San Diego has long been a popular retirement destination for its fantastic year-round weather, lower than average health care costs and relatively low crime rate. Out of 482 municipalities, it ranked 36th on Caring’s 2022 Senior Living Report for providing a great senior environment. It’s home to the extensive UC San Diego Health system and nationally ranked Sharp Memorial Hospital, making it an excellent location for seniors aging in place at home. According to Genworth’s 2022 Cost of Care Survey, San Diego’s average home care cost is $6,387, which is significantly higher than the national average but typical of California. Home care differs from home health care because it doesn’t include skilled nursing services.
Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the San Diego area – 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 San Diego, CA
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
8369 Vickers Street, Suite 203, San Diego, CA, 92111
My caregiver’s a hard worker and really pleasant to talk with.
I like that, after about the third try, I have a caregiver I like.
My caregiver’s a hard worker and really pleasant to talk with.
I like that, after about the third try, I have a caregiver I like.
325 West 3rd Avenue, Escondido, CA, 92025
The provider helps the most with companionship and doing anything my mom asks them to.
My mom is very happy with the services.
The provider helps the most with companionship and doing anything my mom asks them to.
My mom is very happy with the services.
5360 Jackson Dr, Suite 120, La Mesa, CA, 91942
9967 Fieldthorn Street, San Diego, CA, 92127
It is mostly my mom. They couldn’t really do anything except maybe motivate her and that is hard to do.
They are responsive and good-quality caregivers.
It is mostly my mom. They couldn’t really do anything except maybe motivate her and that is hard to do.
They are responsive and good-quality caregivers.
450 Fletcher Pkwy , Ste 201 , El Cajon, CA, 92020
Right at Home provides in-home caregiving services for thousands of families across the nation. We offer companionship and help with everyday tasks that have become challenging for an aging person. Th
… (read more)
Right at Home provides in-home caregiving services for thousands of families across the nation. We offer companionship and help with everyday tasks that have become challenging for an aging person. This may include things like meal preparation, laundry, housekeeping, hygiene and grooming. We also offer services for those with special care situations caused by numerous medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Call us to learn more about the specific services we provide.
Custom Care Plan
From the moment you call, we begin considering the specific needs of your loved one. We ask questions during the initial call or meeting to form a basic needs assessment. After discussing your particular situation, we will prepare an initial Custom Care Plan and then work with you to fine tune that Care Plan based on your loved one’s specific needs. Once the plan is agreed upon, your local Right at Home team matches the right caregiver to implement the plan.
Caregiver Training and Care Supervision
Every Right at Home caregiver goes through an extensive interview process, including background checks. Once hired, caregivers are trained through Right at Home University to ensure that they’re able to deliver the care set out in your loved one’s Custom Care Plan. Before providing care, they’re bonded and insured.
(read less)
Right at Home provides in-home caregiving services for thousands of families across the nation. We offer companionship and help with everyday tasks that have become challenging for an aging person. Th
… (read more)
Right at Home provides in-home caregiving services for thousands of families across the nation. We offer companionship and help with everyday tasks that have become challenging for an aging person. This may include things like meal preparation, laundry, housekeeping, hygiene and grooming. We also offer services for those with special care situations caused by numerous medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Call us to learn more about the specific services we provide.
Custom Care Plan
From the moment you call, we begin considering the specific needs of your loved one. We ask questions during the initial call or meeting to form a basic needs assessment. After discussing your particular situation, we will prepare an initial Custom Care Plan and then work with you to fine tune that Care Plan based on your loved one’s specific needs. Once the plan is agreed upon, your local Right at Home team matches the right caregiver to implement the plan.
Caregiver Training and Care Supervision
Every Right at Home caregiver goes through an extensive interview process, including background checks. Once hired, caregivers are trained through Right at Home University to ensure that they’re able to deliver the care set out in your loved one’s Custom Care Plan. Before providing care, they’re bonded and insured.
(read less)
2890 Pio Pico Drive Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA, 92008
They are more affordable and more accommodating.
They are good at getting to you and making sure you are comfortable.
