In Contra Costa County, getting help at home isn’t as easy as it sounds. For many, bringing a stranger into their home to take care of them in a very vulnerable time can seem overwhelming. There are worries about who that person might be, how much to pay them, how many hours they should work and the most prevalent: Can this person be trusted?

While most would prefer a family member or someone they know take care of them, this may not always be the best thing. While promises are made, commitments can be difficult to keep. If caregiving is absolutely necessary, many find that hiring outside assistance with a regular schedule is the most reliable solution. That way, family members can remain as family, and others can be counted on to do the work.

There are many choices in hiring help at home. Many will hire privately, that is, pay out-of-pocket for help on an “as-needed” basis. There are many different ways to find caregivers. Some senior centers maintain lists, there are other sources from discharge planners, physicians offices and hospice agencies. Remember, too, that if you hire privately, you work out the hours, rate of pay, etc…. and, you’re also an employer and must abide by IRS rulings for tax purposes. Here’s a brief rundown on the types of agencies in Contra Costa County.

HOME HEALTH AGENCIES

These agencies provides services that are 100% covered by Medicare and Medi-Cal. The service must be ordered by a physician. However, clients still have a personal choice of any agency. There are certain requirements for care, for one, you must be homebound and in need of skilled care. This would translate to a nurse or physical, occupational or speech therapy. This is also a time and visit limited service. Some aide service can be available, if there’s a skilled need. This is a service NOT covered by long term care insurance. Born To Age does not list the prices these agencies charge because the costs are directly reimbursed by Medicare. Client is not billed for services.

ADDUS HEALTHCARE INC.
Contra Costa, East County, Alameda and Solano Counties
1800 Sutter St.
Suite 360
Concord, CA
925.671.4100 Skilled Services
925-671-4110 Companion Services

LIFEGUARD HOME HEALTH
5976 W. Las Positas Blvd, #106
Pleasanton, CA 94588
888-221-2321

PROFESSIONAL HOME CARE
ASSOCIATES
1111-D Stanley Blvd. Suite 112
Livermore, CA 94550
925.243.1385
2296 Country Drive
Fremont, CA
510.797.9299

SUTTER CARE AT HOME
Concord
1900 Bates Ave.
Concord, CA 94520
925.577.4240

PRIVATE DUTY HOME CARE AGENCIES

These agencies can provide both skilled and non-skilled medical care. The services might be covered by long term care, or other insurances, and private pay. The agency is the employer. Caregivers are hired, screened and paid for by the agency. If the caregiver is ill or unable to work, a substitute caregiver is available. The agency pays payroll taxes, worker’s compensation and maintains liability coverage. The agency also determines what the caregiver can and can’t do. There is over a minimum number of hours for service. Care provided by these agencies can include: skilled care, personal care, transportation/errands, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, laundry, etc. Shifts can be hourly, live-in or sleepover.

Accentcare
1470 Enea Circle, Suite 1735
Concord, CA 94520
1-800-834-3059
www.accentcare.com

AccentCare is a non-medical home care company that provides professional, care to individuals while maintaining their independence and quality of life in their home and community settings. National leader in homecare and home health. Caregivers assist with activities of daily living, medication reminders, light housekeeping and outdoor activities. Also assist the senior in getting into the community and transporting to medical appointments, grocery shopping and social functions. Caregiver rates range from $21 to $26 an hour depending on the level of care needed. Live-in care ranges from $250 to $280 per day. A FREE in-home assessment is offered prior to beginning care and there is no contract or long term commitment. Caregivers go through a rigorous hiring process including a thorough interview, reference check and 7 year criminal background check. All caregivers receive a complete training and have a live 24/7 on-call team for any urgent needs.

Addus Healthcare Inc.
Contra Costa, East County, Alameda
and Solano Counties
1800 Sutter St.
Suite 360
Concord, CA
925.671.4100 Skilled Services
925-671-4110 Companion Services

Addus Healthcare services focus on improving the health and well being. Services included both medical and nonmedical care such as companionship, bathing and hygiene assistance, transportation, medication reminders, meal preparation and skilled nursing. Caregiver rates range from $20 to $25 and vary depending upon the level of care. No minimum amount of hours. Live-in care prices begin at $250 per day. Skilled nursing services are also available, along with Physical Therapy, LVN and Speech Therapists. Most insurances cover skilled care as well as Medicare.

All employees undergo a criminal background check and are bonded and insured. Free in home assessments. Also make assessments at hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.

