I. What You Should Know About Home Care in San Diego, CA
Sunny San Diego is a perfect retirement location due to its beautiful beaches, mild climate and recreational amenities. It was ranked as the third best place to live in California. Out of San Diego’s population of 1.4 million people, over 12% are aged 65 and older. The city’s senior population is expected to more than double by 2030, when those aged 65 and older will make up over 21% of the population.
San Diego offers an abundance of recreational activities you can partake in, depending on your interests. The city is home to more than 90 golf courses, with Golf Digest hailing San Diego as one of the world’s top 50 golf destinations. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll appreciate that San Diego is one of California’s most biologically diverse regions. Its many hiking trails can get you up close to numerous species of birds, plants and wildlife.
The San Diego Botanic Garden is also a perfect option if you love nature but want a relaxing experience. San Diego also has shopping malls that carry well-known brands and smaller boutiques and antique stores that sell more unique items when you crave some retail therapy.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in San Diego, CA
The average costs of home care and home health care services in San Diego are the same, at $5,716 per month, according to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. Depending on the location, home health care can cost a bit more than home care due to the additional medical services it offers.
Genworth’s figures for the average cost of home care per month are based on 44 hours of care per week. Therefore, the monthly cost will vary from the average depending on the number of hours of care you may require each week. To further clarify the cost, you can expect to pay an average hourly rate of $29.98 for home care and home health care services in San Diego.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
San Diego’s home care and home health care costs are higher than what seniors pay in Los Angeles, Riverside and El Centro. In Los Angeles, the average monthly costs are $5,434 for home care and $5,529 for home health care. In Riverside, seniors pay $5,053 per month for both types of in-home care. The average cost for home care and home health care services is even lower in El Centro, at $4,195 per month.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In San Diego, the average cost of home care and home health care falls about midrange compared to other available types of care. The least expensive option is adult day care at $1,733 per month. The priciest option is nursing home care, which costs over $5,000 more than the average for home care, at $10,722 per month. The cost of assisted living is also less expensive than home care, averaging $4,525 per month.
III. How to Find Home Care in San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
What You Should Know
The PACE program operated by Family Health Centers of San Diego provides comprehensive customized care through coordinated medical and social services, which can allow you to continue living independently at home. The medical services PACE provides include specialist and nursing care, prescriptions, home care and medical equipment such as wheelchairs. Also, PACE provides nonmedical services such as recreational therapy programs, assistance with personal care and light housekeeping, nutrition counseling, home-delivered meals and transportation.
When you apply to the program, an enrollment specialist will schedule at time to meet with you in your home to go over the program and what it offers. They’ll also conduct an assessment of your eligibility. You will then receive a no-cost team assessment to complete an application.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for PACE if you’re aged 55 and older, live within the program’s designated service area according to your zip code and meet the financial guidelines. You also must be meet the level of care required by the California Department of Health Care Services and be able to live safely in the community with the assistance provided through PACE.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the program or start the enrollment process, you can call (619) 515-2445 to speak with a PACE care expert.
ElderHelp Care Coordination Program
What You Should Know
ElderHelp, a nonprofit organization, offers a Care Coordination program that can connect you with community resources to help you age in place safely at home safely and avoid isolation. You’re also matched with volunteers who will provide services such as grocery shopping, home safety inspections and modifications, gardening, social outings and friendly visits, among others.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the program, you must be 60 years or older, reside in ElderHelp’s service area and capable of being your own advocate.
How to Get Started
To learn more about this program or to apply, you can call (619) 284-9281or visit ElderHelp’s San Diego office located at 3860 Calle Fortunada, Suite 101.
Seniors A Go Go
What You Should Know
ElderHelp also operates the Seniors A Go Go program, which provides escorted transportation around San Diego to help seniors stay connected to the community and maintain their independence. Volunteers with the program can drive you to medical appointments, errands, social activities and more. You must request a ride in advance and coordinate details for pick up, drop off or door-through-door services.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be aged 60 or older, able to advocate for yourself and live within ElderHelp’s service area. You must also be able to get in and out of a vehicle with minimal help.
How to Get Started
To register for the program, you can call (619) 284-9281.
Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheel of San Diego County can provide you with home-delivered meals 7 days a week, including holidays. The program volunteers who make deliveries can also act as a safety net to make sure you’re doing well.
Meals on Wheels provides additional services in partnership with other community organizations. For example, volunteers can also deliver pet food, install free smoke alarms and provide minor cleanup and yard work services. The organization charges a one-time fee of $35 to start the meal delivery service.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be over the age of 60 to sign up for the Meals on Wheels program, but there are no income limitations.
How to Get Started
To sign up and schedule meal delivery services, you can contact the closest Meals on Wheels of San Diego County location.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
What You Should Know
The IHSS program, operated by San Diego County, provides homemaker and personal care assistance to eligible seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or have a low income and need assistance to live independently in their own home. The program provides help with personal care needs, such as bathing, grooming and dressing, house cleaning and meal preparation. Once approved, you’re considered an employer and can hire the caregiver or homemaker you choose.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be aged 65 or older, or blind or disabled, and need assistance to live safely at home. You must also meet the eligibility requirements for Medi-Cal or be receiving SSI benefits to qualify. If you’re not receiving SSI, you may have to pay a share of the cost to receive IHSS services.
How to Get Started
To apply for the IHSS program, you can call Aging & Independence Services (AIS) at (800) 339-4661 to obtain an application and schedule an evaluation. Alternatively, you can print out an application and email it to [email protected], fax it to (619) 344-8077 or drop it off to the San Diego IHSS regional office located at 5560 Overland Avenue, Suite 310.