San Diego, California Home Care: Search Near You, How To Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions To Ask

San Diego is a beautiful, historical location for those looking at home care services. Referred to as the “Birthplace of California”, San Diego is a hub for tourism, coastal enthusiasts, and retirees.Agencies in this area could accept State Medicaid, private payers, and long-term care insurance.

CareAvailability.com has been used by families and care professionals in the San Diego area to find real-time home care availability and provide a comprehensive list of options for care.We do all the work for you when it comes to finding the best home care companies in and around San Diego. We do extensive research on the facilities and provide you with the most current information and care availability.

About Home Care In San Diego, CA

Home care is a service that involves providing assistance to another who may need help with physical or cognitive care needs. This type of care is often offered to seniors in their home environment and can help them stay independent while they age in place.

Home care is different than home health, which is offered to people who are recovering from an injury or hospital admittance with the goal of recovering at home.  Home care is normally classified as non-medical care in the home to help with activities of daily living (ADL). ADLs are basic daily activities that are necessary for independent living. These include bathing, dressing, personal grooming, eating, mobility, and maintaining continence.

Considerations when looking for care in San Diego, CA

San Diego is the 2^nd largest city in the California, with the population tipping over 1,300,000 in 2020’s census. The mild year-round climate, beaches, and diverse culture have led San Diego to become a preferred location for senior citizens to retire, and so the need for senior care has become more of a factor.

San Diego has recently emerged as a center for healthcare development, and is home to many universities and higher education, including San Diego State University and University of San Diego.

Cities near San Diego, CA with Home Care Options

• Lemon Grove – 9 miles northeast of San Diego.
• Chula Vista – 9.7 miles south of San Diego.
• La Mesa – 10 miles northeast of San Diego.
• Spring Valley – 12 miles east of San Diego.
• Encinitas – 25.6 miles north of San Diego.
• Escondido – 30 miles northeast of San Diego.

How much does home care in San Diego, CA cost?

The average cost associate with home care in San Diego, CA is $6,387 / month for a full to part-time caregiver.

One benefit of home care is that you are normally able to request only the hours of care you are needing, which may lower a person’s cost of care greatly as long as minimums are met. Hours can vary from as little as 1 hour all the way up to 24-hour care, depending on the level of acuity/care needs.

Although the cost can seem overwhelming, it’s smart to look into financial planning for end stage retirement and expected care needs.

How to pay for Home Health and available coverage

Medicare:

Generally Medicare reimburses the cost of Home health services. Medicare typically covers your loved one when recovering from an illness or an accident or a surgery.

*Medicare covers the specific ailment. When treatment is completed Medicare coverage stops. 

Medicare is not a long-term care solution. 

Medicaid:

Medicaid programs are put in place on a state-by-state basis. Each state will have their own regulations regarding the coverage of care. Some individuals at a certain low-income level may qualify for Medicaid Home and Community Based Service Waivers.

Veteran Aid and Attendance:

This benefit is available to some military veterans or surviving spouses. 

• A veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month. 
• A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month. 
• If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.

Private Insurance:

• Most health insurance companies typically cover some services for acute medical needs. 
• Do be aware, long-term coverage vary by plan. Not all long-term insurance will assist with home health services as the needs of the person tend to be temporary. 

Private pay:

Families which can afford to do so may pay for care with private funds. Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, pension payments and family members may contribute funds toward a loved one’s care as well.

Home care costs can sometimes come as a surprise given the constantly rising costs of care. However, there are ways in which some or all the cost of care may be covered.

Local hospital and healthcare providers in San Diego, CA

Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego
4077 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92103

Sharp Memorial Hospital
7901 Frost St
San Diego, CA 92123

Kindred Hospital San Diego
1940 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92104

Alvarado Hospital Medical Center
6655 Alvarado Rd
San Diego, CA 92120

Questions and inquiries about home care

Agency Information

• Is the agency RN operated?
• Is the agency a franchise or locally owned and operated?
• Is the agency licensed by WA State Department of Health?
• Is the agency licensed for both home care and home health?
• Does the agency have liability insurance?
• Can the agency respond to you 24/7?

Caregiver Information

• Are employees licensed, bonded & insured? Or are they independent contractors?
• Does the agency test skills, conduct behavioral interviews and verify caregiver credentials?
• Are caregivers required to have current certifications for First Aid, CPR, and TB?
• Are caregivers provided continuing education/training?
• Can authorized individuals monitor care and make requests online in real time?
• Does the agency offer caregiver replacement when the “fit” may not be right?

Documentation and Supervision

• Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager conduct a free home care assessment?
• Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager create a home care plan?
• Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager supervise the caregivers?
• Do caregivers receive client orientation before arriving at a client’s home?

Policies and Cost

• Can services be cancelled with a 4-hour notification?
• Does the agency offer flexible scheduling, custom care plans, and  a continuum of care?
• Does the agency have weekly or monthly minimums?
• What is the hourly minimum per shift?
• Does the agency offer home care discounts?
• What is the required deposit?
• Will the agency accept long-term care insurance?

Resources and Links- California

Area Agencies on Aging The California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the State. These services are provided locally by contracted agencies. This webpage is intended for those who provide, or seek to provide a variety of aging services.

The Home Care Services Bureau is responsible for licensing Home Care Organizations including processing applications, receiving and responding to complaints and conducting unannounced visits to ensure compliance.

California Department of Aging Under the umbrella of the California Health and Human Services Agency, the California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the State. These programs are funded through the federal Older Americans Act, the Older Californians Act, and through the Medi-Cal program.

California Rural Indian Health Board The Pit River Tribe of California’s Rancherias in the operating area are as follows: * Montgomery Creek Rancheria * Roaring Creek Rancheria * Burney * Lookout Rancheria * XL Ranch Rancheria * Likely Rancheria * Big Bend Rancheria The main site, Burney Indian Health Clinic, in Burney, CA offers full time health care in many fields. As a service to the community the Shasta County W.I.C. Program is also located at the site in Burney. A satellite office, the XL Ranch Reservation Clinic, is located in Alturas, CA (Modoc County) providing referral and outreach services. The principal referral facility is Mercy Medical Center Hospital in Redding, CA which approximately miles from the main clinic site. This facility offers general medicine with 169 medical/surgical, 14 ICU, 14 CCU, 19 Pedriatrics, 29 Perinatal, 5 Acute/Respiratory and 6 ICCN beds

Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings

Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.

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