They are more affordable and more accommodating.
They are good at getting to you and making sure you are comfortable.
901 Hacienda Dr, Suite B, Vista, CA, 92081
Caregivers stayed with our mom through the night to make sure she stayed in bed and had companionship when she could not sleep and was confused or frightened. They were always on time, personable, eas
… (read more)
Caregivers stayed with our mom through the night to make sure she stayed in bed and had companionship when she could not sleep and was confused or frightened. They were always on time, personable, easy to talk with, and prepared for our mom’s needs. They kept informative logs that helped our family. Staff and caregivers were always professional and compassionate. We could trust that our mom’s needs were being met, and this helped all of us manage a difficult situation.
(read less)
Caregivers stayed with our mom through the night to make sure she stayed in bed and had companionship when she could not sleep and was confused or frightened. They were always on time, personable, eas
… (read more)
Caregivers stayed with our mom through the night to make sure she stayed in bed and had companionship when she could not sleep and was confused or frightened. They were always on time, personable, easy to talk with, and prepared for our mom’s needs. They kept informative logs that helped our family. Staff and caregivers were always professional and compassionate. We could trust that our mom’s needs were being met, and this helped all of us manage a difficult situation.
(read less)
8775 Aero Dr, Suite 235, San Diego, CA, 92123
I ENJOY THE RESPECT THAT I GET FROM THE STAFF…IT SEEMS THEY UNDERSTAND ME WHOLEHEARTILY AND ARE EAGER TO HELP ME WITH ALL OF MY NEEDS. I’M A VIETNAM COMBAT VETERAN WITH DISABILITIES THAT HOME INSTEA
… (read more)
I ENJOY THE RESPECT THAT I GET FROM THE STAFF…IT SEEMS THEY UNDERSTAND ME WHOLEHEARTILY AND ARE EAGER TO HELP ME WITH ALL OF MY NEEDS. I’M A VIETNAM COMBAT VETERAN WITH DISABILITIES THAT HOME INSTEAD FULLY UNDERSTAND, ESPECIALLY THE CAREGIVERS…
(read less)
I ENJOY THE RESPECT THAT I GET FROM THE STAFF…IT SEEMS THEY UNDERSTAND ME WHOLEHEARTILY AND ARE EAGER TO HELP ME WITH ALL OF MY NEEDS. I’M A VIETNAM COMBAT VETERAN WITH DISABILITIES THAT HOME INSTEA
… (read more)
I ENJOY THE RESPECT THAT I GET FROM THE STAFF…IT SEEMS THEY UNDERSTAND ME WHOLEHEARTILY AND ARE EAGER TO HELP ME WITH ALL OF MY NEEDS. I’M A VIETNAM COMBAT VETERAN WITH DISABILITIES THAT HOME INSTEAD FULLY UNDERSTAND, ESPECIALLY THE CAREGIVERS…
(read less)
2173 Salk Ave , Carlsbad, CA, 92008
San Diego Compassionate Caregivers is an independent, non-medical, in home care agency committed to individualized care for our clients. Our mission is to improve quality of life for seniors by allowi
… (read more)
San Diego Compassionate Caregivers is an independent, non-medical, in home care agency committed to individualized care for our clients. Our mission is to improve quality of life for seniors by allowing them to enjoy the privacy and comfort of their own home for as long as possible while maintaining their independence. We provide caregivers who will perform duties with utmost quality, reliability and compassion and who truly fit the individual needs of the client
(read less)
San Diego Compassionate Caregivers is an independent, non-medical, in home care agency committed to individualized care for our clients. Our mission is to improve quality of life for seniors by allowi
… (read more)
San Diego Compassionate Caregivers is an independent, non-medical, in home care agency committed to individualized care for our clients. Our mission is to improve quality of life for seniors by allowing them to enjoy the privacy and comfort of their own home for as long as possible while maintaining their independence. We provide caregivers who will perform duties with utmost quality, reliability and compassion and who truly fit the individual needs of the client
(read less)
12396 World Trade Dr, Suite 102, San Diego, CA, 92128
My mother had a fall and ended up in skilled nursing care. Trouble is all of her kids and relatives live far away. A big issue is what were we going to do when she healed and was ready to go back ho
… (read more)
My mother had a fall and ended up in skilled nursing care. Trouble is all of her kids and relatives live far away. A big issue is what were we going to do when she healed and was ready to go back home? We knew we would need caregivers…perhaps 24/7 when mom first got home. We contacted Home Instead and they were incredible. So easy to deal with. So supportive. Ready to do whatever it took to ensure mom was well cared for and safe. It was a no-brainer to realize this is a top notch organization run by caring and very responsible people. However in the end rather than return home, my mom moved back east to live with my sister so we never actually hired Home Instead to provide caregiver services.
