I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Victorville, CA

Many people relocate to California for the climate, and Victorville has one of the most senior-friendly climates in the state. It typically gets 289 sunny days per year, and January’s temperatures average a cool 33 degrees Fahrenheit, while June’s hover around a warm 98 degrees. The city also has excellent air quality, with cool Pacific breezes tempering the hottest days. Seniors comprise about 10.3% of Victorville’s approximately 124,800 residents, which is below average. However, the city’s cost of living is low by Californian standards, and house prices are typically half the state’s average. Consequently, seniors living elsewhere who cannot afford home care may find that relocating to Victorville frees up needed funds.

There are also several well-regarded medical facilities in the city, such as Victor Valley Global Medical Center. Desert Valley Hospital has a good reputation and ranks as high-performing in treating heart failure by U.S. News and World Report. With its affordability, favorable medical services and numerous home and home health care agencies, Victorville offers seniors a safe and comfortable place to enjoy their golden years.

II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Victorville, CA

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the median fee for both home care and home health care in Victorville is $5,911. This figure should only be read as a guide as multiple factors can influence fees, such as the variety of services provided and the number of hours the caregiver is in the senior’s home. The median fee is based on a caregiver working 44 hours per week at a rate of $31 per hour. Seniors budgeting for home care should be aware that the current year-on-year trend sees costs increase by 10.64%. For home health care, the increase is 12.50%.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

In Victorville, home care and home health care share a median fee of $5,911. Consequently, its seniors typically pay less than the average Californian, who pays $6,101 for both services — as does the average senior in Riverside. Oxnard’s seniors pay less for home care ($5,815), but more for home health care ($6,054), while San Diego’s seniors pay more at $6,387 for the former and $6,473 for the latter. The costs for the typical American are lower, at $4,957 for home care and $5,148 for home health care.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

Home care’s median fee of $5,911 is higher than those of two other options delivering similar types of care: adult day care at $1,652, and assisted living at $5,250. Although both are more affordable, the former isn’t suitable for homebound seniors and requires daily trips to a center, while the latter necessitates relocation to a community. Home health care is also $5,911 per month, which is less costly than the average of $9,125 for nursing home care.

Note: Data for Victorville was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Los Angeles, was used instead.

III. How to Find Home Care in Victorville, 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 Victorville, CA.

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Victorville, CA

Property Tax Postponement

What You Should Know

Californians who are aged 62 or older, are blind or have a permanent disability can defer their current-year property taxes. Seniors should know this is a postponement of taxes that must be paid at some later point — usually when they pass or if they sell the property. The benefit is available to seniors refinancing their property and those who have taken on an equity loan, as long as it doesn’t reduce their home equity below 40%. Seniors who have taken on a reverse mortgage on the property cannot apply.

Who Is Eligible?

Seniors whose household income doesn’t exceed $49,017 can apply for the property tax postponement. However, they can only apply for one property in California, it must be their primary residence and they must have a minimum of 40% equity in the home.

How to Get Started

To get started, you can email the Property Tax Postponement Program or call its helpdesk at (800) 952-5661.

Home Weatherization Program

What You Should Know

Community Action Partnership is a private nonprofit authorized to implement the state’s weatherization program in Victorville. It has extensive experience upgrading homes to the required standard and making them use energy more efficiently. The type of work the program can pay for includes repairing or replacing water heaters, HVAC systems and washers. It can also meet the costs of installing devices that use water more effectively, replacing broken glass, weather stripping and duct repair. If required, the company will replace inefficient lighting with modern alternatives and install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Who Is Eligible?

The home weatherization program is available to homeowners and renters in San Bernardino County whose gross household monthly income is at or below the state and federal median income figures at the time of application.

How to Get Started

To get started, seniors can either email the Community Action Partnership or call (909) 723-1500 to request an application pack be mailed to their home address.

Victorville Senior Citizens Club

What You Should Know

Victorville Senior Citizens Club is a member-only association for adults aged 50 and older. The annual membership fee, as of 2022, is $50 and there are additional fees for some activities. The club offers a range of social and recreational activities, including fitness classes and standard games such as pinochle and bingo. It can offer seniors residing at home somewhere to socialize every day except Sundays.

Who Is Eligible?

The club is open to Victorville residents aged 50 and above.

How to Get Started

To apply for membership, seniors should call (760) 245-5018.

Senior Home Repair Program

What You Should Know

The city of Victorville’s senior home repair program can help cover the costs of removing health and safety issues in seniors’ homes, such as damaged roofs and faulty HVAC systems. The program can issue grants of between $1,000 and $15,000 for eligible repairs. As the program has limited funds, there may be periods when it cannot issue grants, which are always issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants should prepare to join a waiting list, as interest is typically high.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for the program, the applicant must be at least 62 years old, permanently disabled or handicapped. Their entire household must also have an annual gross income not exceeding the limits set for the year of their application.

How to Get Started

To join the waiting list, seniors should call the planning division of the city development department at (760) 243-1922.

Utility and Water Payment Assistance

What You Should Know

The California Department of Community Services and development funds several programs through the nonprofit Community Action Partnership to help Victorville residents struggling to meet their utility and water costs. HEAP assistance credits the resident’s account to pay for their source of fuel, which can be gas, electric, propane or wood. If utility costs are included in the resident’s rent, the program will issue them a check for the payments they’re entitled to. HEAP also provides emergency assistance if the resident’s utility company threatens them with disconnection. LIHWAP Assistance helps residents with their water bills.

Who Is Eligible?

Both programs are available to homeowners and renters in San Bernardino County whose gross household income doesn’t exceed the limits set for the year of their application. The income limit for LIHWAP Assistance is a gross household income at or below 60% of the state’s median income.

How to Get Started

To apply for HEAP assistance, seniors should call (909) 723-1500 or email Community Action Partnership for an application pack. For emergency assistance, they should call (909) 723-1500 or message the company. For LIHWAP Assistance, seniors should call Community Action Partnership at (909) 723-1500 or email the company to request an application pack.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program

What You Should Know

AARP operates a tax-aide program free of charge to seniors. Trained and IRS-certified volunteers help seniors prepare and file their taxes. Meetings can be in-person or virtual and are typically held during tax season. However, it is possible to get help before this period.

Who Is Eligible?

Adults aged 50 and older are eligible, particularly those on low incomes.

How to Get Started

Seniors should visit the AARP’s locator during tax season to find the nearest in-person meeting point, or call (888) 227-7669.