For many older adults, home is more than a place to live. It’s where they’ve built memories, established routines, and feel most comfortable. When health challenges make everyday tasks more difficult, the goal isn’t necessarily to leave home. It’s finding the right support to remain there safely and independently.
For Josafina, that support came through 24 Hour Home Care’s Community Supports program. But what made the experience truly meaningful wasn’t just the help she received. It was who provided it.
When Everyday Tasks Became More Difficult
Like many older adults, Josafina began experiencing mobility challenges that made everyday life more difficult. “I kept falling. I get dizzy,” she says. Simple movements, like standing up from a chair or moving around the house, became increasingly challenging. Her husband, Bernardo, was facing health challenges of his own, and the two often found themselves trying to care for one another.
“It got to the point where they couldn’t help each other out. It was both a safety issue and a health issue.” — Martha, Josafina’s daughter
Tasks that were once part of Josafina’s daily routine, like cooking and cleaning, began carrying a greater risk of injury and hospitalization. She knew she needed additional support, but the idea of inviting a stranger into her home didn’t feel right.
What she wanted was someone she was familiar with and trusted, someone who understood her and spoke her language.
Care That Started with Trust
“We first found out about 24 Hour Home Care when her social worker introduced us to a representative,” says Marco, Josafina’s son.
Through 24 Hour Home Care’s Community Supports program, Josafina would be able to choose a caregiver she already knew and trusted. “We began the process, and it’s been one of the best things for her since,” says Marco.
Josafina selected Maria, someone who had worked for the family years earlier. Like Josafina and Bernardo, Maria is a native of Mexico, speaks fluent Spanish, and cooks Mexican classics like chilaquiles and quelites. Today, Maria manages daily needs in the household and provides consistent support. She takes care of laundry, light cleaning, and yardwork to keep the home safe, comfortable, and beautiful. Maria’s support has helped restore a sense of confidence and independence to Josafina’s daily life.
More importantly, care never felt like it was coming from a stranger. It felt like support from someone who genuinely cared.
“I truly see them as family. They’re like the mother and father I never had. I have found something beautiful with them.” — Maria, Josafina’s caregiver
Peace of Mind for the Whole Family
For Marco, who works in the healthcare industry, Community Supports has made a meaningful difference not only for his mother, but for the entire family. Knowing Josafina can remain in the home she loves while receiving support from someone they trust has brought peace of mind to everyone involved.
“To be able to continue your work, your life, and know that your mom is taken care of is awesome. Thank God for 24 Hour Home Care that they’re here for my mom when I’m not here.” — Marco, Josfina’s son
While Maria is an excellent caregiver, her relationship with Josafina goes deeper than the services she provides. “The relationship between my mom and Maria is like daughter and mother,” says Martha.
How Community Supports Helped Josafina Stay Independent at Home
One of the unique features of 24 Hour Home Care’s Community Supports program is the Agency With Choice model. Rather than being assigned an unfamiliar caregiver, eligible members can choose someone they already know and trust, such as a family member, friend, neighbor, or other trusted person in their community.
For Josafina, that meant receiving support from Maria, someone who already knew her, understood her culture, and felt like family long before care ever began.
Through Community Supports, eligible Medi-Cal members can receive services designed to help them remain safely and independently at home. Services are covered through participating Medi-Cal managed care plans at no cost to eligible members.
Learn more about Josefina and her family’s experience with Community Supports from 24 Hour Home Care.
