I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Corona, CA
Corona is situated at the junction of I-15 and SR 91 in northwest Riverside County, making it convenient for out-of-town family members to visit. This historic, culturally diverse city is home to 157,136 residents, about one in 10 of whom are aged 65 and older.
Corona is an ideal place for seniors who enjoy warm year-round weather and plenty of sunshine. The city averages 275 sunny days a year, which is 70 more than the national median, and it earned an 8.7 out of 10 rating on the BestPlaces Comfort Index, which indicates that the climate here is more comfortable than in many other California cities.
The city offers a safe environment for retirees, with a violent crime rate that’s about a third of the nationwide average. Health care costs in Corona are almost 17% lower than the U.S. average, you have easy access to medical services at the local Corona Regional Medical Center. This 238-bed facility consists of a 160-bed acute care hospital and a modern, 78-bed rehab center. Corona’s comfortable climate, convenient location and lower-than-average costs for health care help make it an attractive city to age in place and receive home care services.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Corona, CA
In Corona, you can expect to pay an average of $5,434 per month for home care services, and $5,529 for home health care services. These rates, listed on the 2020 Cost of Care Survey from Genworth Financial, are based on 44 hours of weekly care. This works out to an average of $28.50 per hour for home care, and $29 per hour for home health care services.
The difference in costs between these two types of in-home care reflects the fact that home care provides nonmedical services, while home health care includes some basic health care services, such as medication management and monitoring of chronic health conditions.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
At $5,434 per month, the cost of home care in Corona is below the statewide average of $5,529, while the rate for home health care matches the California median. To the south in San Diego, either type of in-home care runs about $5,716 per month, while in nearby Oxnard, the average cost is $5,339 for both home care and home health care. To the east in Riverside, rates are lower at $5,053 for either in-home care service.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In Corona, the least-expensive type of senior care is adult day care, which costs an average of $1,647 per month. Assisted living care runs about $5,000 per month, while a semiprivate room in a skilled nursing facility costs an average of $8,060. The costs of home care ($5,434) and home health care ($5,529) services are somewhat higher than what seniors pay for assisted living, but significantly lower than the average rate charged by nursing homes.
Note: Data for Corona was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Los Angeles, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Corona, CA
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Corona, CA.
Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Corona, CA
Residential Rehabilitation Program — Forgivable Home Repair Loans
What You Should Know
Residential Rehabilitation Program. This program provides eligible homeowners with up to $25,000 in forgivable home repair loans for use toward preapproved, safety-critical home repairs and upgrades. No interest is charged on the loans, and there are no monthly payments required.
Projects that are eligible for funding include plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling repairs, energy-efficiency upgrades, roof replacements and remediation of termite damaged-structures. If you need to install a wheelchair ramp, renovate your bathroom or eliminate trip-and-fall hazards in your home to continue living there, funding from this program can also be used toward these accessibility improvements.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for participation in the Residential Rehabilitation Program, you must own and occupy a single-family home in Corona. If you live alone, your annual income can’t exceed $40,250, and this limit rises to $46,000 if you share your home with another person such as your spouse, adult child or a roommate.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the Residential Rehabilitation Program, and to request a paper copy of the application form, call the Community Development Department at (951) 736-2434.
City of Corona Senior Center
What You Should Know
Operated by the city’s Community Services department and open Monday through Saturday, the Senior Center is a multipurpose community facility where seniors aged 50 and older can participate in a wide range of free and low-cost activities, programs and special events.
Each Wednesday, you can take in a free educational lecture delivered by local health experts, senior law specialists and insurance providers who present topics that are relevant to retirees. Monthly events include holiday-themed parties, catered luncheons and seniors’ dances. You can also sign up for one of the many ongoing programs, including fitness classes, balance workshops, support groups and arts and crafts clubs.
Who Is Eligible?
As a senior aged 50 or older living in Corona, you’re eligible to join the Corona Senior Center. Membership is free, although a small fee may apply to some activities to cover program costs.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the programs and activities at the senior center, call (951) 736-2363.
Riverside Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels is a nationwide program designed to help seniors remain healthy and independent by delivering dietitian-approved prepared meals directly to the homes of older adults who are housebound due to advanced age, illness or disability.
Volunteers with Meals on Wheels deliver hot, ready-to-eat noontime meals to seniors each weekday. In addition to dropping off the meals, volunteers take a moment to ask recipients how they’re doing, which helps reduce the isolation that many seniors live with. Free monthly pet food deliveries are also available to Meals on Wheels participants who own a cat or dog.
Who Is Eligible?
If you live in Corona, you’re eligible for Meals on Wheels service. Unlike some similar programs, there’s no age limits or waiting lists, and you don’t have to give any financial information. You’ll be asked to contribute a small donation to cover meal costs, but if you can’t afford to pay, you won’t be refused service.
How to Get Started
To learn more about Meals on Wheels service in Corona, call (951) 683-7151, extension 102.
Dial-A-Ride
What You Should Know
If you need a safe, affordable way to travel to and from your home and the doctor’s office, grocery store, your church or any other destination in Corona, you may be able to use Dial-A-Ride.
This low-cost, shared-ride public transit service is operated by the City of Corona. It’s available to adults who are certified as disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as all seniors aged 60 and older. Rides are provided in a wheelchair-accessible van or minibus that can accommodate individuals who use walkers, manual and power wheelchairs, and most compact and medium-sized mobility scooters.
Who Is Eligible?
As a senior aged 60 and older, you’re eligible to use Dial-A-Ride. If you’re under the age of 60, and you have a temporary or permanent disability, you may also be eligible to use this service.
You’ll need to preregister with Dial-A-Ride, and once you do, you can reserve your trip up to 14 days in advance.
How to Get Started
You’ll need to preregister to use Dial-A-Ride service, but once you do, you can reserve trips up to 14 days in advance. To learn more about the program, call the city’s Public Transit department at (951) 734-7220 or (951) 736-2266.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
What You Should Know
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households cover their home energy costs. This program also covers some home weatherization projects such as adding insulation, and sealing up leaky windows and doors.
Who Is Eligible?
If you live alone, and you meet the program’s financial guidelines, you may be eligible for assistance through LIHEAP. Priority is given to low-income households that include individuals who are elderly, disabled, have a life-threatening illness or are under the age of six.
How to Get Started
To learn more about LIHEAP, you can contact Community Action Partnership of Riverside County at (951) 955-4900 or (800) 511-1100.