and $7,150 for home health care, making it a bit more expensive than Redding. Chico ($5,720) and Sacramento ($6,292) are less expensive.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

While the average cost of home care and home health care are both $6,673 per month in Redding, families in the community may pay a bit more for home health care. Assisted living in Redding costs $4,450 per month, and adult day care is the least expensive option at $2,167 per month. Due to the high level of medical care and supervision they provide, nursing homes ($10,768) are the most expensive type of care in Redding.

III. How to Find Home Care in Redding, 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 Redding, CA.

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Redding, CA

Minor Home Repair Program for Seniors

What You Should Know
This program provides grants of up to $500 for senior homeowners who need to make minor repairs to the homes they own, but do not have the resources to pay for the work themselves. Only repairs that affect the health and safety of the home’s occupants are eligible, including plumbing and electrical hazards, weatherization, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, code violations and exterior maintenance. This work is performed by contractors and tradesmen chosen by the Housing Division. Bills for all repair work are sent directly to the city.

Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the Minor Home Repair Program, you must be aged 62 or older and own or occupy your home or mobile home within the city limits of Redding. You must also not have an annual income of more than $39,800 for a household of one.

How to Get Started
You can apply for this program by calling (530) 225-4040. The city will send you an application packet that you can fill out and mail.

Meals on Wheels

What You Should Know
The Meals on Wheels program brings hot and nutritious meals to seniors in Redding who are not able to obtain food on their own or from friends and family. Frozen meals are also available if you need additional support over the weekend or live outside normal delivery routes. All meals are designed to meet 1/3 of each senior’s daily nutritional needs as determined by a registered dietician. Meals on Wheels in Redding is provided by Dignity Health.

Who Is Eligible?
Meals on Wheels deliveries are available to seniors in Redding who are aged 60 or older and are unable to prepare or obtain their own meals due to a permanent or temporary disability. Donations for meals are accepted, but no seniors are turned away due to their inability to pay.

How to Get Started
To request deliveries or learn more about the Meals on Wheels program in Redding, you can call (530) 226-3061 or e-mail [email protected].

Tax Assistance Programs for Senior Citizens and Blind/Disabled Persons

What You Should Know
The Shasta County Assessor-Recorder’s Office administers the Property Tax Postponement program to help seniors in Redding delay the payment of the taxes on their property so that they can use that money for home care and other needs. This tax will eventually need to be repaid, and this assistance is secured by the government by putting a lien against the property. This program is administered by the California  State Controller’s Office.

Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the Property Tax Postponement program, you must be at least age 62 or disabled. You must also occupy the residency receiving the tax postponement, have at least 40% equity in that property and have a household income of less than $45,000. The property must not have any reverse mortgages on it.

How to Get Started
You can sign up for this tax postponement by calling the state controller’s office at (800) 952-5661 or visiting http://www.sco.ca.gov online.

Redding Senior Center

What You Should Know
The Redding Senior Center in Shasta County is a nonprofit agency that works to better the lives of older adults living in Redding and the surrounding areas. It offers a variety of activities with a very low-cost membership. These activities include games, fitness classes, crafting groups, bingo, yoga, dancing and live music. Special events take place throughout the year. You can also rent out the senior center on the weekend to host your own private parties.

Who Is Eligible?
Residents aged 50 and older can participate in the center’s activities for a yearly membership fee of $20.

How to Get Started
To rent out the hall or learn more about the activities going on at the Redding Senior Center, you can call (530) 246-3042.

Planning & Service Area 2 Area Agency on Aging

What You Should Know
As part of the California Senior Network, this Area Agency on Aging is responsible for serving seniors in the region with unique needs, including those who are aging in place at home. The agency’s programs include caregiver support, elder abuse prevention, nutrition access, legal assistance, transportation and general counseling. PSA2 also provides homemaker services for seniors in the community who need help with shopping, preparing meals, doing light housework and even managing money. Health insurance counselors can help you find government benefits that help pay for additional support and services.

Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for the services provided by this Area Agency on Aging can vary between each program. In some cases, a representative from the agency will need to perform an assessment before services are provided. There are no eligibility requirements for general questions and information.

How to Get Started
Seniors and families can call (800) 510-2020 to learn more about the programs and services offered by the Area Agency on Aging that serves Redding.