When looking for a home caregiver, it can be overwhelming to tell the difference between agencies. You want someone who you can trust to let into your home and be a part of your daily routine. You need to have confidence that they can provide the personalized care needed to help you or your loved one remain comfortable and as independent as possible.
Choosing a local home care agency in Santa Cruz or Monterey offers significant advantages. Local providers understand local issues and resources, are a part of the community, and offer personalized and continuous care.
Let’s look more in-depth at why choosing a locally owned home care agency matters in Santa Cruz and Monterey specifically.
1. Understand local issues
A trusted home care agency in Monterey or Santa Cruz understands the issues (both big and small) that occur in the area.
We know about the different neighborhoods, the transportation challenges, and how to drive in the weather (such as fog or seasonal rains).
We also realize that Santa Cruz is not an easy area to age in place.
Housing costs
Santa Cruz has the highest rental costs for a two-bedroom apartment in the whole United States. A recent survey of the community found that 40% of adults 40+ worry they won’t be able to afford to stay here as they age.
This impacts families’ decisions about aging in place.
We are sensitive to this cost of living problem and tailor our care accordingly. We want to help people feel comfortable in their homes and enjoy their time in the community.
Lack of Medicare coverage
We also know the issues that affect seniors in the area.
The same survey also found that 25% of seniors reported needing to leave Santa Cruz County for medical care because there aren’t enough doctors that accept Medicare.
That makes safe transportation a vital service for home care companies to offer. At Pacific Angels, we know how best to get you where you need to go and how long it will take. We also assist people in and out of the car and accompany them.
Dementia prevalence
Local agencies also know which illnesses are more prevalent in the area, such as the fact that 12% of Monterey residents 65 or older have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
We are equipped to meet these needs by offering specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
2. Caregivers are involved in the community
Local caregivers are also involved in the community. They stay active in the community. Being a part of the same community builds connections between the caregivers and the people receiving care.
We shop at the same places, go to the same events, and visit the same parks. This makes it easier for local agencies to know how to best help seniors stay active in the community (an important step to avoid social isolation).
Resources
We not only offer care, but also offer expertise about the resources available in the area.
We know the resources available in the Santa Cruz and Monterey area, such as senior centers (like the London Nelson Community Center), adult day care programs (like ElderDay), dining sites, and caregiver resource centers (like Del Mar).
Pacific Angels also has connections with many of the healthcare providers, which helps ensure a smooth transition from in-hospital to at-home care.
Check out some of our resource guides for the area:
- 15 Senior Activities and Resources in Santa Cruz
- Aging in Place Programs and Resources in Santa Cruz, CA
- The Santa Cruz Caregiver Crisis: A 5-Step Burnout Prevention Plan for Families
- How to Find Help for Visually Impaired Seniors in Monterey
- A Local Guide to Alzheimer’s Support Resources in Monterey County
3. Build long-term relationships
A locally owned agency is also better able to build long-term relationships (with the community and each family).
Pacific Angels’ founder, Susana Diaz, has 20+ years of caregiving experience and a reputation for going “above and beyond,” giving families true consistency and peace of mind. She founded Pacific Angels on these same principles: compassionate, personalized care.
Local agencies can also provide better communication since you have more direct access to the caregivers and agency. Susana remains directly involved in facilitating the family and caregiver relationships.
4. Personalized care
Local agencies offer truly personalized care (not corporate checklists).
Unlike national franchises that follow rigid models, locally owned providers adapt care plans based on family dynamics and involvement, cultural and religious needs, and neighborhood realities.
We are patient-centered and encourage individual and family involvement in developing a care plan.
Continuity of care
Pacific Angels also offers a wide range of care services. Having a local caregiver who offers many services means they can continue to care for you or your loved one even as needs change.
We can offer:
- Respite care: when caregivers temporarily take over caregiving responsibilities so the primary caregiver can get a break to practice self-care or attend to their other needs or responsibilities
- Personal care: help with ADLs, including help eating, moving around, going to the bathroom, bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Palliative care: help for those with serious illnesses to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life
- Hospice care: end-of-life support that focuses on comfort, dignity, and peace
We can provide assistance throughout.
5. Respond faster in emergencies or schedule changes
Being based in Aptos means Pacific Angels can rapidly support families across Santa Cruz and Monterey. When an emergency happens, we can respond quickly and be support for the whole family.
Local agencies also have more reliable coverage because we can provide a backup caregiver in case of emergencies or schedule changes. You can rest easy knowing you or your loved one will never have to be without the needed care.
6. Supports the community economy and reinvests locally
Finally, using a local care agency supports your local economy because you are reinvesting locally. The local caregiver wages, business revenue, and training investments stay within Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, strengthening the same community where you live. Wouldn’t you rather your dollar go to local business than a big corporation from far away?
Consider locally owned Pacific Angels Home Care
Now that you know why choosing a locally owned home care agency matters in Santa Cruz & Monterey, consider Pacific Angels Home Care.
At Pacific Angels Home Care, we are proud to be a senior home care agency in Aptos. We know the Santa Cruz and Monterey communities and are a local business residents trust.
Our home care services also include:
- fall prevention and home safety modifications
- companionship care (including emotional support and helping them get out in the community)
- managing their schedule and making appointments
- accompanying them to appointments, outings, errands, or events
- one-on-one supervision and assistance
- housekeeping
- meal prep: planning, grocery shopping, and cooking
- medication compliance
We offer flexible care available when needed (from occasional respite care to 24/7) and tailored to each senior’s needs.
For those in the Santa Cruz, Monterey, or Aptos area, give us a call today at (831) 708-2876 or reach us online to request a free consultation.