(read less)
My mother had a fall and ended up in skilled nursing care. Trouble is all of her kids and relatives live far away. A big issue is what were we going to do when she healed and was ready to go back ho
… (read more)
My mother had a fall and ended up in skilled nursing care. Trouble is all of her kids and relatives live far away. A big issue is what were we going to do when she healed and was ready to go back home? We knew we would need caregivers…perhaps 24/7 when mom first got home. We contacted Home Instead and they were incredible. So easy to deal with. So supportive. Ready to do whatever it took to ensure mom was well cared for and safe. It was a no-brainer to realize this is a top notch organization run by caring and very responsible people. However in the end rather than return home, my mom moved back east to live with my sister so we never actually hired Home Instead to provide caregiver services.
(read less)
3665 Ruffin Rd, Suite 103,, San Diego, CA, 92123
All Valley Home Care San Diego is very nice. I like them. I have caregivers come into my house and help me with my husband. In terms of billing and other things, they’re also very good, and I like the
… (read more)
All Valley Home Care San Diego is very nice. I like them. I have caregivers come into my house and help me with my husband. In terms of billing and other things, they’re also very good, and I like them.
(read less)
All Valley Home Care San Diego is very nice. I like them. I have caregivers come into my house and help me with my husband. In terms of billing and other things, they’re also very good, and I like the
… (read more)
All Valley Home Care San Diego is very nice. I like them. I have caregivers come into my house and help me with my husband. In terms of billing and other things, they’re also very good, and I like them.
(read less)
10940 Wilshire Blvd Suite 600 , Los Angeles, CA, 90024
Personal Care Attendants provide service to individuals in their own homes and communities, who need assistance caring for themselves as a result of old age, sickness, disability and/or other inflicti
… (read more)
Personal Care Attendants provide service to individuals in their own homes and communities, who need assistance caring for themselves as a result of old age, sickness, disability and/or other inflictions. Personal Care may include assistance with the activities of daily living, housecleaning, laundry, meal preparation, transportation, companionship and respite, you are required to be registered by the home care aide registry of California.
Live-in Companions provide overnight and 24-hour round-the-clock care to Agency clients by assisting them with their activities-of-daily-living, (i.e. dressing, bathing, grooming, toileting, etc.) and/or instrumental activities-of-daily living (i.e. managing money, shopping, telephone use, travel in community, housekeeping, preparing meals, and monitoring medications and so on), as the client’s needs require. you are required to be registered by the home care aide registry of California
(read less)
Personal Care Attendants provide service to individuals in their own homes and communities, who need assistance caring for themselves as a result of old age, sickness, disability and/or other inflicti
… (read more)
Personal Care Attendants provide service to individuals in their own homes and communities, who need assistance caring for themselves as a result of old age, sickness, disability and/or other inflictions. Personal Care may include assistance with the activities of daily living, housecleaning, laundry, meal preparation, transportation, companionship and respite, you are required to be registered by the home care aide registry of California.
Live-in Companions provide overnight and 24-hour round-the-clock care to Agency clients by assisting them with their activities-of-daily-living, (i.e. dressing, bathing, grooming, toileting, etc.) and/or instrumental activities-of-daily living (i.e. managing money, shopping, telephone use, travel in community, housekeeping, preparing meals, and monitoring medications and so on), as the client’s needs require. you are required to be registered by the home care aide registry of California
(read less)
8274 Parkway Drive Suite 102, La Mesa, CA, 91942
We are Senior Helpers East San Diego!
