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How Much Does a Home Health Aide Cost per Hour in California?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Home health aide in California costs approximately $32 per hour, per long-term care cost data in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey. This is about 25% higher than the national hourly average of $26. However, it’s consistent with other rates in other western states, including Oregon, Washington and Utah, where respective fees come in at $32, $34.50 and $30.
Home health aide fees vary considerably by region depending on factors such as the availability of services and local costs of living. In major cities such as San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco, care costs tend to be at or above the statewide median. In cities such as Visalia and El Centro, rates are more economical.
Home Health Aide Costs in Major California Cities
El Centro is the most affordable place in California to obtain home health aide services, with seniors in this city paying just $18 per hour for care. In Bakersfield and Fresno, hourly rates are considerably higher but still low compared to the statewide norm at $28.88 and $29. In Chico and Los Angeles, respective rates come in closer to the state median at $30 and $31, and in San Diego, rates are a little higher at $33.95. In Santa Maria and San Francisco, hourly home health care rates are higher than the California norm at $35 and $37.50.
- El Centro: $18
- Bakersfield: $28.88
- Fresno: $29
- Chico: $30
- Los Angeles: $31
- San Diego: $33.95
- Santa Maria: $35
- San Francisco: $37.50
Reducing Home Health Aide Costs in California
There are several programs that can help older adults afford home health aide services. Qualified seniors may receive help with monthly care costs through the In-Home Supportive Services Program, which provides help with nonmedical services such as personal care and housekeeping. Similarly, the Multipurpose Senior Services Program provides nutrition services, chore services, home modifications and respite services. Both programs require applicants to meet financial and functional needs requirements. While the programs may not fully cover home health aide services, they may reduce out-of-pocket expenses.