I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks is a welcoming community in the Los Angeles metro known for its scenic parks, age-friendly recreational amenities and access to health care. It has nearly 127,000 residents and a large senior community accounting for about a fifth of the population. Its warm, comfortable climate makes it a popular option for retirees who enjoy relaxing outdoors, and local services such as Dial-A-Ride makes it easy for older adults to attend errands even if they don’t drive their own cars. The city also has low property and violent crime rates, providing peace of mind for those who live alone, making it a good option for those who want to remain in their own homes by obtaining home care services.
Thousand Oaks has a high cost of living that’s about 20% higher than the state median. Housing costs are fairly high compared to prices in most U.S. cities, which may be a consideration if you’re moving here from another city with cheaper housing. However, several programs help income-qualified individuals in Thousand Oaks afford living costs and obtain supplemental food and prescription drug assistance. Taxes are also high for Californians, with state residents paying some of the nation’s highest income and property taxes. Getting income tax preparation assistance can help you get the deductions you’re eligible for and conserve your retirement income.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Thousand Oaks, CA
The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey estimates Thousand Oak’s home care costs at $5,815 per month and home health care costs at $6,054. Both care types include basic services such as companionship, meal preparation and light housekeeping, but only home health care includes skilled nursing services such as medication administration. It bases this rate on 44 hours of weekly care at an hourly rate of $30.50 for home care and $31.75 for home health care.
You can reduce what you spend on home care by accessing low-cost community services through local organizations such as the Area Agency on Aging. Alternately, you may pay more than the estimated monthly rate if you need more than 44 hours of care per week.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Thousand Oaks home care costs are an affordable option compared to most California cities. While local rates exceed the national care costs of $4,957 for home care and $5,148 for home health care, they’re economical compared to the state rate of $6,101 for both levels of care. In Fresno, rates are a little lower at $5,529, and in Napa, seniors pay $6,435 for either level of care. San Luis Obispo is one of the costlier places in California for care, with rates averaging $7,150.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In Thousand Oaks, home care agencies charge more than monthly care costs for assisted living, which provides personal care in a residential setting for $5,750. Home health care may be an affordable alternative to nursing home placement, which costs residents in semiprivate rooms about $11,254 per month. Local cost data isn’t available for adult day health care, but it’s the most affordable senior care option statewide at $1,842.
Note: Data for Thousand Oaks was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Oxnard, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Thousand Oaks, 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 Thousand Oaks, CA.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging is a countywide nonprofit organization that uses funding through the federal Older Americans Act to serve those aged 60 and over. Through this organization, you can arrange home-delivered meals or get information on congregate meal sites throughout the Thousand Oaks region. The agency has information and referral specialists who help you obtain services that support your independence and safety at home, including respite care, volunteer-based transportation and case management. It also publishes information on local housing options for seniors, which may help you avoid assisted living placement, as well as emergency preparedness tips and resources.
Who Is Eligible?
Services through the Area Agency on Aging are open to all Thousand Oaks seniors who are at least 60 years old. Depending on the services you’re seeking, you may need to meet other eligibility requirements such as income limits or functional ability.
How to Get Started
You can learn more about these services or speak to an information and referral specialist by calling the agency at (805) 477-7300.
Thousand Oaks Older Adult Resources
What You Should Know
The Thousand Oaks Council on Aging provides information on resources for older adults in the community, including services and programs that can help you age in place. Through the council, you can learn about the city’s congregate meal program for seniors and find social and recreational activities through senior centers and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Who Is Eligible?
The Council on Aging serves all Thousand Oaks residents aged 60 and over.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the resources and services available to older adults in Thousand Oaks, you can call the main office at (805) 449-2118 or email the council at [email protected].
211 Ventura County
What You Should Know
211 Ventura County is a free information and referral service that can help you find free and low-cost community-based services to reduce what you spend on home care. It staffs information specialists who can help you evaluate your needs and find services such as financial and legal counseling, volunteer-based transportation, prescription drug assistance, supplemental food and home modifications. The organization can also help you find local senior centers where you can participate in social and recreational programming and get in-person assistance with age-related issues.
Who Is Eligible?
Services through 211 are available and free to everyone within the Thousand Oaks region.
How to Get Started
To speak with an information specialist, call 211 or (800) 339-9597 or email [email protected]. You can also submit an online contact form via the website.
Senior Concerns
What You Should Know
Senior Concerns is a local nonprofit organization that serves older adults in Thousand Oaks. It operates an adult day center that provides services to supplement paid home care services, and it’s the local Meals on Wheels provider, delivering fresh, healthy meals to housebound individuals in Thousand Oaks 365 days per year. Through its Bargain Boutique and Thrift Store, you can find gently used, bargain-priced necessities, and through its Senior Advocacy services, you can discover information on government benefits, local senior programs and health and long-term insurance and assistance programs. It has a Caregiver Support Center that provides information on support groups and respite services for family caregivers, and its professional advisors offer financial and legal counseling regarding retirement and age-related issues.
Who Is Eligible?
Everyone aged 65 and over may benefit from the services available through Senior Concerns. Some programs, such as Meals on Wheels, serve specific needs and have additional eligibility requirements.
How to Get Started
You can learn more about the services available through Senior Concerns, including eligibility criteria and the application process, by calling the organization at (805) 497-0189. You can also submit an online form, and a representative will contact you directly.
Residential Energy Programs and Financing
What You Should Know
Thousand Oaks seniors can improve their homes’ comfort and cut down on energy expenses through services from the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance. This organization operates the Energy Resource Center, which staffs specialists who can help you determine whether you qualify for available programs and resources. It provides comprehensive information on income-qualified programs such as free home energy repair services, weatherization services and energy rate assistance programs. It can also help you arrange a free on-site home energy evaluation to help you determine measures you can take to improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone in Thousand Oaks can contact the Energy Resource Center for information and tips that can save them money on energy expenses. Specific programs such as free home energy repair services have income-based eligibility guidelines.
How to Get Started
You can speak with an Energy Resource Center representative by calling (805) 289-3335 or emailing [email protected].