Palo Alto’s senior community makes up a fifth of its 70,000 residents and offers social opportunities, age-friendly resources and year-round comfort. This affluent city is one of the safest in California, with low violent and property crime rates, and it’s near excellent medical facilities, such as Redwood City Medical Center and Sequoia Hospital, both of which are about 5 miles away in Redwood City. Palo Alto has several home care agencies to meet the needs of its growing senior community. These agencies charge approximately $6,864 per month for nonmedical services, including help with daily personal care tasks, meal preparation and medication reminders. Home care agencies don’t provide skilled nursing services, such as medical monitoring, occupational therapy and medication administration. Seniors seeking these services may consider home health care.  

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in Palo Alto– complete with services offered and reviews from families who’ve actually used the service. In addition to our in-depth provider listings, we’ve compiled resources to help seniors and their families to access all the tools they need to age in place safely and gracefully.

Directory of Home Care Services in Palo Alto, CA

2021, 2022, 2023

Right at Home San Mateo and Palo Alto

230 S California Avenue Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

They’ve had one caregiver that has been understanding what’s required. Consistency of having the same person here. I like that the owner takes personal pride in getting things right.
They’ve had one caregiver that has been understanding what’s required. Consistency of having the same person here. I like that the owner takes personal pride in getting things right.

2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

Family Matters In-Home Care

2155 S. Bascom Ave. Suite 116, Campbell, CA, 95008

Family Matters located someone to stay with me at home after I had hip surgery. My caregiver was on time, helpful, kind and I would recommend her to anyone. Family Matters was helpful in finding help … (read more)
Family Matters located someone to stay with me at home after I had hip surgery. My caregiver was on time, helpful, kind and I would recommend her to anyone. Family Matters was helpful in finding help … (read more)

2021, 2023

StarLight CareGivers, Inc.

4600 El Camino Real STE 211, Los Altos, CA, 94022

For a year a member of our family was seriously ill with cancer. StarLight started helping us at nights and on the days when the family had to attend other errands. We ended up putting them on a regu … (read more)
For a year a member of our family was seriously ill with cancer. StarLight started helping us at nights and on the days when the family had to attend other errands. We ended up putting them on a regu … (read more)

2022, 2023

Care Plus Provider LLC

7567 Amador Valley Blvd., Suite 203, Dublin, CA, 94568

Care Plus providers took awesome care if my 90 year old Father. The communication from the office was always on spot. Dad really liked his caregiver and felt safe in her hands. They are a 5 star plus … (read more)
Care Plus providers took awesome care if my 90 year old Father. The communication from the office was always on spot. Dad really liked his caregiver and felt safe in her hands. They are a 5 star plus … (read more)

2020, 2021

EssentialCare

1675 Scott Blvd, Ste A, Santa Clara, CA, 95050

We have, my wife Bonnie and I, been contracted to Essential Care since August 2020, are ongoing clients, and are very satisfied with the services received. Any problems with cover have been rapidly … (read more)
We have, my wife Bonnie and I, been contracted to Essential Care since August 2020, are ongoing clients, and are very satisfied with the services received. Any problems with cover have been rapidly … (read more)

2022

Gentiva – Campbell, CA

901 Campisi Way, Campbell, CA, 95008

We are current clients of Kindred for almost 2 yrs for my Mom & they have been beyond fantastic! She has 2 caregivers 7days/week as well as PT, OT & RN services. The team is absolutely incre … (read more)
We are current clients of Kindred for almost 2 yrs for my Mom & they have been beyond fantastic! She has 2 caregivers 7days/week as well as PT, OT & RN services. The team is absolutely incre … (read more)

Best Home Care, Inc

26236 Industrial Blvd, Hayward, CA, 94545

While I was out-of-state on a long planned vacation my mother experienced some life changing situation requiring around the clock home care. I contacted Best Home Care and I was very pleased with the … (read more)
While I was out-of-state on a long planned vacation my mother experienced some life changing situation requiring around the clock home care. I contacted Best Home Care and I was very pleased with the … (read more)

