Inland Empire Senior Resources: Riverside and San Bernardino Counties

In the Inland Empire, each county has its own aging agency: the Riverside County Office on Aging and the San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services. They’re the best first calls for information, IHSS and Adult Protective Services referrals, meals and caregiver programs. Other key resources include the Inland Caregiver Resource Center, local paratransit and dial-a-ride services, and hospitals such as Loma Linda University Medical Center. Licensed home care agencies provide hands-on help when programs don’t cover the need.

The Inland Empire covers a huge area, from Corona and Riverside to Temecula, Hemet, Rancho Cucamonga and Redlands. Many seniors live far from family, and services vary by city. This guide organizes the most useful resources by need. Confirm current details with each organization. This guide to Inland Empire senior resources covers help for seniors in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, from county aging agencies to caregiver support.

Where should Inland Empire families start?

• Riverside County
  • Primary aging agency: Riverside County Office on Aging
  • Also handles: Information and referral, senior programs, caregiver support
• San Bernardino County
  • Primary aging agency: Department of Aging and Adult Services
  • Also handles: Senior programs, IHSS and Adult Protective Services
• Either county
  • Primary aging agency: 211 (Riverside County and San Bernardino County)
  • Also handles: 24/7 referrals
• Anywhere in California
  • Primary aging agency: 1-800-510-2020
  • Also handles: Connects to the local Area Agency on Aging

In Riverside County, IHSS and Adult Protective Services are handled through the county’s social services department.

What in-home help is available?

• IHSS for eligible Medi-Cal members. See IHSS in California.
• Medi-Cal waivers and Community Supports: the Medi-Cal HCBA Waiver and CalAIM Community Supports can add services for eligible members.
• Private home care: see Home Care in the Inland Empire: 2026 Costs, Cities, and How to Choose.

Where can caregivers get support?

• Inland Caregiver Resource Center: Counseling, respite resources and education for family caregivers in Riverside and San Bernardino counties
• Alzheimer’s organizations and support groups: Dementia education and caregiver groups
• Hospice bereavement programs: Grief support

How do seniors get around the Inland Empire?

• Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) Dial-A-Ride for eligible riders in its service area
• Omnitrans Access paratransit in the San Bernardino Valley
• Other local dial-a-ride services in some cities and rural areas
• Reduced senior fares on local buses
• Volunteer driver programs in some communities
• Caregiver rides and escorts for door-through-door help

Long distances make transportation a major challenge. See senior transportation and appointment escorts.

Which hospitals serve Inland Empire seniors?

Major hospitals include Loma Linda University Medical Center, Riverside Community Hospital, Riverside University Health System, Kaiser Permanente facilities, Temecula Valley Hospital, and others across both counties. See care after a hospital stay.

What about legal, Medicare and protective services?

• Medicare counseling: HICAP serving Riverside and San Bernardino counties
• Elder abuse: Adult Protective Services in your parent’s county; 911 in emergencies
• Care facility concerns: Long-term care ombudsman
• Veterans: County veterans service offices
• Legal help: Senior legal aid programs and elder law attorneys

What about Inland Empire heat?

Inland summers are hot, and heat is a serious health risk for older adults. Plan cooling and regular check-ins.

How do you plan around long distances in the Inland Empire?

Distance shapes almost every part of senior care in the Inland Empire. Specialists, hospitals, senior centers, and family members can be a long drive apart, especially between the western IE, the I-15 corridor, and desert communities.

• Cluster appointments. Schedule doctor visits and errands on the same day when possible to reduce driving.
• Ask about telehealth. Some follow-up visits can be done from home.
• Use local pharmacies and delivery. Reduce trips by having prescriptions and groceries delivered.
• Choose caregivers who live nearby. Ask agencies how many caregivers live close to your parent.
• Plan for emergencies. Know the nearest emergency room and how long it takes to get there.

A plan that respects distance and drive time is much easier to keep up over months and years.

How can Inland Empire caregivers avoid burnout?

Family caregivers in the Inland Empire often juggle long commutes, jobs, and their own families on top of caring for a parent. That combination can lead to burnout quickly.

Look for caregiver support groups, respite programs, and education offered through local senior services agencies, hospitals, and community organizations. Even a few hours of regular respite each week can make caregiving more sustainable. Inland Empire senior resources include support for caregivers, not only for seniors, and using them protects the whole family.

Where does private home care fit in the Inland Empire?

Public programs often come with waitlists or limited hours. Licensed private home care can fill the gaps on evenings, weekends, and during health changes, with caregivers who live near your parent.

Many IE families combine public programs, family help, and private care into one plan.

How do Inland Empire families handle heat and care?

Inland Empire summers bring long stretches of high heat, which can be dangerous for older adults, especially those with heart or lung conditions or who take certain medications. Make sure air conditioning works before summer, schedule outdoor errands early, and plan daily check-ins during heat waves.

Caregiver visits during the hottest part of the day can help keep your parent cool, hydrated, and safe.

Frequently asked questions

Who helps seniors in Riverside County? The Riverside County Office on Aging, along with county social services and local nonprofits.

Who helps seniors in San Bernardino County? The San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services.

Is there caregiver support in the Inland Empire? Yes. The Inland Caregiver Resource Center serves both counties.

What paratransit is available in Riverside and San Bernardino? RTA Dial-A-Ride, Omnitrans Access and other local services.

Does Nona’s provide home care in the Inland Empire? Yes. See our Inland Empire home care guide.

Inland Empire senior resources: final thoughts

Inland Empire senior resources start with two county agencies: the Riverside County Office on Aging and San Bernardino County senior services through the Department of Aging and Adult Services. Both handle referrals for IHSS, Adult Protective Services, meals, and caregiver programs. Inland Empire caregiver support is also available through the Inland Caregiver Resource Center.

Save the numbers for your parent’s county, look into senior programs in Temecula and other cities, and plan for summer heat. Help for seniors in Riverside and across the region often includes dial-a-ride services. When hands-on help at home is needed, licensed in-home care costs $40 to $50 per hour depending on the level of care, and 24-hour care runs $850 to $1,100 per day. See our guide to home care in the Inland Empire and how to pay for home care in California.