<p></p>
Let us help provide the support you and your family deserve! Our highly trained and vetted staff work closely with our Caregiver Mentors (Physician and
… (read more)
We are Senior Helpers East San Diego!
<p></p>
Let us help provide the support you and your family deserve! Our highly trained and vetted staff work closely with our Caregiver Mentors (Physician and Advanced Practice Nurse Team) to provide the quality of home care that you truly deserve.
<p></p>
Our goal is to help you and your family maintain independence at home and sustain the highest quality of life. We’re process oriented, using innovative tools to help create a safer environment in our Client’s homes. Our Caregivers are trained, patient and positive, and follow a Physician-and-Nurse-backed Service Plan formulated for each unique home and family situation.
<p></p>
Whether it’s providing assistance around the home to help with normal aging related needs or identifying ways to improve the lives of those with dementia and Parkinson’s disease, our mission is to ensure a better quality of life for our Clients by providing insightful, dependable and affordable care.
(read less)
We are Senior Helpers East San Diego!
<p></p>
Let us help provide the support you and your family deserve! Our highly trained and vetted staff work closely with our Caregiver Mentors (Physician and
… (read more)
We are Senior Helpers East San Diego!
<p></p>
Let us help provide the support you and your family deserve! Our highly trained and vetted staff work closely with our Caregiver Mentors (Physician and Advanced Practice Nurse Team) to provide the quality of home care that you truly deserve.
<p></p>
Our goal is to help you and your family maintain independence at home and sustain the highest quality of life. We’re process oriented, using innovative tools to help create a safer environment in our Client’s homes. Our Caregivers are trained, patient and positive, and follow a Physician-and-Nurse-backed Service Plan formulated for each unique home and family situation.
<p></p>
Whether it’s providing assistance around the home to help with normal aging related needs or identifying ways to improve the lives of those with dementia and Parkinson’s disease, our mission is to ensure a better quality of life for our Clients by providing insightful, dependable and affordable care.
(read less)
1000 Town Center Dr.#300, Oxnard, CA, 93036
Care provision from 5 to 24 hours , Live-in and Live-out services
<p></p>
<li>Companionship</li>
<li>Personal Care – Home or Facility</li>
<li>Medication reminders</li>
<li>Meal Preparation</li>
… (read more)
Care provision from 5 to 24 hours , Live-in and Live-out services
<p></p>
<li>Companionship</li>
<li>Personal Care – Home or Facility</li>
<li>Medication reminders</li>
<li>Meal Preparation</li>
<li>Bathing and Grooming</li>
<li>Light Housekeeping</li>
<li>Mobility & Exercises assistance; Transferring and positioning</li>
<li>Incontinence care</li>
<li>Incidental transportation</li>
(read less)
Care provision from 5 to 24 hours , Live-in and Live-out services
<p></p>
<li>Companionship</li>
<li>Personal Care – Home or Facility</li>
<li>Medication reminders</li>
<li>Meal Preparation</li>
… (read more)
Care provision from 5 to 24 hours , Live-in and Live-out services
<p></p>
<li>Companionship</li>
<li>Personal Care – Home or Facility</li>
<li>Medication reminders</li>
<li>Meal Preparation</li>
<li>Bathing and Grooming</li>
<li>Light Housekeeping</li>
<li>Mobility & Exercises assistance; Transferring and positioning</li>
<li>Incontinence care</li>
<li>Incidental transportation</li>
(read less)
231 E Alessandro Blvd Ste 199 Ste A , Riverside, CA, 92508
Easy Home Care – offers the most Compassionate and Professional home care services for all Non-medical Seniors and Disabled Adults living in their homes, We accept Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients. W
… (read more)
Easy Home Care – offers the most Compassionate and Professional home care services for all Non-medical Seniors and Disabled Adults living in their homes, We accept Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients. With competitive rates and offering a minimum of 4-24 HR. Care. Our Owner has been in the Senior home care business for 40 + years, and hires the best professional CNA’s, and Caregivers, that are background, and Referenced checked.