Home Instead – Mountain View, CA

1006 Stewart Dr, Suite A100, Mountain View, CA, 94085

Our family has been utilizing Home Instead for the care of our mother for many years now. We have found Home Instead to be consistently very responsive to our needs & always reliable. Their staff … (read more)
Our family has been utilizing Home Instead for the care of our mother for many years now. We have found Home Instead to be consistently very responsive to our needs & always reliable. Their staff … (read more)

Senior Helpers of San Francisco and the Peninsula

36 42nd Avenue, San Mateo, CA, 94403

I chose Senior Helpers of San Francisco and the Peninsula for my husband and they’re really good. I am very pleased. The communication is excellent and the caregivers are very good. The scheduling was … (read more)
I chose Senior Helpers of San Francisco and the Peninsula for my husband and they’re really good. I am very pleased. The communication is excellent and the caregivers are very good. The scheduling was … (read more)

Care Indeed

890 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA, 94025

Care Indeed was wonderful. They were quick, we got sent the right people, and it was a great experience. We used them for 2 weeks. They helped my friend in bathing, they came every day, and everything … (read more)
Care Indeed was wonderful. They were quick, we got sent the right people, and it was a great experience. We used them for 2 weeks. They helped my friend in bathing, they came every day, and everything … (read more)

Homecare Professionals -Daly City, CA

295 89th Street Suite 107, Daly City, CA, 94105

We have been using their home care services for over 2 years in the care of my wife. Two shifts of 3 hours in the morning to get her cleaned up, dressed , and fed along with some exercises . Then th … (read more)
We have been using their home care services for over 2 years in the care of my wife. Two shifts of 3 hours in the morning to get her cleaned up, dressed , and fed along with some exercises . Then th … (read more)

Companion Care Services, LLC

1455 El Camino Real, Belmont, CA, 94002

We ended up hiring Companion Care Services, and we had a positive experience with them. The owner was very compassionate, caring, and asked really good questions because we were new to this and didn’t … (read more)
We ended up hiring Companion Care Services, and we had a positive experience with them. The owner was very compassionate, caring, and asked really good questions because we were new to this and didn’t … (read more)

Certified Care Solutions, LLC

37600 Central Ct. | Suite# 201, Newark, CA, 94560

Certified Care Solutions, LLC is an in-home care provider serving Newark, California and the surrounding area. Certified Care Solutions, LLC offers non-medical services in the home, such as meal prepa … (read more)
Certified Care Solutions, LLC is an in-home care provider serving Newark, California and the surrounding area. Certified Care Solutions, LLC offers non-medical services in the home, such as meal prepa … (read more)

Polaris Home Care

830 Stewart Dr # 214, Sunnyvale, CA, 94085

We were in a tough situation and needed caregivers for my dad on very short notice. He needed pretty involved care since he had later stage Parkinsons. Their team was able to work with all of our requ … (read more)
We were in a tough situation and needed caregivers for my dad on very short notice. He needed pretty involved care since he had later stage Parkinsons. Their team was able to work with all of our requ … (read more)

FirstLight Home Care Silicon Valley

1066 Saratoga Ave , San Jose, CA, 95117

My parents are using FirstLight Home Care Silicon Valley. They’ve helped us on and off for the last month. They’ve been great and very flexible in terms of timing and working with my parents. They’ve … (read more)
My parents are using FirstLight Home Care Silicon Valley. They’ve helped us on and off for the last month. They’ve been great and very flexible in terms of timing and working with my parents. They’ve … (read more)

Familiar Surroundings Home Care

1568 Meridian Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95125

hi, my name is roger and my wife is dot. i am a new client with familiar surroundings homecare. i!d like to say thankyou for the good care that jeffery has been giving me. he is an excelle … (read more)
hi, my name is roger and my wife is dot. i am a new client with familiar surroundings homecare. i!d like to say thankyou for the good care that jeffery has been giving me. he is an excelle … (read more)

