Temecula is a large city in Southern California with over 110,000 residents. While it has a relatively young population with seniors accounting for only a little more than a tenth of residents, it offers numerous benefits to seniors, including high access to age-friendly social and recreational programs and supportive services that may enable older adults to remain in their homes throughout retirement. Its overall cost of living is low compared to many California cities, rating 142.6 on a cost-of-living index versus the state score of 149.9. Housing costs are among the lowest in the state, which may make it financially feasible to age in place.
Temecula is a prime retirement option for those seeking a warm year-round climate. Annually, daytime temperatures range from 67 to 96 degrees. The city only gets about 12 inches of annual rainfall, and snow is extremely rare. There’s one local hospital, Temecula Valley Hospital, and on average, health care costs come in about 16% below the national average, making it a good option for those managing chronic conditions. While property crime occurs at a rate comparable to the average U.S. city, violent crime is uncommon, which may provide peace of mind to seniors who live alone.
Temecula is a comparatively expensive place to obtain home-based care. Data in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that home care and home health care rates exceed the state and national averages. Local seniors pay $6,387 for home care, which includes nonmedical services, such as companionship and transportation for doctor’s appointments. Home health care includes specialized skilled nursing services and is a little costlier at $6,473.
Monthly home-based care costs are based on hourly rates of $33.50 for home care and $33.95 for home health care and assume 44 hours of care per week. If you need more or less care or if you supplement private-pay services with help from family or community-based programs, your care costs may vary.
In Temecula, home care agencies charge an estimated $6,387 for basic home care services and $6,473 for specialized home health care. This is a little expensive compared to the statewide median rate of $6,101, which applies to both levels of care, and it’s over $1,000 higher than the national respective averages of $4,957 and $5,148. In El Centro, monthly rates are considerably cheaper at $3,432 for home care and home health care, and in Bakersfield, seniors pay $5,506 for both levels of care. In Riverside, monthly rates average $6,101.
Seniors in Temecula pay approximately $6,387 for monthly home care services and slightly higher rates of $6,473 for home health care. Assisted living is a comparatively cost-effective option with residents paying an estimated $5,475 for housing, meals and personal care. Adult day care is considerably cheaper at $2,058 and may be a good option for those who want to live at home but have restrictive care budgets. Home-based care is affordable when compared to nursing homes, which have high monthly rates of $9,384 for semiprivate rooms.
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 Temecula, CA.
What You Should Know
The Riverside County Office on Aging is the designated Area Agency on Aging, Benefits Enrollment Center and Aging and Disability Resource Connection for Temecula. It serves as an entry point for community-based services in the region, including those that can help you reduce what you pay for home care. Among its 27 programs is HelpLink Information and Assistance, which provides one-on-one help with finding services, such as options counseling, utility assistance and public benefits enrollment. Its case managers coordinate community-based supports and services for older adults, and it provides home-delivered and congregate meals to qualified individuals.
Who Is Eligible?
The Riverside County Office on Aging serves all Temecula residents aged 60 and over. You may have to meet income-based eligibility requirements to qualify for certain services.
How to Get Started
Seniors can call the office at (877) 932-4100 to learn more about community-based services and programs in the Temecula region.
What You Should Know
The Mary Phillips Senior Center is a nonprofit center in Temecula that hosts a range of social, educational and recreational programs for older adults to help those who live alone to avoid isolation and loneliness. It provides health and wellness services, including general medical exams and health screenings for blood pressure, vision and diabetes. It serves weekly congregate meals that are available via curbside pickup between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. every Friday. The center has a transportation program that provides round-trip, door-to-door transportation to help older adults participate in the nutrition program.
Who Is Eligible?
Activities and meals through the senior center are open to everyone aged 60 and over in Temecula. To qualify for the transportation program, you must live within the city, and you must either be without a vehicle or be unable to drive to the center for medical reasons.
How to Get Started
To reserve a meal, arrange transportation or inquire about the center’s wellness and supportive services, call the main office at (951) 694-6464.
What You Should Know
The Community Action Partnership of Riverside County is a local nonprofit organization that supports the financial stability of low-income individuals in the Temecula area. It operates the Weatherization Assistance Program that provides free energy-efficient home upgrades to qualified individuals to help them improve their homes’ comfort and reduce their electric bills. Its utility assistance program helps those who are behind on energy bills to avoid disruptions in their service by providing one-time financial assistance. CAP also provides Volunteer Income Tax Assistance to help you correctly file your taxes and claim all the deductions you qualify for, and it has a disaster preparedness program with Cool and Warm Centers to help you stay safe during extreme temperatures.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for services, you must live in Riverside County. Services through CAP are based on income, and in many cases, priority is given to vulnerable residents, including seniors. Some programs have additional eligibility requirements related to residence or disability.
How to Get Started
You can get more information on the programs and services available through CAP by contacting the organization at (951) 955-4900.
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels Riverside uses donations to provide home-delivered meals to eligible seniors in Temecula and the rest of Riverside County. Menus are based on current nutritional guidelines for seniors, and low-sugar, low-salt, vegetarian and diabetic meals are available. Volunteers deliver meals between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and connect with recipients to ensure their safety. The organization also operates the Chuck Waggin’ Pet Meals Program that provides free dog and cat food to recipients’ pets. Donations for meals and pet food are appreciated, but no one is denied due to an inability to pay.
Who Is Eligible?
Meals on Wheels services are available to Temecula residents aged 65 and over or who have disabilities. You may obtain meals on a short-term or long-term basis.
How to Get Started
You can get more information on the meal delivery program, including menus and eligibility criteria, by calling (951) 683-7151, ext. 102. To get food for your cat or dog, fill out and submit a request form here.
What You Should Know
The Foundation on Aging is a local nonprofit organization that raises awareness of age-related issues and local programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life. It distributes grocery and meal gift cards annually to qualified individuals through the Holiday Gift Card program, and it has farmers market vouchers that supplement seniors’ grocery budgets.
Who Is Eligible?
All seniors in the Temecula area can contact the Foundation on Aging to learn more about local programs and services that may help them age in place.
How to Get Started
For general information on the Foundation on Aging, seniors can contact the main office by calling (951) 867-3800. To learn more about the organization’s nutrition programs, call (800) 510-2020.