<p></p>
Call for a Free Assessment, Veterans Discounts for New Patients.
(read less)
Easy Home Care – offers the most Compassionate and Professional home care services for all Non-medical Seniors and Disabled Adults living in their homes, We accept Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients. W
… (read more)
Easy Home Care – offers the most Compassionate and Professional home care services for all Non-medical Seniors and Disabled Adults living in their homes, We accept Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients. With competitive rates and offering a minimum of 4-24 HR. Care. Our Owner has been in the Senior home care business for 40 + years, and hires the best professional CNA’s, and Caregivers, that are background, and Referenced checked.
<p></p>
Call for a Free Assessment, Veterans Discounts for New Patients.
(read less)
333 H Street Suite 506 , Chula Vista, CA, 91910
We provide non-medical in-home care services to help seniors and other patients with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living that allow them to live safely and independe
… (read more)
We provide non-medical in-home care services to help seniors and other patients with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living that allow them to live safely and independently at home or in a facility setting.
<p></p>
We are State Licensed Home Care Organization serving San Diego County. We stay compliant with the state requirements this includes being bonded and insured to protect all parties involved.
<p></p>
WHY CHOOSE US?
<p></p>
Whether you have a clear idea of what your needs are, or you’re not certain and want a better understanding of what your options are, we can help you. We’ve assisted many seniors throughout San Diego County and know everyone’s situation is unique. You can and should expect that care provided in one’s home is different from what one would receive in a facility because IT’S YOUR HOME! Allow us to develop a plan that works for you or point you in the right direction if we’re not a good fit.
(read less)
We provide non-medical in-home care services to help seniors and other patients with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living that allow them to live safely and independe
… (read more)
We provide non-medical in-home care services to help seniors and other patients with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living that allow them to live safely and independently at home or in a facility setting.
<p></p>
We are State Licensed Home Care Organization serving San Diego County. We stay compliant with the state requirements this includes being bonded and insured to protect all parties involved.
<p></p>
WHY CHOOSE US?
<p></p>
Whether you have a clear idea of what your needs are, or you’re not certain and want a better understanding of what your options are, we can help you. We’ve assisted many seniors throughout San Diego County and know everyone’s situation is unique. You can and should expect that care provided in one’s home is different from what one would receive in a facility because IT’S YOUR HOME! Allow us to develop a plan that works for you or point you in the right direction if we’re not a good fit.
(read less)
2150 North Centre City Parkway Suite K , Escondido, CA, 92026
At Legacy Care we are about quality of life for the elderly. Care that is tailored to your needs, Care your way.
<p></p>
We are a Registered Nurse owned and operated non-medical home care company in
… (read more)
At Legacy Care we are about quality of life for the elderly. Care that is tailored to your needs, Care your way.
<p></p>
We are a Registered Nurse owned and operated non-medical home care company in San Diego California.
<p></p>
We are Licensed by California board of social services, Bonded and insured. We specialize in care management, care navigation, transitional care management and more for the elderly and retired executives.
<p></p>
We provide non-medical assisted living service to our clients wherever they call home.
<p></p>
Services we provide include: Live-In Care or Around the clock Care, Personal Care and more, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, Parkinson’s disease, Special Parkinson’s’ and movement disorder care , special feeding assistance for patients with swallowing disorders.
<p></p>
Our Legacy team is ready to answer your questions about caring for your loved ones in any care setting they call home.
<p></p>
For all your Non-medical needs invite us to take the journey with you. We are Caregivers Serving family caregivers.
(read less)
At Legacy Care we are about quality of life for the elderly. Care that is tailored to your needs, Care your way.
<p></p>
We are a Registered Nurse owned and operated non-medical home care company in
… (read more)
At Legacy Care we are about quality of life for the elderly. Care that is tailored to your needs, Care your way.
<p></p>
We are a Registered Nurse owned and operated non-medical home care company in San Diego California.
