The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Lake Forest, CA for 2024
Caring.com offers a free service to help families find senior care and authentic reviews to help you in your decision. On average in Lake Forest, CA, residents and their loved ones rate In Home Care agencies 5.0 out of 5 stars across the 63 options below.
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On this page:
- Home Care Services in Lake Forest, California
- Paying for Home Care in Lake Forest, CA
- Financial Assistance for Home Care in Lake Forest, CA
- Free & Low-Cost Home Care Resources in Lake Forest, CA
- Determining Your Loved One’s Need for In-Home Care
- Guidelines for Talking About In-Home Care
- Frequently Asked Questions
Paying for Home Care in Lake Forest, CA
The Cost of Home Care in Lake Forest, CA
Home care in Lake Forest costs about $6,673 per month, according to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. That's more than the national norm of $5,720, but it's well below Santa Maria's estimated price of $14,491. On the other hand, Riverside presents a more affordable option, with a median price of $6,483.
Lake Forest
$6,673
California
$6,864
United States
$5,720
Riverside
$6,483
Santa Maria
$14,491
Santa Cruz
$7,245
The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Lake Forest, CA
Home care in Lake Forest costs around $6,673 per month. Home health care features the same median price, but it includes professional nursing and therapy services. In contrast, adult day health care is much cheaper, with an estimated price of $1,690. Assisted living also costs less at $5,748. Conversely, nursing home care ranks as the city's costliest option at $10,646.
Home Care
$6,673
Home Health Care
$6,673
Adult Day Health Care
$1,690
Assisted Living Facility
$5,748
Nursing Home Care (semi-private room)
$10,646
Note: Data for Lake Forest was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Los Angeles, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Lake Forest, CA
Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-Term Care Insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
- Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
- Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
- Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living.Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
- Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.
Free & Low-Cost Home Care Resources in Lake Forest, CA
Many resources are available to Lake Forest seniors to support their independence and help them age in place. Local and federal programs can help reduce monthly expenses through utility bill assistance, home improvements and repairs, transportation, meal deliveries and other related services. Seniors and their families can learn more by contacting the agencies listed below.
Resource | Contact | Service |
---|---|---|
Age Well Senior Services | (949) 855-8033 | Age Well Senior Services in Lake Forest provides resources to Orange County seniors to promote their independence, good health and well-being. Free and low-cost programs and services include congregate and delivered nutrition programs, transportation services, health and wellness programs, case management and online classes and events. |
Council on Aging Southern California | (714) 479-0107 | The Council on Aging Southern California is a nonprofit organization providing information and services to seniors 60+ years old and their families. Free programs include a resource guide, concierge care navigators, a friendly visitor program, health insurance counseling, advocacy programs, senior protection programs and support groups. |
City of Lake Forest Community Services Department | (949) 461-3400 | The City of Lake Forest Community Services Department maintains an extensive online list of resources to help seniors find the care they need to age in place. The list includes organizations that help with various age-related diseases, housing, meals, transportation, fraud, legal aid, adult day care, VA programs and other senior services. |
California Department of Community Services and Development | (866) 675-6623 | The California Department of Community Services and Development offers financial assistance to low-income Californians. Resources include the California Arrearage Payment Program, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, Community Services Block Grants, Low-Income Weatherization Program and the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program. |
Determining Your Loved One’s Need for In-Home Care
Aging can be a difficult process, and loved ones may not always ask for help – oftentimes it’s up to their family to evaluate their need for help around the house. While no two situations are exactly alike, this checklist can help you and your loved ones determine when it’s time to start the search for a home care provider.
Guidelines for Talking About In-Home Care
If you’ve determined that your loved one needs the assistance of a care provider in their home, it may be time for a difficult conversation. Handled correctly, however, this process can bring a family together and ensure that everyone’s concerns are addressed. Use this PDF as a starting point to help the conversation stay as positive and productive as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviews of Care Providers Nearby
Home Care
NCloss
5.0
Review of BrightStar Care South Orange County
Brightstar has been wonderful for my father-in-law. They have worked to find aides that fit his needs and personality. The office staff is responsive and do their best to be sure he is well...
Home Care
Randy S_14
4.0
Review of BrightStar Care South Orange County
They keep us updated about the client's status. We were supposed to have a nurse evaluation done and I don't think that the nurse ever went to their house.
Provider response
Thank you so much Randy for your feedback. We are so sorry to hear that and want you to know we take full responsibility for the inconvenience we may have caused you and your family. Please give...
Home Care
Laurence "
5.0
Review of BrightStar Care South Orange County
They caregiver helped by doing a lot of what I asked him to do. I like BrightStar Care because they are easy to reach and talk to.
Provider response
Laurence we are so happy to hear about your experience and thank you for taking the time to review us. We value your opinion as our client!