I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Santa Rosa, CA
Designated “California’s Culinary Epicenter,” Santa Rosa is a vibrant community with nearly endless amenities that make it an ideal backdrop for retirement. It’s been named among the best places to retire in the nation for the quality of life it provides. Of the city’s nearly 180,000 residents, close to 17% are aged 65 and over, promoting social opportunities for retirees.
Santa Rosa is a safe community with a crime rate that’s considerably lower than the national average. It has approximately 222 physicians per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 210, and it’s home to world-class medical facilities, such as Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center.
In addition to promoting easy access to healthcare services, Santa Rosa offers a wide array of recreational amenities. Planned walking trails that take you through diverse neighborhoods, historic districts and public art displays give you a unique snapshot of the city, and points of interest such as Historic Railroad Square feature old-town charm with locally owned shops, coffee shops and restaurants. There are two senior centers in the city, including the Person Senior Wing of the Finley Recreation Complex and the Steele Lane Community Center.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Santa Rosa, CA
Designated “California’s Culinary Epicenter,” Santa Rosa is a vibrant community with nearly endless amenities that make it an ideal backdrop for retirement. It’s been named among the best places to retire in the nation for the quality of life it provides. Of the city’s nearly 180,000 residents, close to 17% are aged 65 and over, promoting social opportunities for retirees.
Santa Rosa is a safe community with a crime rate that’s considerably lower than the national average. It has approximately 222 physicians per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 210, and it’s home to world-class medical facilities, such as Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center.
In addition to promoting easy access to healthcare services, Santa Rosa offers a wide array of recreational amenities. Planned walking trails that take you through diverse neighborhoods, historic districts and public art displays give you a unique snapshot of the city, and points of interest such as Historic Railroad Square feature old-town charm with locally owned shops, coffee shops and restaurants. There are two senior centers in the city, including the Person Senior Wing of the Finley Recreation Complex and the Steele Lane Community
According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in the Santa Rosa region pay approximately $6,101 per month for home care, which includes personal care, chore services and meal planning and preparation. Despite the fact that home health care includes these services plus skilled nursing services, monthly fees for this level of care are also $6,101.
These estimates assume that you’re getting 44 hours of care per week at a rate of $32 per hour. The rate you actually pay may be higher or lower depending on your agency’s fee structure, the type of services you need and how many hours of weekly care you receive.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Santa Rosa’s average home care fees of $6,101 per month surpass the state median of $5,529 and the national average of $4,481, and its home health care costs are higher than the state and national rates of $5,529 and $4,576, respectively. In Napa, rates tend to be higher at $6,292 per month. Modesto is more affordable, with average costs of $5,148 per month. El Centro is one of the most economical California cities for home care, with both levels of care averaging $4,195.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
The cost of home care and home health care in Santa Rosa are comparable to monthly assisted living rates, which come in at $6,000 per month. The most expensive level of care is provided in nursing homes, where residents pay approximately $9,946 each month for a semiprivate room. There’s no cost data listed for adult day care fees in Santa Rosa, but this is generally the most affordable care option, as shown by the $1,733 per month statewide average paid in California.
III. How to Find Home Care in Santa Rosa, 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 Rosa, 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 Rosa, CA
Council on Aging
What You Should Know
The Council on Aging is a nonprofit organization that offers a broad range of services to help older adults maintain their independence. Through its Meals on Wheels program, it delivers fresh, delicious meals to Santa Rosa seniors who can’t prepare meals for themselves. The COA provides access to other programs that may help you stay in your home, including legal services, adult day social programs, senior peer support and care and case management. The council can also help you plan for your future through its Healthy Aging initiative, which focuses on social, emotional and physical well-being.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for services, you must be a resident of Sonoma County and at least 60 years old. Individual programs may have additional need- or income-based eligibility requirements.
How to Get Started
Find out more about the services available through the Council on Aging, as well as more detailed information on eligibility, by calling the council at (707) 525-0143.
County of Sonoma Adult & Aging Division
What You Should Know
The county’s Adult & Aging Division serves as the local Area Agency on Aging. It receives government funding to provide a wide variety of services to area residents aged 60 and over. Through this nonprofit agency, you can access the Senior Resource Guide, a comprehensive online guide to programs and services in the region that provide transportation, home-delivered and congregate meals, care planning and social and recreational opportunities. The agency can also help you with advance care planning, including completing an Advance Health Care Directive, deciding who will make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so and make sure your family members and healthcare providers have copies of the document.
Who Is Eligible?
Services through the AAA are available to those who are at least 60 years old and live in Sonoma County. Depending on the services you’re seeking, you may need to meet additional eligibility requirements.
How to Get Started
To speak to a representative about available services, call the AAA at (707) 565-5900 or fill out the online contact form.
Veterans Service Office
What You Should Know
The county’s Veterans Service Office can help you understand and access the benefits available to you if you or your spouse or parent served in the U.S. military. Through this office, you can apply for benefits that may help you cover in-home care costs, including pension programs, disability compensation and the Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefit. Officers can also help you determine whether you qualify for VA healthcare services.
Who Is Eligible?
Services through the VSO are available to all U.S. veterans as well as their spouses, dependent children and certain relatives.
How to Get Started
To find out what programs and benefits you qualify for, reach out to the VSO by calling (707) 565-5960 or emailing the office at [email protected].
City of Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks | Active Adults
What You Should Know
The City of Santa Rosa’s Recreation & Parks Department operates the Active Adults program, which offers social and recreational activities for older adults in the region. Through this program, you can participate in regularly scheduled activities such as music and age-friendly fitness classes, history chats, line dancing, card games and book clubs. The program features special holiday events and the annual Senior Expo, where you can learn about local businesses, organizations and activities. It also hosts events such as free legal clinics where you can get one-on-one advice on civil legal issues and health and wellness clinics.
Who Is Eligible?
Activities through the Recreation & Parks Department are open to those who are at least 50 years old. You don’t have to be a member to participate in the programs, but paying the low annual membership fee provides perks such as free legal clinics, guest speaker series, free coffee and tea, discounts on certain events and a discount on drop-in activities. The membership fee for individuals is $24 a year for city residents and $34 for nonresidents.
How to Get Started
To find out more about the programs and activities available through the city’s Recreation & Parks Department, call the Person Senior Wing at (707) 543-3745 or the Steele Lane Community Center at (707) 543-3282.
Senior Advocacy Services
What You Should Know
Senior Advocacy Services is a nonprofit organization in Santa Rosa. It administers the statewide HICAP service, which provides you with free, unbiased information regarding your Medicare benefits, health insurance options and Medi-Cal, which can help you identify ways to cover the cost of in-home care. HICAP volunteers can help you review and understand your medical bills, spot billing errors and appeal denied claims. Counselors can also connect you with local agencies that provide free or low-cost in-home care services, which may help you reduce your monthly care expenses.
Who Is Eligible?
Services through this agency are available to all seniors who live in the North Bay region. You may have to meet additional eligibility requirements to obtain services through HICAP.
How to Get Started
Learn more about Senior Advocacy Services by calling the main line at (707) 526-4108 or emailing [email protected].