All Valley Home Care
2290 Diamond Blvd. #205
Concord, California 94520
925-287-9488

All Valley Home Care is a family owned/ operated, private duty in-home care agency in business for over 20 years and services all of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. A VIDA Senior Resource Certified Agency and is also Licensed, Bonded, and Insured. One-hour to 24 hour care is available 365 days/year and prices range from $19.00-$25.00 for hourly care and $220.00-$280.00 per day for 24 hour live-In care. Services offered: Alzheimer’s/dementia care, family relief (respite care), post hospital care, personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming, incontinent care,), housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, transportation/errands, care coordination, hospital sitters, companions, and special needs. Employees have to pass a criminal background check, be CPR certified, pass a driving record, be tested for tuberculosis exposure (every year), and have at least one year verifiable experience as a caregiver. Consultations/safety evaluations/and needs assessments are free of charge. 24 hour live/local support is available at all times for emergencies. Also offers free resource guidance to everyone . Long term care insurance, credit cards, cash, and checks are accepted. Also a provider for Family Caregiver Alliance and the Regional Center of East Bay.

Bright Star
Oakland/Walnut Creek/San Ramon
3746 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 204
Lafayette, CA 94549
925.284.8888

BrightStar’s LifeCare services focus on improving the health and well being of those entrusted to our care. These services included both medical and non-medical care such as companionship, bathing and hygiene assistance, transportation, medication reminders, meal preparation and skilled nursing. All of the services provided are managed and overseen by a registered nurse who conducts a comprehensive initial assessment for all patients and monthly supervisory visits. Caregiver rates are $26, 2-hour minimum. .55 per mile if using caregiver car. Live-in care prices begin at $275 per day. Skilled nursing visits start at $85 per visit and vary according to complexity of the need. R.N. visit $140, LVN $95, All BrightStar employees undergo a criminal background check and drug screen as well as being bonded and insured. LifeCare services available.

Comfort Assisting, LLC
Professional Senior In-Home Care
112 La Casa Via, Suite 160
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
925-933-3200
www.comfortassisting.com

This a private duty, non-medical home care agency. Caregivers are trained for each particular client. Assist with activities of daily living and provide unique bathing services for clients who are shy or uncomfortable. Caregivers are trained in Alzheimer’s, dementia and Multiple Sclerosis. Special RN-led exercise sessions available. Caregivers can work 24/7, all year around and assist clients to find comfort in their homes. Provide rides to doctor appointments. Train family members in CPR. Free assesment. Two hours free services for new clients. No minimum hours requirement. Services taking 2 hrs and fewer are billed per job. Rates start at $23.50 an hour. Live-in start at $200.00. Caregivers are continually monitored and drug screened.

Hillendale Home Care
1777 N. California Blvd. Suite 210
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925.933.8181
www.hillendale.net

This private home care agency is owned and operated by an R.N. and has provided non-medical home care since 2002. Services include: assistance with Activities of Daily Living i.e. bathing, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation and companionship. Care is initiated by a complimentary RN assessment visit, and a Care Plan is written to ensure provision of structured and professional care. Rates are $24 an hour with a four hour minimum, Live In is $285 and a Sleep Over is $180. Caregivers are bonded, insured, background checked, and covered by Worker’s Compensation insurance. They are regularly supervised and receive ongoing training. Hillendale also has a Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide training school and is a member of the California Association for Health Services At Home and the National Private Duty Association.

Homecare Consultants Unlimited, Inc.
1280 Boulevard Way, Suite 200
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone: 925.930-6764
Toll Free: 1.866.486.7064
www.homecare-consultants.com

Founded in 1993, Homecare Consultants Unlimited, Inc. (HCUI) is family owned and operated. Client safety is priority number one. Hourly rates between $23-26. Companion rates $21-$23 per hour. Sleepover $220 per night. Live-in rate $285. Stringent background checks include: criminal checks; “Live Scan” fingerprinting through the DOJ; Social Security verification; DMV record check, and all prior work references. All home care aides are regularly tested and vaccinated against TB and are First Aid trained. HCUI offers: companionship; shopping errands/transportation; bathing/ grooming; respite care; meal preparation; medication reminders, and more. Fully bonded and insured.

