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The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, CA, residents and their loved ones rate In Home Care agencies 4.8 out of 5 stars across the 99 options below.

Home Care Services in Palo Alto, California

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Paying for Home Care in Palo Alto, CA

The Cost of Home Care in Palo Alto, CA

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Palo Alto pay about $6,864 for home care, which is higher than California's statewide average of $6,101 and the national median of $4,957. However, it's a cheaper option than nearby San Jose, where home care costs 3.5% more. Prices drop in Sacramento, which offers care for about 9.1% less than Palo Alto. Los Angeles and Fresno are also more affordable home care options at $5,911 and $5,529, respectively. 

Palo Alto

$6,864

California

$6,101

The United States

$4,957

San Jose

$7,102

Sacrametno

$6,292

Los Angeles

$5,911

Fresno

$5,529

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

In Palo Alto, seniors can access nonmedical services with home care at $6,864 per month or skilled nursing services through home health care for a 4.2% price increase. For a more economical senior care option, adult day health care offers services for $1,950 per month. Seniors who are mostly independent but can't live alone safely can access assisted living, a residential care option providing daily living support, for about 8.7% less than home care. Meanwhile, nursing homes offer 24-hour skilled medical services for a higher rate of $11,566. 

Home Care

$6,864

Home Health Care

$7,150

Adult Day Health Care

$1,950

Assisted Living

$6,319

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$11,566

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 to pay 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 nonmedical 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 services 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 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 tax-free portion of your home's equity in cash. 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 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:

ResourceContactAddressService
Palo Alto Utility Rate Assistance Program(650) 329-2333250 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301Senior 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(408) 975-4860353 W. Julian, San Jose, CA 95110Adults 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(650) 329-398025 Churchill Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306Seniors 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.

Download
Checklist for determining the need for in-home care
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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews of Care Providers Nearby

Home Care

JJohnson

I am a current client of this provider

Review of Right at Home - Palo Alto

Medina was wonderful. She had John exercise which he hadn’t done in weeks. She cooked a delicious meal for us and was great with John.

Provider response

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Jane! It truly touches our hearts to know that the care we provided brought comfort and made a meaningful difference. Supporting John in staying active and...

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Home Care

Barbra B_1

I am a current client of this provider

Review of Right at Home - Palo Alto

The services provide me with peace of mind. I like the quality of care and their staff.

Provider response

Dear Barbra, Family is how we would describe you and your aunt. Our caregivers love her and care for her deeply.

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Home Care

John J_31

I am a current client of this provider

Review of Right at Home - Palo Alto

The caregivers are very good at getting my dad to do things he doesn't want to do. The agency is very consistent. We don't have to worry about someone not showing up.

Provider response

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, John! We’re truly grateful for your trust in us and are so pleased that our caregivers bring a positive impact to your dad’s daily life. Consistency...

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In Home Care near Palo Alto, CA

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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