<p></p>
We are Licensed by California board of social services, Bonded and insured. We specialize in care management, care navigation, transitional care management and more for the elderly and retired executives.
<p></p>
We provide non-medical assisted living service to our clients wherever they call home.
<p></p>
Services we provide include: Live-In Care or Around the clock Care, Personal Care and more, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, Parkinson’s disease, Special Parkinson’s’ and movement disorder care , special feeding assistance for patients with swallowing disorders.
<p></p>
Our Legacy team is ready to answer your questions about caring for your loved ones in any care setting they call home.
<p></p>
For all your Non-medical needs invite us to take the journey with you. We are Caregivers Serving family caregivers.
(read less)
6658 W LILAC RD , Bonsall, CA, 92003
Ease in the Home believes that aging is living, not dying. We offer Personal Assistants, not babysitters. Our clients are adults who need assistance achieving their day, whether it be at home, an assi
… (read more)
Ease in the Home believes that aging is living, not dying. We offer Personal Assistants, not babysitters. Our clients are adults who need assistance achieving their day, whether it be at home, an assisted living facility or hospital. Our Personal Assistants give superior care because as a family owned non-franchised agency they are valued, well compensated and supported. Our service offers immediate access to ownership to pivot care at a moment’s notice, a true concierge level of attention and service.
Certified Nursing Assistants
Companionship
Healthy Meal Planning & Preparation
Transportation
Pet Care & Dog Walks
Errands & Outings
Medication Reminders
Technology Assistance
Mobility Assistance
Personal Hygiene Assistance
Light Housekeeping/Laundry
Doctor’s Appointments
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care
(read less)
Ease in the Home believes that aging is living, not dying. We offer Personal Assistants, not babysitters. Our clients are adults who need assistance achieving their day, whether it be at home, an assi
… (read more)
Ease in the Home believes that aging is living, not dying. We offer Personal Assistants, not babysitters. Our clients are adults who need assistance achieving their day, whether it be at home, an assisted living facility or hospital. Our Personal Assistants give superior care because as a family owned non-franchised agency they are valued, well compensated and supported. Our service offers immediate access to ownership to pivot care at a moment’s notice, a true concierge level of attention and service.
Certified Nursing Assistants
Companionship
Healthy Meal Planning & Preparation
Transportation
Pet Care & Dog Walks
Errands & Outings
Medication Reminders
Technology Assistance
Mobility Assistance
Personal Hygiene Assistance
Light Housekeeping/Laundry
Doctor’s Appointments
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care
(read less)
3160 Camino Del Rio South Suite #306 , San Diego, CA, 92108
Our services
· Personal Care
· Bathing, hygiene, dressing
· Transferring and Mobility
· Meal planning, preparation, and clean-up
· Errands and Medicati
… (read more)
Our services
· Personal Care
· Bathing, hygiene, dressing
· Transferring and Mobility
· Meal planning, preparation, and clean-up
· Errands and Medication pick-up
· Light housekeeping and laundry services
· Community activities
· Help with hobbies and interests
· Social outings
· Exercise
· Companionship
(read less)
Our services
· Personal Care
· Bathing, hygiene, dressing
· Transferring and Mobility
· Meal planning, preparation, and clean-up
· Errands and Medicati
… (read more)
Our services
· Personal Care
· Bathing, hygiene, dressing
· Transferring and Mobility
· Meal planning, preparation, and clean-up
· Errands and Medication pick-up
· Light housekeeping and laundry services
· Community activities
· Help with hobbies and interests
· Social outings
· Exercise
· Companionship
(read less)
7777 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA, 92037
Paying for Home Care in San Diego, CA
The Cost of Home Care in San Diego, CA
San Diego’s average home care cost is over $1,400 more per month than the national average, but it’s less than $300 higher than California’s $6,101 average. Its average is also much higher than El Centro’s $3,432, but it’s nearly $300 less per month than Santa Maria’s average cost. Further north in San Luis Obispo, averages rise to $7,150, more than $750 higher than San Diego’s.