LivHOME
1981 N. Broadway, Suite 235
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
866.371.1488
925.296.0406

This is the nation’s largest professionally led at-home senior care company. LivHome’s staff are credentialed experts in eldercare with specialities in social work, nursing and mental health. They oversee care, communicating with caregivers and family and, when necessary, medical and financial professionals. Services include a free initial assessment, hourly caregiving with rates between $25-28 an hour (four hour minimum). Live-in care is $260-289 a day. Sleepover $180 per night. Care management services also available, fee based on need. Website: www.LivHome.com

Never Stop Caring, LLC
751 Belmont Way
Pinole, CA 94564
510.685.5776

Never Stop Caring, LLC. was founded by Juan and Maria Velasquez in February of 2010. For the past nine years, they have provided (24/7) round the clock care services to the developmentally disabled population in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties and now they’re extending private duty non-medical home care services to the senior community. All caregivers and CNA’s go through a background check, bonded, current DMV license, clean driving record, and TB test. No minimum but provide hourly shifts, bath services, live-in and sleep-overs. Rates start at $19.00 up to $25.00 per hour. Live-in rate is $290.00 and sleepover $165.00. Offer transportation and companionship, personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping/errands and pet care.

Nightingale of Contra Costa
1521 Contra Costa Blvd.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
925.685.5577

Nightingale Nursing owned and founded by Barbara Hamrick 24 years ago, provides private duty custodial care in both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. Staff are Certified Nursing Assistants, (CNA) Certified Home Health Aides,(CHHA) or Caregivers with at least 2 years of home care experience. All employees receive thorough background checks, are bonded and insured. All job applicants receive a comprehensive interview and skills assessment. No minimum hour requirements Rates start at $23.00 an hour for 3 hours or more. One and two hour visits, $45.00 for 1 hour and $55.00 for the two hour visit. Live-in is $285.00. Sleep-over, $165.00. No hidden charges or shift differential fees. Transportation is not provided as a separate service, staff can transport their clients on outings with a 45 cents per mile charge when using their own vehicle. No binding contracts or deposits, only a Client Service Agreement, where clients can cancel/start service anytime. No start up fees. Will take care of the insurance billing. Free home assessments and home safety checks by a Nurse Case Manager. Nurse also writes a complete care plan. Care Management also available. A member of the California Association for Health Services at Home, (CAHSAH) and the National Private Duty Association, (NPDA). Also offer state–approved Training Programs for (CNA), Certified Nurse Assistant Training, Certified Home Health Training, (CHHA), along with Continuing Education programs for CHHA, and CNA, including Hospice training. Also offered at San Leandro campus, along with Licensed Vocational Nurse Training, (LVN). Long term care insurance accepted.

ResCare HomeCare
3730 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite 320
Lafayette, CA 94549
www.ResCareHomeCare.com
925.283.5076 / 510.653.7242

ResCare’s mission is to encourage older adults to live full and active lives. Everyday ResCare provides a broad range of non-medical, supportive services ranging from meal preparation and light housekeeping to taking a client to doctor appointments and assisting with medication reminders, bathing and dressing. Our care companions accompany their clients to movies and the library, and help them with physical therapy exercises. The Geriatric Care Managers and other members of ResCare’s staff also work with the care companions to expand the levels of compassion they bring to their clients. Rates $25-28.50 for caregivers,. $250 per 12-hour shift. Sleepover $285.

Right at Home of Mt. Diablo
45 Quail Court, Ste 204
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone: 925-256-HOME (4663)
Web: www.rah-md.net
Email: info@rah-md.net

With Right at Home, caring for your loved one is simple! First, we conduct a free in-home assessment. Second, we create a personalized care plan. Third, we match our client’s personality and needs to the right caregiver. Last and definitely not least, we provide ongoing supervision of our caregivers, as well as ongoing training on a variety of topics such as HIPAA, chronic illnesses, fall prevention, and elder abuse. We are available by phone to our clients and our caregivers 24/7. Our rates vary depending on client’s needs. We bill $75 flat for visits up to 3 hours, $22 – $24/hour for over 3 hours, $215-$250 for a 12 hour (awake) shift, and $340 for live-ins. Couples care is available at a nominal additional cost. Checks and major credit cards accepted, as well as LTC and Workers Comp insurance. We serve clients in Lamorinda and from Dublin to Martinez along 680. Our mission is to make it simple to do business with us, and to ensure that our clients are treated with dignity, and live as independently as possible. That’s our job! Please call us to see how we are different.

Senior Helpers
1170 Burnett Ave., Suite J
Concord, CA
925.376.8000

1100 Moraga Way, Suite 202
Moraga, CA
925.677.2150

This is a private duty non-medical agency that serves the entire Contra Costa county area as well as Alameda county and surrounding areas. Caregivers are experienced and go through thorough reference checks, social security card number checks and criminal background checks. All are insured, bonded, have valid driver’s licenses, and work under the supervision of the staff nurse. CNAs and caregivers with experience with Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients are available. Senior Helpers has a formal training program for its caregivers with certification for dementia and Alzheimer’s care, led by nationally-recognized dementia expert Teepa Snow. Free assessments. Rates run between $23 and $25. No minimum. Live-in caregivers are also available at a rate between $260- $320.

