Choosing home care for yourself or a loved one is a deeply personal and vital decision. If you live in Sacramento, the process might feel overwhelming at first, especially with so many options available.

This detailed guide will walk you through how to find trustworthy, quality home care in Sacramento, from understanding the types of services available to evaluating providers and making the right choice for your needs.

Understanding Home Care: What Does It Include?

Home care is a broad term that covers a spectrum of services provided in an individual’s home, ranging from companion care to full assistance with the activities of daily living. In Sacramento, you’ll encounter two primary types of home care:

• Homemaker Services: Help with housekeeping, meal preparation, shopping, laundry, and companionship. This support allows seniors and those with disabilities to stay comfortable and emotionally healthy at home.

• Home Health Aides: These caregivers provide more personal assistance, such as bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and sometimes basic health-related services like wound care or monitoring vital signs.

Step 1: Assess Your Needs

Before starting your search, it’s crucial to determine the type and level of care you or your loved one requires. Consider:

• Do you need help mainly with household chores and errands, or is there a need for personal care such as bathing or mobility assistance?

• Are there medical needs requiring licensed nurses or skilled caregivers? (Learn more about the difference between Home Health (medical care) and Home Care (non-medical care) in this blog)

• How many hours per day or week is care needed?

Care needs can range from a few hours of help per week to 24-hour care.

Step 2: Know Your Options

Sacramento offers a variety of home care options, including:

Home Care Agencies

These companies employ caregivers who are vetted, background-checked, trained, and matched to your needs. Home care agencies often offer free consultations, giving you a chance to discuss your needs and ask questions.

To find a good, reputable agency, you may want to read reviews on Google or Yelp, or ask on a forum like a Facebook group or NextDoor to get local recommendations and insights into how the home care agency has handled clients in the past.

Public Programs: IHSS

If you are low-income, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program can provide paid caregivers (often times for a set number of hours) to eligible individuals, including seniors, those with disabilities, and medically fragile children.

IHSS is funded by the state, county, and federal government. Services can include housekeeping, meal preparation, shopping, personal care, and accompaniment to medical appointments. Applicants must be Medi-Cal eligible. You can apply by calling the Sacramento IHSS office or submitting an online application.

Independent Caregivers

Some families choose to hire caregivers directly, by finding them through local networks such as NextDoor (you can read an article on that here), or through an online network that connects you with caregivers. Platforms like Care.com let you browse profiles, check ratings, and read reviews, but typically require you to handle background checks, payroll, and insurance independently; services like Clara aim to make hiring independent caregivers safer and easier for families by handling all of these things for you.

You can read more about how independent care/direct employment differs from agency-based care here.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Home Care Options

Selecting the right provider involves research and asking the right questions. Use the steps below to guide your selection:

1. Check Licensing and Credentials: In California, Home Care Organizations must be licensed by the Department of Social Services, and caregivers must be registered and background-checked. If you are thinking about hiring an independent caregiver, you should conduct a background check, verify their credentials and ask for references.

2. Shop around: Chat with different agencies and independent caregivers.

3. Ask These Questions:

   • What services do you provide (personal care, companionship, medical)?

   • What are your hourly rates?

   • Is there a minimum number of hours?

   • Can you provide references?

4. Clarify Costs and Payment Options: Rates may vary depending on service type and provider. Some insurance policies, like long-term care plans, or public programs like IHSS may help with costs.

5. Meet the Caregiver: If possible, arrange an in-person meeting with the actual person who will provide care for a personality fit.

Step 4: Understand Cost and Payment Options

Average Home Care Costs in Sacramento

The cost of home care in California, including Sacramento, is among the highest in the nation. In 2025, the median hourly rate for homemaker services is around $39, compared to the U.S. average of about $34. Agencies may charge more than private-hire caregivers, but they also provide more safeguards, oversight, and security.

• Agencies: $39+/hour (average, may vary by service and time required)

• Independent Caregivers: Usually less, but may not include insurance or backup caregivers

How to Pay

• Private Pay: Out-of-pocket is the most common.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Some policies cover home care.

• Medi-Cal/IHSS: If eligible, you may qualify for free or subsidized care through the county.

• Veterans Benefits: Veterans and their spouses may be eligible for specific programs.

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust

Once care has started, regularly check in to ensure that needs are being met and that the caregiver remains a good fit. Make adjustments to care plans, caregivers, or schedules as your situation evolves. This is simple if you are the direct employer of an independent caregiver: you direct the care, affording you greater flexibility. If you are working through an agency, you will need to contact your account manager to have a conversation about changes, which may or may not be approved.

Tips for a Successful Home Care Experience

• Create a detailed list of daily routines, medications, and preferences to share with your provider.

• Communicate openly with both the agency and your caregiver about expectations, changes in condition, or concerns.

• Keep a log of care duties completed if needed.

• Stay proactive—be prepared to advocate for necessary adjustments in services.

Conclusion

Finding the right home care provider in Sacramento requires research, understanding your needs, and careful evaluation. Use online resources, ask thoughtful questions, and don’t hesitate to seek help from local agencies or government programs. With Sacramento’s wealth of home care options—from home care agencies and independent caregivers, to public services like IHSS—you can make an informed decision that supports independence, safety, and quality of life for yourself or your loved one.

Thinking about home care in Sacramento? Learn about how Clara can help you find, directly hire and retain independent caregivers you'll love, without the administrative burden of direct employment, by heading to our website or giving us a call.