I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Santa Clarita, CA
Situated in Southern California, the sunny city of Santa Clarita is sought out for its world-class cultural and recreational amenities, comfortable year-round climate and access to world-class health care. Over 330,000 people live here, making it one of the most populous cities in Los Angeles County, and those aged 65 and over make up about 12% of the population. This city is a part of the AARP Age-Friendly Network, meaning that its officials have implemented an action plan to create facilities, programs and activities specifically for older adults. It has a thriving senior center with a full calendar of events, and high-performing hospitals, such as the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, are located within easy driving distance.
Santa Clarita is among the more economical places to live in California with an overall cost of living that’s about 2% lower than the state average and nearly 20% lower than the county as a whole. Housing costs come in below the state median, which may make home care a sustainable option for those who want to age in place. Health care costs are also affordable at about 15% below the national average and may benefit those who are managing chronic conditions.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Santa Clarita, CA
According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, in Santa Clarita, home care clients pay $5,434 per month on average for these services. This is based on an annual rate of $65,208 divided by 12 months. It assumes 44 hours of weekly care and works out to an hourly rate of $28.50. If you need more than eight hours of care five days per week or six hours of care seven days per week, you may pay more than the median. You may be able to save money by accessing subsidized services, such as home-delivered meals, volunteer-based transportation and chore services and friendly visitor or phone call programs.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
In Santa Clarita, older adults pay $5,434 per month for home care, which is higher than the national median of $4,481 but lower than the statewide rate of $5,529. Home health care, which includes skilled nursing, is a little costlier in Santa Clarita at $5,529. This is nearly $1,000 higher than the U.S. average monthly rate of $4,576 but equal to the California average. Compared to other major cities, Santa Clarita is more affordable than the Santa Cruz area where both types of care cost $6,292 monthly and San Diego where seniors pay $5,716. Fresno is more cost-effective for those obtaining care at home with both levels of care costing $5,034.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Senior care costs in Santa Clarita vary considerably depending on what level of care you need and where you obtain it. For those who live at home, adult day care is the cheapest option with seniors paying $1,647 monthly. Home-based care is considerably pricier at $5,434 for basic home care services and $5,529 for home health care. You may save hundreds of dollars per month by opting for assisted living, which provides the same services as home care in a residential community setting for $5,000 per month. Nursing homes provide the highest level of care and have the highest monthly rates with residents paying $8,060 per month for shared rooms.
Note: Data for Santa Clarita was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Los Angeles Area, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita, CA
County of Los Angeles Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services
What You Should Know
WDACS is the designated Area Agency on Aging for the Santa Clarita region and uses government funds and donations to provide free and low-cost services to those aged 60 and over. It has a nutritional program with home-delivered and congregate meals, and it hosts free nutrition seminars to help older adults understand their dietary needs. Through its Supportive Services Program, you can obtain affordable homemaker and personal care services and in-home respite and registry services through the help of a dedicated case manager. The agency also provides health insurance options counseling to help you identify ways to cover in-home care.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for services through the local AAA, you must be at least 60 years old and live within Los Angeles County. Many services are available to all older adults, while some programs have additional eligibility requirements for income and level of need.
How to Get Started
To find out more about these programs or to apply for services, you can call (888) 211-0644. Individuals can also submit an online form to be contacted by the AAA.
Center For Health Care Rights
What You Should Know
The Center for Health Care Rights is a nonprofit organization that provides legal services, advocacy, education and options counseling to help older adults understand their health insurance options. At this center, trained advisers help you understand your Medicare benefits and identify private Medicare options that may help pay for home care. You can also get help with determining whether you’re eligible for Medi-Cal and Medicare financial assistance programs.
Who Is Eligible?
Services through the Center for Health Care Rights are open to everyone who qualifies for Medicare and lives in Los Angeles County.
How to Get Started
To get one-on-one counseling on Medicare, Medi-Cal and other health insurance topics, you can call the hotline at (800) 824-0780 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can also refer to the calendar of events for information on upcoming workshops and community activities.
Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center
What You Should Know
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is a local nonprofit center that hosts social and recreational programs for older adults in the Santa Clarita region. At this location, you can participate in games, creative writing courses, discussion groups, book clubs, art classes and age-friendly fitness classes. The center has an adult day program and a Support Services division to help you arrange home-delivered meals, homemaker assistance and home adaptations. Its Handyworker Program provides basic home repairs to improve your home’s safety and comfort.
Who Is Eligible?
Most services and programs are available to everyone aged 60 and over who lives in Santa Clarita and surrounding cities. Some programs, including home-delivered meals and care management, are available to those who meet financial and needs-based criteria.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the senior center and its upcoming activities, you can call the main office at (661) 259-9444 or submit an online contact form. Individuals can register for classes online up to seven days in advance.
Senior Citizen Property Tax Assistance
What You Should Know
Older homeowners in Santa Clarita may obtain property tax relief through the county’s Property Tax Postponement Program. Through this program, you can postpone payment of the property taxes for the current year, which may free up funds that can be put towards home care or other expenses.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Property Tax Postponement Program, you must be at least 62 years old, blind or disabled. The property must be your primary residence, and you must meet income requirements. This program isn’t available to those who have less than 40% equity in the property or who have a reverse mortgage. Funding for this program is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so not everyone who’s eligible may be approved.
How to Get Started
To get more information on this program, you can reach out to the State Controller’s Office by calling (800) 952-5661 or emailing [email protected].
211LA
What You Should Know
211LA is a free over-the-phone information and referral service that helps older adults connect with programs in the community. It operates as the Aging and Disability Resource Center for the Santa Clarita region. Through this service, you can get information on durable medical equipment loans, homemaker programs, home-delivered meals and transportation services.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone living within Los Angeles County can get help through 211LA. Programs such as LIHEAP and rent relief typically have eligibility criteria related to age, income and need.
How to Get Started
To get free, confidential help from a Community Resource Advisor, you can dial 211. This service is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. You can also fill out and submit an online contact form.