How Do I?

Outside California

Call 1-800-677-1116
Eldercare Locator

For information on services for seniors or adults with disabilities who live outside California.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP)

For one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, friends, and caregivers.

    Living at Home & Need Help

    If you need help with personal care, daily chores like cleaning, meal preparations, or other tasks, it is important to find trustworthy and capable help.

    Home Care Agencies - Provides Non-Medical Assistance

    In California, home care agencies that provide non-medical assistance must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and their home care aides must undergo certain training, a criminal background check clearance, and a tuberculosis examination. CDSS has a searchable database of home care agencies and their home care aides. Any disciplinary actions against an aide is listed on the registry.

    Click here to find in home care in your area.

    If you are eligible for Medi-Cal and need help with personal care, you may also be eligible for the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program.

    Click here to learn more about IHSS.

    Click here for information on hiring in-home help including determining what help is needed, resources for finding a good provider, and tips for interviewing, hiring, and supervising a care provider.

    Home Health Care Agencies - Provides Medical Assistance

    In California, home health care agencies that provide medical assistance must be licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). CDPH has a searchable database for home health care agencies.

    Click here to find in home health care in your area.

    In Home Hospice Services

    Hospice services are provided to individuals in many care settings, ranging from one’s own home or apartment, to a residential care facility (if the facility has approval from the California Department of Social Service), congregate living facility or skilled nursing facility. Many home health care agencies in California also provide in-home and facility-based hospice care.

    Click here to find in hospice care in your area.