Firstlight Home Care Of Tri-Valley

2110 Omega Rd #C , San Ramon, CA, 94583


Familiar Surroundings Home Care

3875 Bohannon Dr #2606, Suite 119, Menlo Park, CA, 94026


Medical Care Professionals

363 El Camino Real # 215, South San Francisco, CA, 94080

Specialized care for clients with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and diabetes Hospice care, pain control and management care Transportation for doctor’s appointments, and traveling escort Daily activities … (read more)
Specialized care for clients with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and diabetes Hospice care, pain control and management care Transportation for doctor’s appointments, and traveling escort Daily activities … (read more)

Care On Call

3001 Winchester Blvd, Suite 6, Campbell, CA, 95008


Paying for Home Care in Palo Alto, CA

The Cost of Home Care in Palo Alto, CA

The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey doesn’t include long-term care cost data for Palo Alto, but it estimates local care costs based on rates in nearby San Francisco. On average, home care rates in Palo Alto are projected at $6,864 per month, which is well above state and national averages. Nearly all surveyed cities in the surrounding area have lower care costs, including Napa, where fees are about $400 less per month at $6,435. In Vallejo, rates are about $900 cheaper than in Palo Alto, and in Stockton, care costs are about $1,400 less at $5,482. 

$6864

Palo Alto

$6101

California

$4957

The United States

$6435

Napa

$5958

Vallejo

$5482

Stockton

The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Palo Alto, CA

In Palo Alto, home care agencies charge $6,864 per month for companion and personal care services. Home health care agencies provide these services along with skilled nursing and charge nearly $300 more per month. Seniors seeking more affordable care may consider adult day health care, which is several thousand dollars cheaper than home care, or assisted living, which costs about $500 less per month. Nursing home care is more expensive than home care at $11,566 monthly.  

$6864

Home Care

$7150

Home Health Care

$1950

Adult Day Health Care

$6319

Assisted Living

$11566

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

Note: Data for Palo Alto was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Francisco, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Home Care in Palo Alto, 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.

Palo Alto Home Care Resources 

Home care services are only one of the pieces needed for seniors to gracefully age in place. There are many services and programs that are low-cost or free, that enable seniors to enjoy an independent lifestyle in the comfort of their own home, such as help with home modifications, meal delivery services, and more. Below, we’ve compiled a few of the most helpful resources in Palo Alto:

Palo Alto Utility Rate Assistance Program

Address: 250 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone Number: (650) 329-2333

Senior citizens who earn no more than 50% of the area median income or who have a medical condition that requires increased energy use for climate controls or medical equipment may qualify for a 25% discount on their gas and electric bills and a 20% discount on wastewater fees. For a one-person household, applicants must earn no more than $36,300 per year. Seniors who are claiming a medical need must provide a certification from a physician. Individuals who need one-time emergency assistance can apply for help from the city through ProjectPLEDGE.

Santa Clara County Senior Nutrition Program

Address: 353 W. Julian, San Jose, CA 95110
Phone Number: (408) 975-4860

Adults who are unable to shop for groceries or prepare their own meals due to a physical limitation or isolation may sign up for Meals on Wheels or congregate meals offered by the Senior Nutrition Program. In 2019, the State Clara Department of Social Services served 1.2 million hot meals to local seniors. Individuals who are unable to visit congregate dining sites may qualify for home-delivered Meals on Wheels provided by Sourcewise or The Health Trust. A nominal contribution is expected although financial assistance is available to low-income residents.

Parcel Tax Exemptions

Address: 25 Churchill Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306
Phone Number: (650) 329-3980

Seniors who live in Santa Clara County may qualify for an exemption that eliminates parcel taxes that are used to support the school system. The Palo Alto Unified School District is one of 23 school systems in the county that offers this exemption. Homeowners who are 65 or older, have a disability or receive SSI may qualify. Since the exemption began in 2001, it has saved local taxpayers more than $15 million. Homeowners must apply for an exemption or refund annually.

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 – often times 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.

Checklist for determining the need for in-home care


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.

Talking with family and others about a loved one's needs