The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in San Diego, CA
Adult day health care is the lowest-cost senior care option in San Diego at $2,058, about a third the cost of home care. However, it provides limited services in nonresidential settings. Assisted living is also lower at $5,475 but requires seniors to move to residential communities. Nursing home care is the highest-cost option at $9,384, but also requires a move and better suits seniors with extensive health-related needs. Home care covers personal caregiving but doesn’t include medical services provided by registered nurses or therapists like home health care. Home care costs slightly more at $6,473 compared to $6,387.
Nursing Home Care (semi-private room)
Financial Assistance for Home Care in San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA
San Diego seniors wishing to age in place at home often need additional services and supports to do so safely. Several nonprofit and governmental programs help aging adults by assisting with rising utility costs, making homes safer or more energy efficient and delivering nutritious food at no or low cost to those who qualify.
Meals on Wheels San Diego delivers meals to seniors aged 60 or older, veterans of any age and caregivers of current clients. Participants may choose one or two meals seven days a week, with Sunday meals delivered on Saturdays. It also delivers on holidays and provides free pet food.
RTSD provides home repair and maintenance at no cost to low-income seniors and disabled persons through its year-round “Safe at Home” program. It primarily performs minor repairs and safety and energy efficiency modifications. Applicants must own and live in their own single-family home and fall beneath income limits.
LIHEAP helps low-income households pay their heating or cooling bills, including those that heat with wood, oil or propane. Eligibility is based on place of residence, income, household size and other factors. Preference is given to residents aged 60 or older, disabled persons and households with children.
California’s LIWP provides low-income households with free solar photovoltaic systems and energy efficiency upgrades. The program reduces greenhouse gases while saving seniors and other residents on their household energy costs. It also provides energy-efficient air conditioning and improved insulation to protect seniors from health impacts caused by high temperatures.
The PTP program allows seniors who are disabled, blind or aged 62 or older to postpone their property taxes until they sell their home or pass away. To qualify, seniors must own and occupy the home, meet income limits, not have a reverse mortgage and have at least 40% equity. They must reapply each year.
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
What is the average cost of in-home elderly care in San Diego?
The average cost of in-home elderly care in San Diego is $6,387 per month, according to the 2022 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. This average is based on 44 hours of care per week, which is about $36 per hour. However, the final cost of care varies by agency and the actual number of hours requested. In San Diego, the average cost of home health care isn’t much higher than home care, so a combination of the two may work best if the senior receiving care also has some medical needs that wouldn’t be met through home care alone.
How many home care agencies are there near San Diego?
Seniors have 44 home care agencies to choose from in and around San Diego, so it’s important to compare options to determine which one best meets their needs. Home care agencies aren’t all the same, and like any business, some are better managed than others. Besides price, it’s essential to compare each agency’s reputation, training requirements for their care providers, licensing information and other factors before choosing the ideal match.
What should I look for in a good home care agency near me in San Diego?
Look for a reputable home care agency in San Diego with solid references from former clients and health care professionals familiar with it. Most importantly, only hire caregivers from licensed home care agencies. In 2016, California passed the Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act, requiring home care agencies to be licensed by the state through the Home Care Services Bureau. The HCSB also keeps an online registry of home care aides who’ve had background checks, which is open to the public. The Community Care Licensing Division, Residential Care Home Licensing, San Diego Office serves San Diego and Imperial counties.
What is a non-medical home care service?
Non-medical home care services are those that aren’t required to be performed by licensed medical professionals. These services may be performed by professional caregivers or licensed or unlicensed non-medical professionals. Examples of non-medical home care services include essential daily assistance such as eating, grooming, bathing, toileting and mobility assistance. Services can also include various household tasks like doing laundry, preparing meals, light housekeeping, and grocery shopping and other errands. Providing companionship and supervision for elderly or disabled persons would also be considered non-medical home care services.
Which factor is most critical to effective home care?
Home care is most effective when there’s a firm commitment from the entire family to receive home care services, including from the person being provided care. Family members must be prepared to cooperate with home care providers and take part in creating a care plan that ensures their loved one receives all the services they need to remain healthy, safe and living independently in their home for as long as possible.