Stay Safe Home Care, Inc.
2800 Pleasant Hill Rd Suite 170
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: (925) 979-9803
Fax: (925) 979-9894
Email: ContactUs@
StaySafeHomeCare.com
Website www.StaySafeHomeCare.com

Professional Non-Medical Home Care Services owned and operated by a RN with extensive home care experience. We specialize in home care coordination of medically complex clients with RN PT OT ST MSW ST Home Health Care Services. The Mission of Stay Safe Home Care Inc. is to preserve quality of life, independence, and happiness achievable at home. We will adjust daily living activities to YOUR schedule preferences and strive for highest level of satisfaction and best possible outcomes. Because of our commitment to client satisfaction, we are proud to offer services that are well screened, licensed, bonded, and insured. We are Full Service Agency which means that caregivers are employed by the company; enjoy benefits, and workers compensation in the event of injury at clients home. We are a proud member of California Association for Health Services at Home and Home Care Aide Organization Certification Program. All experienced employees are regularly supervised by a nurse and receive ongoing education based on patient’s complex needs. Home care services include companionship, personal care, transportation, medication assistance, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and more. Rates are $20-$24 and hour with four hour minimum, live in is $300 and a sleep over is $200. We accept all long term insurance and VA benefits. Please call for no obligation free assessments.

Sutter Care At Home
2100 Embarcadero, Suite 101
Oakland, CA 94606
510.652.3317 / 800.698.1273

Sutter Care at Home offers private duty services through our Private and Geriatric Care business line (formerly Cohen Cormier) – to provide patients and families guidance, support and solutions for caregiving challenges. Services range from personal care, to household assistance, to care management. Prices for private duty care begin at $25 an hour, with a four hour daily minimum or sixteen hours weekly. 24/7 care is also available for $250. All caregivers are trained and supervised by Care Managers who are nurses and social workers.

HOME CARE REFERRAL AGENCIES

These agencies provide nonmedical caregivers/companions to help with personal care, transportation, meals, baths, light housekeeping, etc. They provide many of the same services as private duty home care agencies, however, the caregiver’s are not employees of the agency. The agency finds and screens the caregiver. The client has the option of interviewing or letting the agency match the appropriate caregiver. The agency assists in negotiating the rate between the client and caregiver, including agency fee. Caregiver earnings are reported to the IRS. Substitute caregivers are available.

A Better Living Home Care
2280 Diamond Blvd. Suite 580
Concord, CA 94520
925-680-0300

A Better Living Home Care, is a locally owned and operated referral agency serving Contra Costa County. Better Living is Rated A+ from the Better Business Bureau and has over 10 years of experience in home care. All caregivers must have at least two years of experience working with the elderly, must show proof of legal status to work in the US, pass a rigorous criminal and DMV background check and have a minimum of two professional references. They must all have a current California Driver’s license and a registered and insured automobile. Services provided by caregivers include; bathing, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, companionship and assistance with medications. One-on-one caregiving is ideal for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, post-stroke, post-surgery, Parkison’s disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and Hospice Care. There are no long-term binding contracts. Free initial consultation visit by a Registered Nurse. Hourly rates range from $18-20/ hr. Live-in rates range from $185 – $200/ day. There are no extra charges for evenings or weekends. Available 24 hours day/7 days a week.

Tender Heart Home Care Agency
2694 Bishop Drive, Suite 260
San Ramon, CA 94523
925-838-4444
www.atenderheart.com

Tender Heart is a locally owned, family run, non-medical home care referral agency covering Alameda and Contra Costa Counties since 2005. Usual rates are $18-24 per hour, with rates under $20 for over 4 hours, and live-ins range from $200-240 per day. There are no minimum number of hours. Tender Heart provides help and assistance with all activities of daily living and works with various Long Term Insurance groups. All caregivers carry individual liability and malpractice insurance and a criminal bond. (Change the location of the following to be inserted here.) Tender Heart screens all caregivers, verifies social security, does a complete background and criminal check and all caregivers must come with a minimum of 2-3 years experience in caregiving. Work related references are checked and verified. The most important credential is that our caregivers have a loving and giving heart. An initial in-home screening is done at no charge in the clients home to match the right caregiver to the client’s needs. Staff are on call 24/7. Caregivers can provide transportation with their own vehicles. There is no extra charge for using the client’s vehicle. Caregivers will also provide reminders for medication schedules as well as providing companionship and security in order to help the client maintain their independence. Tender Heart is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and a Member in good standing of National Home Care and Hospice Organization.